11 replies to this topic

[Stargazer3236]

I am on the fence. On one hand, I have the red ZenithStar 103 F/6.9, a fantastic telescope with great machining and anodizing too, with renown optics and features. On the other hand, I have the Sky-Watcher Pro ED 100mm Doublet APO, with great accessories, foam lined carrying case, 99% dielectric diagonal, two eyepieces and an 8x50 RACI finder scope.

 

The price, however is the problem for which there is but one solution, grasshopper: $1198 for the WO Zenithstar 103 apo or $799 for the Sky-Watcher Pro ED 100mm Doublet APO.

 

I know based on accessories, the Sky Watcher would win hands down with it's pricing vs. the Zenithstar, but oh that great red anodizing and the carry handle and built in guide scope rings.

 

Which would you choose, given the layout of both scopes and the pricing?

[Lookitup]

SW100ED at F9 for planets and doubles. The ZenithStar 103 F/6.9 should be great on dso's, but on moon and planets I doubt it would came close. CA might be the issue. BTW I have an old Orion ED100 which is too close to the Tak FC100, considering cost. The newer SW coating should be even better. Food for thoughts  Pete

[rustynpp]

I chose the F7 WO over the F9 SW primarily for the shorter focal length, much shorter tube (I have storage space restrictions), and higher build quality. I happen to be most interested in DSO's and wide field observing, although there's no CA on the moon up to 200x, and it's only barely detectable on Jupiter at 200x. Bigger exit pupils at high mags would be nice, but I prefer a wider true field at the low end.

 

The WO fit better with my needs but the SW might be better for yours. They're both great scopes, it comes down to personal preference.

[Stargazer3236]

I already own the AT60ED scope with FPL-53 lens. I use that for my wide field imaging using an ASI294MC camera which makes for great images. I am looking for something better suited to planetary imaging with my Neximage 5 camera. I may go with the SW 100mm ED refractor instead. Although I love the build quality of the WO Zenithstar scopes.

[tonyt]

WO is offering nicely finished, well rounded packages these days - decent objective and focuser, rings with handle, adjustable reducers that can push fit or screw onto the drawtube. If you can afford it I think you'll be happier with the ZS103, even though the ED100 may have slightly better optics (but less good everything else).  

[barbie]

I would go with the SW 100 ED because it is better for planets and double stars plus the accessories that come with it are excellent, especially the supplied eyepieces and diagonal.

[db2005]

I believe I understand your dilemma. Here's my take on it:

 

The ED100 is a great optic, and comes with quite decent accessories. However, you will eventually want to upgrade the diagonal and eyepieces with better quality replacements; at least I did, as I found the ED100's optics are good enough to easily justify this. With the WO, you will need to get a separate finder scope, high quality diagonal, quality eyepieces and a suitable carrying case, so the final price difference is quite large between your two choices. However, the WO will likely support more comfortable viewing positions because of the shorter tube length.

 

Living under suburban skies I mainly spend time on observing Moon, planets, clusters and double stars, so I'd probably take the ED100 simply because performance is likely to be slightly better and will perform better with inexpensive eyepieces. But the WO will inspire greater pride of ownership, and if that tips the balance for you in favor of the WO I won't blame you.

[balu01]

I had a couple of shorter scopes that are close to the WO in speed etc, and also have the FC100DL which by nature is the same as the SW. you are looking at.
I personally would never part with my F9.
General consensus is that the SW F9 is also a very good scope , you can’t go wrong with it.
People saying F9 is too long phisically for this and that , unless you packing for carry on, don’t listen , that few inches of difference make no difference whatsoever. and in this case neither one is a carry on scope.
The views won’t lie.

Edited by balu01, 26 September 2018 - 12:45 AM.

[Jon Isaacs]

I already own the AT60ED scope with FPL-53 lens. I use that for my wide field imaging using an ASI294MC camera which makes for great images. I am looking for something better suited to planetary imaging with my Neximage 5 camera. I may go with the SW 100mm ED refractor instead. Although I love the build quality of the WO Zenithstar scopes.

 

 

Looking at your equipment list,  I see a Celestron Nexstar 8SE. To me , that would seem to be the planetary imaging scope of choice. 

 

Jon

[rustynpp]

People saying F9 is too long phisically for this and that , unless you packing for carry on, don’t listen , that few inches of difference make no difference whatsoever. and in this case neither one is a carry on scope.

Just FYI, the SW is a foot longer (920cm vs 615cm). The longer focal length + non-retractable dew shield adds significant length in storage. Probably not an issue for most, but it was certainly a factor for me.

[Jon Isaacs]

Just FYI, the SW is a foot longer (920cm vs 615cm). The longer focal length + non-retractable dew shield adds significant length in storage. Probably not an issue for most, but it was certainly a factor for me.

 

 There's the longer length and the the longer focal length both. At 710mm, the WO is both handier and more versatile. I find a 4 inch F/7 quite reasonable for terrestrial as well as wide field. I wouldn't have taken this photo had I been using a 100 mm F/9.

 

 

So, which would I choose? With the Nexstar 8  SE available, it doesn't make sense to me to bit a 4 inch refractor for planetary jmagjng, I'd do what was necessary to get the SCT up and running. Then, I would buy the WO if there were resources left.

Jon

[timmbottoni]

Hi

 

If you haven't already seen it, my review thread of the ZS103 is here...

 

https://www.cloudyni...utions-welcome/

 

Hope you find it helpful and feel free to message me if you have questions that aren't suitable for the thread

 

Timm