160 replies to this topic

[Oyaji]

Except that the N has a fixed dewshield, which is what I wanted.

 

Thanks for the link of the review.  Tak Europe has deleted those spot plots.

 

Here, by the way, are some spot diagrams for the TSA120 from a French vendor.  Click on "Documentation":  https://www.telescop...175-c2x30328820

Edited by Oyaji, 13 February 2021 - 07:41 PM.

[Heywood]

Just want to share the joy. My TSA-120N arrived three days ago. My first Tak ever! Bought it used from a CN member.
It is 7 months old and in excellent condition. Currently I am using William Optics Zenithstar 61 Mark II.
I expect TSA-120N to be pretty sizable, but oh my, I didn't realize 120mm is soooo much bigger than Z61
I'm doing imaging primarily. Planning to get a reducer (TOA-35RD for TOA-150) for it.

That lens is gorgeous!

[HoloTheWolf]

What is that bracket attached to the bottom of the focuser?  Is that for attachment of a focuser motor?  

Yup. It's ZWO EAF bracket for Takahashi scopes.

[Tyson M]

I must admit, the fixed dewshield version here looks very clean.  Especially nice is that picture above with the fixed FS102.  

 

I had one with the retractable dew shield, and would probably return to it.  But the screws can mar the paint on the tube if tightened down too hard carelessly I think. 

[payner]

I don't know if the dew shield screws would mar the paint, it fortunately hasn't happened to me. By the feel of the screws when one tightens them it certainly feels there's a plastic tip on the screws. I would expect so and if that was not the case believe one would see contact marks under the dew shield from the retracted position when exposed.

 

I agree, though, while I have refractors with both retractable dew shield and not, I tend to generally prefer the non-retractable.

[GoodAsh]

After I get to test this bad boy out (waiting on rings), and it performs as expected, my question will be, “keep or sell the FS102?” Maybe trade down to a 3” apo which I don’t have. My lineup now includes a 3” Vixen Achro, 5” JSO and an 8” sct. Would I benefit from downsizing the 4” or keep the FS102?

Al

Edited by GoodAsh, 14 February 2021 - 09:14 AM.

[Oyaji]

Yup. It's ZWO EAF bracket for Takahashi scopes.

So I thought.  I just installed the EAF on my brand-new scope.  Although I didn't buy it for its color, I think it looks great with my Prima Luce rings.  Are you happy with its performance on your 120N?  

 

 

Edited by Oyaji, 14 February 2021 - 01:43 PM.

[SandyHouTex]

After I get to test this bad boy out (waiting on rings), and it performs as expected, my question will be, “keep or sell the FS102?” Maybe trade down to a 3” apo which I don’t have. My lineup now includes a 3” Vixen Achro, 5” JSO and an 8” sct. Would I benefit from downsizing the 4” or keep the FS102?

Al

I would keep it.  I foolishly traded my FS-102 in on a C14 at OPT years ago, and still regret it.  I do have a TSA-102 to ease the pain though.

[bobhen]

After I get to test this bad boy out (waiting on rings), and it performs as expected, my question will be, “keep or sell the FS102?” Maybe trade down to a 3” apo which I don’t have. My lineup now includes a 3” Vixen Achro, 5” JSO and an 8” sct. Would I benefit from downsizing the 4” or keep the FS102?

Al

I sold a really great 105mm F6.25 LZOS triplet to fund my TSA 120. Because there was no portability penalty in moving to the TSA 120, I would do the same today.

 

Unless you have a 100mm-class apo that is considerably lighter than a TSA 120, there is no real reason (other than maybe nostalgia) to keep the smaller scope.

 

Moving to an 85 or 90mm gives you the portability advantage over the TSA 120 and a viable reason to consider a scope in that aperture range.

 

I think 90, 120 and 150mm-plus is a nice aperture spread for refractors, as is 100, 130 and 160mm-plus.

 

Bob

[Oyaji]

I would keep it.  I foolishly traded my FS-102 in on a C14 at OPT years ago, and still regret it.  I do have a TSA-102 to ease the pain though.

Plus--Taks love company, Al.  Your 120N will be lonely if you sell the FS102.  If you ask the 120N, he will tell you it's better to sell the Vixen.  

Edited by Oyaji, 14 February 2021 - 03:28 PM.

[GoodAsh]

Plus--Taks love company, Al. Your 120N will be lonely if you sell the FS102. If you ask the 120N, he will tell you it's better to sell the Vixen.

I keep the Vixen and the JSO at the beach for when I’m down there. I was thinking downsizing to the FS78 or a newer FC76. Better for quick views with minimal cool down.

[Lookitup]

I keep the Vixen and the JSO at the beach for when I’m down there. I was thinking downsizing to the FS78 or a newer FC76. Better for quick views with minimal cool down.

Or go with the newer FC100D. They cool down fast and are light to boot. But then the TSA could be neglected. 

[25585]

After I get to test this bad boy out (waiting on rings), and it performs as expected, my question will be, “keep or sell the FS102?” Maybe trade down to a 3” apo which I don’t have. My lineup now includes a 3” Vixen Achro, 5” JSO and an 8” sct. Would I benefit from downsizing the 4” or keep the FS102?

Al

I kept my DL, no regrets.

[GoodAsh]

Or go with the newer FC100D. They cool down fast and are light to boot. But then the TSA could be neglected.

Depending on weather, I observe 2-3 nights per week. Sometime it’s only for 1/2 hour or so. Quick views of the moon or planets. Being 5 miles west of Manhattan means I’m limited to what I can see. However, a few times a month I have extended sessions. That’s where I will use the triplet and allow it extra cool down time. Anyway, that’s it. A smaller doublet would be ready much faster than a largish triplet.

[25585]

Or go with the newer FC100D. They cool down fast and are light to boot. But then the TSA could be neglected. 

My TSA & FC are both special. The DL is one I would take places if I only had those 2.

[teashea]

 

So I thought.  I just installed the EAF on my brand-new scope.  Although I didn't buy it for its color, I think it looks great with my Prima Luce rings.  Are you happy with its performance on your 120N?  

 

 

 

 

The colors do not work together but you could get the rings painted at an auto body shop.  

[teashea]

After I get to test this bad boy out (waiting on rings), and it performs as expected, my question will be, “keep or sell the FS102?” Maybe trade down to a 3” apo which I don’t have. My lineup now includes a 3” Vixen Achro, 5” JSO and an 8” sct. Would I benefit from downsizing the 4” or keep the FS102?

Al

I have a TSA 120 and purchased a pair of DC76DS's to go with it.  The difference between the 76 and 120 is sufficient to give you a good option spread.  The 76 has excellent reviews.  You might really like the combination.  

[Oyaji]

The colors do not work together but you could get the rings painted at an auto body shop.  

What color do you suggest?  And recall that I will be completing the ensemble with a red ZWO camera.  And from time to time, I will be placing its mount atop a red Avalon tripod.  

Edited by Oyaji, 14 February 2021 - 11:35 PM.

[teashea]

What color do you suggest?  And recall that I will be completing the ensemble with a red ZWO camera.  And from time to time, I will be placing its mount atop a red Avalon tripod.  

In that case I would not change the color.  It will look good with the multiple pieces of anodized aluminum.

[25585]

Red, white & blue is kinda patriotic...

[HoloTheWolf]

 

So I thought.  I just installed the EAF on my brand-new scope.  Although I didn't buy it for its color, I think it looks great with my Prima Luce rings.  Are you happy with its performance on your 120N?  

 

 

 

 

The red EAF fits nicely with Prima Luce rings, gorgeous.

 

I don't have any chance to test run my 120N yet. The weather has been cloudy since the day the scope arrived. Forecast is not promising either.

On top of that, I'm still scouting for the TOA-35 reducer. Seems like it is out of stock everywhere.

[GoodAsh]

Here is my new addition!  Got my Primaluce rings and dovetail this morning. Hope to get first light this weekend, if it ever stops snowing!

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[Scott in NC]

Very nice, Al!  

 

Hope you get some clear weather soon.  I’m a few hundred miles south of you in NC, but the persistent wintry precipitation has prevented me from using my most recently purchased scope too.

[GoodAsh]

Very nice, Al!

Hope you get some clear weather soon. I’m a few hundred miles south of you in NC, but the persistent wintry precipitation has prevented me from using my most recently purchased scope too.

Thanks Scott! I’m like a kid in Xmas morning!

[MJB]

Congratulations on the TSA-120, GoodAsh - looks great with the Prima Luce rings and Vixen mount with wood tripod. I concur with your choices! I went to the hardware store and bought a drawer handle and some flat aluminum stock to make a handle. Your rings have a 6mm bolt hole that'll work for that and it costs under $10 ... 

 

Enjoy the setup when you get some clear skies.

 

 

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