11 replies to this topic

[Nate1701]

Please give your opinion.

 

 

 

edit: I didn't post any context - sorry. I just wanted to get a wide array of perspectives. see post #4 below for more context

Edited by Nate1701, 24 January 2021 - 12:04 PM.

[ewave]

Having no experience with either of these, this seems like an apples to oranges comparison.

The SW has significantly more aperture and is a FPL53 ED-Doublet whereas the ES FCD100 is a triplet, and better geared towards AP photography.

For visual only, I would pick the SW120 which should go brighter and deeper but for AP and some visual, my vote goes to the ES.

Another attribute of the ES is that it is smaller, which would make this more AP/visual friendly on any given mount, especially for grab-n-go.

[Cali]

ASTRO-TECH AT102ED

Edited by Cali, 24 January 2021 - 11:58 AM.

[Nate1701]

Ok... here's the story:

 

I was only a mirror guy. Then after reading too much on this "Refractor" side i just knew i had to try a Refractor.

 

I wanted a 4 inch APO since they are so widely versatile, good compromise for visual / AP / portability.

 

I read about 80mm is very good for learning AP.

A great deal on a used WO GT81 type 2 came up so i jumped on it. ( just got it and havent used it yet)

 

Another deal came up for a used SW 120ED and i just jumped on it today.

 

I had my heart set on an ES 102mm FCD100. Because of size, weight, quality, poratbility etc.

 

But now should i just forget it? leave that dream behind? What could be better for portability than a 80mm - and it's great for AP too!

And for some more uummmph for visual - pull out the 120mm.  Just skip the 102 altogether.

 

arrrggh.  I really just wanted one workhorse scope. now i have two!

Edited by Nate1701, 24 January 2021 - 12:05 PM.

[wizbang396]

The problem with Astronomy is your scope is either too small, too big, not big enough or just not the right one for the right project.  That is when you start to purchase the wrong scope for the wrong purpose and end up buying more than one.  Others will tell you what to buy, but remember it is not WHAT THEY WANY, it's WHAT YOU WANT.   What are you going to do with the scope?  

 

Either case you will most likely end up TRYING one or the other, or both.

[Sleep Deprived]

Given your latest post (bought a W/O 81 and an SW 120), I would agree with your assessment that the ES 102 is redundant.  You now have a good stay-at-home scope, and a good grab-and-go.  If it were ME (and I realize it isn't...), I'd not get the 102.

 

On the flip-side, you wouldn't be the only person here with 3 scopes if you got the 102.  I think, ultimately, it boils down to your personal philosophy and finances.  Whatever you decide, there would be plenty of people here that would think you did the right thing, that you did what they would have done.

[ewave]

The problem with Astronomy is your scope is either too small, too big, not big enough or just not the right one for the right project.  That is when you start to purchase the wrong scope for the wrong purpose and end up buying more than one.  Others will tell you what to buy, but remember it is not WHAT THEY WANY, it's WHAT YOU WANT.   What are you going to do with the scope?  

 

Either case you will most likely end up TRYING one or the other, or both.

This is where more comments are needed, not less in order to present their own wisdom, observations and experience. Comments from the astro community help the OP make the best informed decision. But sometimes, this is not enough so the only way for the OP to directly have this experience themselves is to try all choices A, B and C and finally arrive at the most expensive conclusion. Local astronomy clubs are a good option where one can try before they buy, but during Covid or living in the middle of nowhere is not going to help. 

 

Back to the OP, if you already have the WO 81GT ota, I wouldn't hesitate to get something like a SW 120 ED.  I have heard great reviews about it and it rocks on the planets.

Edited by ewave, 24 January 2021 - 12:52 PM.

[Nate1701]

Well I'm reading really good reviews here on the SW120, even some preferences over a 115mm triplet. So that's pretty encouraging.

Best thing is to try them out and see how it suits.

[castorpolu11]

I would be nothing but excited for you if bought all three. That said, I personally would worry I might not experience enough difference in scope between the 80 to the 102 to justify the additional purchase over other, more diverse purchases. That said I’ve never owned a 102 so what do I know? I’ll check back when I receive my new TS 102ed f/11 later this year and let you know if I was right to be concerned! 

[Nate1701]

I would be nothing but excited for you if bought all three. That said, I personally would worry I might not experience enough difference in scope between the 80 to the 102 to justify the additional purchase over other, more diverse purchases. That said I’ve never owned a 102 so what do I know? I’ll check back when I receive my new TS 102ed f/11 later this year and let you know if I was right to be concerned! 

looking forward to your report!

[wrvond]

My Sky-Watcher 120 ED was supposed to be a stepping stone on the way to a 6" APO but it is such a great visual scope that I can't bear to part with it. I really don't feel the need for a larger scope or a different scope. I did have a 72mm for a short while but determined AP is not something I'm interested in.

My suggestion is that if you think you want a 6" refractor, buy a 6" refractor, but whatever you do, don't look through an SW 120 ED first!

[Nate1701]

Some of these threads and posts convinced me I'm situated pretty well.

I'm compiling all this to remind myself in the future i made a good decision. 

There are TONS of positive comments on the SW ED120

 

POSTS: 

https://www.cloudyni...3#entry10665573

 

https://www.cloudyni...dpost&p=8645143

 

https://www.cloudyni...post&p=10160400

 

https://www.cloudyni...dpost&p=7902529

 

https://www.cloudyni...post&p=10779743

 

https://www.cloudyni...post&p=10785685

 

https://www.cloudyni...post&p=10785590

 

 

THREADS:

 

https://www.cloudyni...utation-it-has/

 

https://www.cloudyni...ght-and-review/

 

https://www.cloudyni...sential-series/

 

https://www.cloudyni...-sw-120-ed-apo/

 

https://www.cloudyni...r-120-ed/page-2

Edited by noisejammer, 18 March 2021 - 07:22 PM.
first link edited at request of poster