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Takahashi TS Newtonian Opinions

Started by mpsteidle , Jun 23 2021 03:18 PM

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8 replies to this topic

#1 mpsteidle

Viking 1

topic starter

Posts: 583
Joined: 26 May 2015
Loc: Northern KY

Posted 23 June 2021 - 03:18 PM

Has anyone used those old Takahashi TS Newtonians? I've only seen a few of them, almost always 100mm diameter and usually F/10.

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#2 Terra Nova

ISS

Posts: 33,334
Joined: 29 May 2012
Loc: Kentucky, just south of the Ohio River

Posted 23 June 2021 - 04:01 PM

No but for a very long time I sought to get an MT-130 or an MT-160. They are wonderful scopes, I’m just not getting any more.

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#3 sdedalus83

Vanguard

Posts: 2,064
Joined: 30 Oct 2016

Posted 23 June 2021 - 04:11 PM

No but for a very long time I sought to get an MT-130 or an MT-160. They are wonderful scopes, I’m just not getting any more.

There are two MT-160s posted today on Zen in short duration auctions that need new coatings, should be pretty reasonable. Otherwise they look really good.

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#4 Sirius Black

Explorer 1

Posts: 50
Joined: 14 Apr 2021
Loc: Missouri, USA/Jalisco, Mexico

Posted 19 December 2024 - 05:31 PM

I have a TS-100 Newtonian. I have it mounted as a dobsonian.

Very heavy for its aperture. Thought it would be a lighter weight option, but the tube is really thick material and all the cast aluminum parts really add up!

Because of the mass of metal, it takes a good amount of time to cool to ambient temperature. My first time using it I thought the optics were poor, but later as it cooled down the views became “Tak” sharp.

I have mobility issues, so, because of the weight, I don’t use it that often.

A wonderful setup for kids at star parties! No need for a step for them to reach the eyepiece!

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#5 Dave Trott

Viking 1

Posts: 806
Joined: 30 Dec 2009
Loc: Englewood, Colorado

Posted 01 January 2025 - 07:11 PM

I have a TS100 and it is a wonderful scope but, like most Taks, it's absurdly overbuilt. It's nothing like a typical 4 inch reflector. Handles more like a Classic 6 inch f/8.

Here's my video:

https://youtu.be/aVInoFAj4B0

Lentini, Bomber Bob, jcruse64 and 1 other like this

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#6 CHASLX200

ISS

Posts: 45,685
Joined: 29 Sep 2007
Loc: Tampa area Florida

Posted 01 January 2025 - 07:34 PM

Like a Celestron C4.5 Polaris on roids.

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#7 starman876

Nihon Seiko

Posts: 27,156
Joined: 28 Apr 2008
Loc: VA

Posted 01 January 2025 - 08:30 PM

I have a TS100 and it is a wonderful scope but, like most Taks, it's absurdly overbuilt. It's nothing like a typical 4 inch reflector. Handles more like a Classic 6 inch f/8.

Here's my video:

https://youtu.be/aVInoFAj4B0

Untitled.jpg

I have just the Ts 100 ota. However. I do have a tak mount I can put it on. Very heave for a 4" scope.

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#8 steve t

Apollo

Posts: 1,355
Joined: 17 Jun 2009
Loc: SW Ohio

Posted 02 January 2025 - 09:24 AM

Has anyone used those old Takahashi TS Newtonians? I've only seen a few of them, almost always 100mm diameter and usually F/10.

Attached is a photo of my modest ATM 4" F/10 Newtonian. It started life in 1973.

During Covid, I decided to do a restoration on this old scope and make it a Grab and Go.

I ended up having to replace the original primary mirror with an NOS 4" f/10 which had a much better figure, the original focuser with a 1.25" dual speed, and the original single stalk diagonal mirror mount with a modern three spider.

This scope has become my primary scope due to its simplicity and ease of use.

All together the scope weights about 40 pounds and the OTA alone is 15 pounds