337 replies to this topic

[Terra Nova]

I was thinking I needed to get a TV85 but after a couple of viewing sessions of late, I’ve pretty well talked myself out of it. Like the Tak Sky90II that I was offered and decided I didn’t need, I really don’t need a TV85 either. It’s an in-betweener and I have things well covered at either end with scopes that are just as easy to use. For instance, last night, I was happy as a clam using my CNC ST80, humble achromat that it is. The starfields were just lovely in it. So I’m crossing the TV85 off the list. That’s $1400 to $1700 I could just as well spend on a trip, or that pair of hearing aids everybody keeps telling me I need.

UPDATE: It’s funny, within two weeks of writing the post above, I sprung for my newest telescope; not only new-to-me but new, the first new telescope I purchased in several years. Tho it’s not a classic it definitely fit that niche I was looking for- a short, portable, 90mm grab-and-go; not the AT92 or it’s TMB predecessor, not the Sky90ii that had been so graciously offered me, not a TV85, or a Brandon 94; in fact, not an apo at all. After spending most of my astronomical life in the achromat camp, and knowing full well that I wanted a smallish 90mm scope primarily for DSOs (mostly Messiers) or starfields, not planets or the moon (other than maybe a few quick looks), I decided to spend about 1/8 what one of the above mentioned scopes would cost me, and try out a Svbony SV48. After all, I have several nice apo and ED scopes in the roll call, I really didn’t need another. So on a whim, I took an inexpensive gamble that paid off. It was around two and a quarter (hundred, USD) for this little gem, brand new and shipped to my door from their Californium distributor (eBay sale), and I haven’t looked back. It’s a great little scope- heavy and well built, with really very sharp optics, dual-speed focuser, retractable dew shield, rings, rail, and finder show. It’s number 12 in my reduced herd; hopefully there won’t be a number 13. So I know full well it’s not a classic, I’m just mentioning this by way of an update as to what how final outcome of the quest for one turned out.

https://www.cloudyni...cellent/page-12

https://www.cloudyni...ny-sv48p/page-2

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Edited by Terra Nova, 02 June 2022 - 01:21 PM.

[Jae]

Well I wouldn’t rule out a TV85 yet.  I was shocked at how good it was under steady Florida skies.  I have the 85 and the 76 down there and so far that’s it.  I’d like to bring a classic down there some day.

 

just an iPhone 12 pic, original pic was too big to load.

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Edited by Jae, 03 June 2022 - 12:55 PM.

[Terra Nova]

Well I wouldn’t rule out a TV85 yet.  I was shocked at how good it was under steady Florida skies.  I have the 85 and the 76 down there and so far that’s it.  I’d like to bring a classic down there some day.

 

just an iPhone 12 pic

The TV85 is a great scope, but with my Takahashi FC-76 and my Vixen ED102SS it wouldn’t be worth the expenditure for apochromatic views at 85 to 92 millimeters of aperture.

[CHASLX200]

I am done again. Already sold 2 scope this AM and the rest later today. So if i get anything else it will be local only and something very rare or on my dream list like a nice 1980's gray NJP 160 mount or rare stuff you just don't see or can get anymore.  Maybe even something more normal if the price is crazy.

[SteveGR]

I am done again. Already sold 2 scope this AM and the rest later today. So if i get anything else it will be local only and something very rare or on my dream list like a nice 1980's gray NJP 160 mount or rare stuff you just don't see or can get anymore.  Maybe even something more normal if the price is crazy.

This seems oddly familiar...
 

[Terra Nova]

I am done again. Already sold 2 scope this AM and the rest later today. So if i get anything else it will be local only and something very rare or on my dream list like a nice 1980's gray NJP 160 mount or rare stuff you just don't see or can get anymore.  Maybe even something more normal if the price is crazy.

Chas, I see you kept the GP C102 Meade 826. Good call! A 4” longish refractor and a classic 8” Newtonian make a nice classic pair. Enough to keep one busy for a lifetime. I do hope you kept the little ST80. Small scope/big fun, I tell folks there’s always room for an ST80. You need a little grab and go for quick looks.

[CHASLX200]

Chas, I see you kept the GP C102 Meade 826. Good call! A 4” longish refractor and a classic 8” Newtonian make a nice classic pair. Enough to keep one busy for a lifetime. I do hope you kept the little ST80. Small scope/big fun, I tell folks there’s always room for an ST80. You need a little grab and go for quick looks.

That's all i need for now. So nice to be rid of it all. But if something hits my fancy i will jump if close by. Now that i got the money for a 8" APO, i really know i would never use it but maybe 3 times. Just way to much work making 7 trips to set it up. The ST80 went with the ST120. I only used it in the fall when i had darker skies to the northwest.

Edited by CHASLX200, 09 June 2022 - 06:34 PM.

[kjkociba]

Hmm. I know we all have our collections, and our preferences, but my “favorite scope” is always the one my eye happens to be behind. Doesn’t even have to be mine! 

[bjkaras]

Well, I’m almost done with dinner. Does that count?

[StarAlert]

I thought I was done and then I bought an AZ2000. Now I have room to mount another scope. 

[bjkaras]

Chas, I see you kept the GP C102 Meade 826. Good call! A 4” longish refractor and a classic 8” Newtonian make a nice classic pair. Enough to keep one busy for a lifetime. I do hope you kept the little ST80. Small scope/big fun, I tell folks there’s always room for an ST80. You need a little grab and go for quick looks.

My ST80 is used as a finder for my 6” refractor, which is also on an 826 mount.

[CHASLX200]

I was done until today.

[CHASLX200]

My ST80 is used as a finder for my 6” refractor, which is also on an 826 mount.

I used my ST80 as a finder as well.

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