2520 replies to this topic

[Castor]

That SV F50 9X50 looks at home on that scope. How do you like it?

Thank you Universe XY and congratulations on your new/old Stellarvue 80/9D!

 

The Stellarvue F50 9x50 RACI finder referenced in your post is my magnifying finder scope of choice for searching deep-sky objects by the star-hopping method from my suburban, light-polluted skies when using medium sized telescopes (4-inch refractors and above or 8-inch SCTs and above).  For grab-n-go scopes I use the smaller sized/lighter weight RACI variety from Orion (6x30 or 9x50) or GSO (8x50), good enough for me for the type of observing that I do with these smaller telescopes.

 

My favorite feature of the SV F50’s is their ability to easily turn their diagonal sideways while providing an erect image and also their capability to use standard-sized (1.25”) astronomical eyepieces.  I also love their conveniently placed (near the eyepiece) fine helical focuser!

 

Keeping with the subject of this thread, below is a picture of my NP101is with a Stellarvue F50 9x50 RACI and a TV-85 with an Orion 6x30 RACI finder.

 

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[Universe XY]

Thank you Universe XY and congratulations on your new/old Stellarvue 80/9D!

 

The Stellarvue F50 9x50 RACI finder referenced in your post is my magnifying finder scope of choice for searching deep-sky objects by the star-hopping method from my suburban, light-polluted skies when using medium sized telescopes (4-inch refractors and above or 8-inch SCTs and above).  For grab-n-go scopes I use the smaller sized/lighter weight RACI variety from Orion (6x30 or 9x50) or GSO (8x50), good enough for me for the type of observing that I do with these smaller telescopes.

 

My favorite feature of the SV F50’s is their ability to easily turn their diagonal sideways while providing an erect image and also their capability to use standard-sized (1.25”) astronomical eyepieces.  I also love their conveniently placed (near the eyepiece) fine helical focuser!

 

Keeping with the subject of this thread, below is a picture of my NP101is with a Stellarvue F50 9x50 RACI and a TV-85 with an Orion 6x30 RACI finder.

Nice!. Lucky you with two Televue's... Got you covered. Wow, the NP101is really is much larger than the TV85!

 

The SV 80/9D is 750mm F9.4 so it's pretty long & heavy. I have never even pulled the dew shield out yet on it but had it out most of the nights since I got it last week. 

 

The SVF50 looks beefy on it but your TV is a clamshell ring. Guess it would be massive on the TV85

 

I'd love a NP101 F5.4 540mm. They are strange as they are touted as F11 really & are much longer than the 540mm would suggest.

 

SV has 2 thick huge rings & has a shoe on the focuser. Have to figure where to put it.

 

Gorgeous duo you have there,  Wish I could catch some good DSO.

[Castor]

Nice!. Lucky you with two Televue's... Got you covered. Wow, the NP101is really is much larger than the TV85!

 

The SV 80/9D is 750mm F9.4 so it's pretty long & heavy. I have never even pulled the dew shield out yet on it but had it out most of the nights since I got it last week. 

 

The SVF50 looks beefy on it but your TV is a clamshell ring. Guess it would be massive on the TV85

 

I'd love a NP101 F5.4 540mm. They are strange as they are touted as F11 really & are much longer than the 540mm would suggest.

 

SV has 2 thick huge rings & has a shoe on the focuser. Have to figure where to put it.

 

Gorgeous duo you have there,  Wish I could catch some good DSO.

Thank you for the compliments on my refractors, indeed I’m very fortunate to have them!  Your Stellarvue telescope is a handsome one, with the classic looks that I love in a refractor and I bet one that also renders sharp views!

 

I’ll be brief on my response, to keep the off-topic to a minimum:  Yes, IMO the SV F50 would look a bit large on the slim body of a TV-85 and it could also create balance issues, depending on the mount, hence my preference for a 6x30 RACI.  But if my mind was set on using a 50mm finder scope on the 85mm refractor, I would likely go for an 8x50 from GSO or a 9x50 from Orion (only available used).  Below is a picture of the TV-85 with the GSO 8x50 RACI.

 

Enjoy your new telescope and happy hunting DSOs!

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[frodus17]

Here's my new to me Astro-Tech AT102ED. Upgraded from a Celestron Nexstar 130SLT.

 

[jimandlaura26]

Pictures from Thursday’s short outing. Stellarvue SV102T-RA in Stardust blue mounted on Discmounts DM-4 mount for some double/multiple star sights. Great views!  Thanks for looking. 

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Edited by jimandlaura26, 16 May 2025 - 10:15 PM.

[Levant]

Astro-Tech 80 ED f/7

Svbony 106 guide scope

Dubai, 13 May 2025

 

[greenjuice]

My AT115 which unfortunately I had to part with a while ago but it’s a great scope and I had a blast with it. 
 

[Inoxok]

My new Vixen SD103SII

 

[Lentini]

100 pages... Time for part 10?

[Franx]

 

I thought I would update my Askar 140 APO mounted on my EQ6-R with the 8” pier extension installed, something I highly recommend.

[Universe XY]

Well, I just had to do it! A seller I got a TV 2 inch Everbrite Diagonal from decided to sell the scope & I just had to keep them together.

These things sometimes are not planned. Just the universe unfolding....

 

So now in my possession is a 2006 Tele Vue NP101.

I feel honored! I swear No more as this is a heavy beast & all I can handle. Cloudy tonight & I need to set up a Stellatr Vue Azi M2C mount.

The Porta Mini won't hold this beast & I think the rail is a D Losmandy... Anyway all good things to those who wait!!!

 

Meet my Holy Grail...In a Scope Guard Case!  

 

For the serial number gang... #1780

 

 

Edited by Universe XY, 24 May 2025 - 02:26 AM.

[Lentini]

Do you ever just sneak a family photo on your way to bed?

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[Universe XY]

Do you ever just sneak a family photo on your way to bed?

Nice family!!!

Mine get covered in a black plastic garbage bag just in case. They are set up near the bird cage & have to be safe in case of a bird bath.

 

Nice piano mine are between the piano & the bird cage.. Oh, & an elliptical I never use...

 

They look like shadowy beasts looming near the window at night...

 

[Universe XY]

Thank you for the compliments on my refractors, indeed I’m very fortunate to have them!  Your Stellarvue telescope is a handsome one, with the classic looks that I love in a refractor and I bet one that also renders sharp views!

 

I’ll be brief on my response, to keep the off-topic to a minimum:  Yes, IMO the SV F50 would look a bit large on the slim body of a TV-85 and it could also create balance issues, depending on the mount, hence my preference for a 6x30 RACI.  But if my mind was set on using a 50mm finder scope on the 85mm refractor, I would likely go for an 8x50 from GSO or a 9x50 from Orion (only available used).  Below is a picture of the TV-85 with the GSO 8x50 RACI.

 

Enjoy your new telescope and happy hunting DSOs!

Yes, the SV 80/9D is pretty sharp & built like a tank. At 750mm & F9.4 it's got the best of both worlds. Pretty nice views for a achro.

Highly enjoyable scope that should have been all I needed but it's 80mm. 90mm or 101mm should be a nice step up.

 

I thought it was a heavy scope but it's nothing compared to the NP101

[Castor]

Yes, the SV 80/9D is pretty sharp & built like a tank. At 750mm & F9.4 it's got the best of both worlds. Pretty nice views for a achro.

Highly enjoyable scope that should have been all I needed but it's 80mm. 90mm or 101mm should be a nice step up.

 

I thought it was a heavy scope but it's nothing compared to the NP101

Universe XY,

 

Congratulations on the recent purchase of your wonderful TV NP101!   To me the 101 is the like the Swiss Army knife of refractors, for its versatility and modest but plenty useful 4-inch aperture!

 

Yet, I can’t help dreaming of a TV-102!

 

Now that you have an NP101, I hope you are still able to keep the SV 80/9D for grab n’ go use.  Like you said, there’s a noticeable difference between them in weight and size, even more so if you decide to use separate mounts optimized for each.

 

Clear skies,

[Universe XY]

Universe XY,

 

Congratulations on the recent purchase of your wonderful TV NP101!   To me the 101 is the like the Swiss Army knife of refractors, for its versatility and modest but plenty useful 4-inch aperture!

 

Yet, I can’t help dreaming of a TV-102!

 

Now that you have an NP101, I hope you are still able to keep the SV 80/9D for grab n’ go use.  Like you said, there’s a noticeable difference between them in weight and size, even more so if you decide to use separate mounts optimized for each.

 

Clear skies,

The SV 80 is 750mm (respectable F9.4) so it's long some where close to 28 inch. The NP101 is almost as long. Measured it last night ~26 inch which is long for a F5.4

It works on the bogen 3036/Porta Mini mount. The NP101 will get a Stellarvue M2C mount... it's heavy duty. I'm looking for a tripod for it. Might go w another Bogen.. the 3046 (Jons fav, or 3068 as I like the individually adjustable legs). Looking for good price & condition. Probably be a while before I get the TV set up.

 

TV102 is a long beast isn't it? They can pull some good power though. Maybe one will find you...never give up hope.

Edited by Universe XY, 24 May 2025 - 11:58 PM.

[Castor]

The SV 80 is 750mm (respectable F9.4) so it's long some where close to 28 inch. The NP101 is almost as long. Measured it last night ~26 inch which is long for a F5.4

It works on the bogen 3036/Porta Mini mount. The NP101 will get a Stellarvue M2C mount... it's heavy duty. I'm looking for a tripod for it. Might go w another Bogen.. the 3046 (Jons fav, or 3068 as I like the individually adjustable legs). Looking for good price & condition. Probably be a while before I get the TV set up.

 

TV102 is a long beast isn't it? They can pull some good power though. Maybe one will find you...never give up hope.

Oh, I didn’t know the SV 80/9D was a bit longer than an NP101, thanks for the clarification!

 

Yes, the TV-102 (f/8.6) with its 880mm FL is relatively long (30.5” OTA only), but still manageable and like you say they can pull some good power for lunar, planetary and double star observing.  Since I already own a refractor that fills that role to good effect (a Vixen ED100Sf f/9) in addition to an NP101is for DSO and general use, I no longer feel the 'need' to actively pursue a TV-102, but I appreciate your good sentiments and words of encouragement, thanks!

 

Back on topic, here’s a picture of my Vixen ED100Sf (same as the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100ED) with TV 4” mount ring set on a Tele Vue Gibraltar5 mount.

 

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[Universe XY]

Astro-Tech 80 ED f/7

Svbony 106 guide scope

Dubai, 13 May 2025

 

IMG_1990a.jpg

Dubai... City lights & skyscrapers... Enjoy the night.

[Universe XY]

 

This recently acquired Orion ED80T CF became my primary travel telescope during last month’s visits to two Hawaiian summits. Here on Haleakalā, the triplet gave me a final glimpse of Mercury, Saturn, and eventually Venus as dawn broke 10,000 feet above the Pacific.

 

Don

 

 

 

This intriguing label makes me wonder about the age of this particular Orion refractor.

 

Can't go wrong with anything in Hawaii! Enjoy the sights. Mahalo!

[Universe XY]

Oh, I didn’t know the SV 80/9D was a bit longer than an NP101, thanks for the clarification!

 

Yes, the TV-102 (f/8.6) with its 880mm FL is relatively long (30.5” OTA only), but still manageable and like you say they can pull some good power for lunar, planetary and double star observing.  Since I already own a refractor that fills that role to good effect (a Vixen ED100Sf f/9) in addition to an NP101is for DSO and general use, I no longer feel the 'need' to actively pursue a TV-102, but I appreciate your good sentiments and words of encouragement, thanks!

 

Back on topic, here’s a picture of my Vixen ED100Sf (same as the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100ED) with TV 4” mount ring set on a Tele Vue Gibraltar5 mount.

Remeasured the SV 80/9D with a metal tape not fabric & it's 26 inch so same as NP101! That's great as I really think that is the perfect length.

That's with dew shields down & no diagonal.

[Universe XY]

Page 100...A Stealth Raptor snuck in...90mm APO Triplet Jan 2016 #724

 

It's hiding under the black plastic...

 

 

 

 

I wanted to break out of 80mm & never thought about 101mm but it happened so I it went 80 to 90 to 101 in the blink of an eye...

 

Stellarvue Raptor Carbon 90mm X 630mm F7 SV 2.5 focuser 98.3 Strehl (SVR90T- 25SV)

Only used it once since I got it few weeks ago courtesy of the clouds welcome.

 

Heavy for it's size 20 inch & feels like more than the rated 6.8 lbs. Had to widen the Bogens legs as this scope was tipping it where it held the SV 80/9D fine 

Not sure why but it's heavier than the SV 80/9D.

Have to be careful on the Porta Mini. It's at max.

 

Only had it out one time. Focus is really tight (in a good way..no play) & sharp. Wasn't much to really see though but stars looked nice. 

 

That's it...I'm done now...really... I hope...  

 

 

Edited by Universe XY, 25 May 2025 - 07:51 PM.

[Refractor6]

 

 My Skywatcher Pro- Series 120 F/7.5 from 2006 with a Astro-Physics/Baader Mark 1V binoviewer from 2002. The previous owner of the binoviewer informed me at the time back in 2012 that It got the last pair of Richard Lapidus eyepiece holders back in 2004.

 

Out pointed at the 1st 1/4 Moon last night with two TV Nagler 16 T5 eps in place.  The focuser put on by a previous owner ensured a binoviewer could come to focus....1/4" of spare in focus with the 16 T5 eps in use...just makes it... 24 Pans no problem too....

 

 

[Universe XY]

Took the NP101 out for it's first observation in the hope to see Saturn for the third night.

Things were going well with th4e moon for a few minutes & I was enjoying myself until the evil wash of clouds came in & engulfed the moon.

Soon the entire sky was a gray wash & I called it a night. Last night was cloudy also...

Revenge of the sky with a new scope...Never fails///

 

Love the NP101 from the few minutes we shared. 

 

[Illinois]

Took the NP101 out for it's first observation in the hope to see Saturn for the third night.

Things were going well with th4e moon for a few minutes & I was enjoying myself until the evil wash of clouds came in & engulfed the moon.

Soon the entire sky was a gray wash & I called it a night. Last night was cloudy also...

Revenge of the sky with a new scope...Never fails///

 

Love the NP101 from the few minutes we shared. 

 

NP 101 SV MC2 20250619_023729 CN.jpg

Nice! How  do you like your mount? Is good for high power to look at planets? 

Edited by Illinois, 21 June 2025 - 06:15 AM.

[swhf736]

Love the NP101 from the few minutes we shared. 

Better luck with the skies! I’m many weeks, I think months, into clouds and haze here.

 

Speaking of older NP101’s, I’ve had this one for over 23 years now. It was my first apochromatic refractor and it still amazes. It was a turning point; after growing up using achromats, refractors had become kind of dead to me by that point, or just curios sitting in the corner. It still does great on the moon and planets, and yet does astounding wide fields too. I’d say it’s a keeper!

 

I use it for visual observation only. I can still carry the complete assembled unit outside, so it’s very convenient. TeleVue has definitely improved the focuser area over the years, and I do wish this one had more than the one thumbscrew for very heavy attachments like yours seems to have. But, it’s manageable for sure. The old style chrome is nice.

 

The mount is a Celestron labeled (charcoal color) Vixen GP, with added knurled aluminum slow motion knobs. It has the inexpensive Celestron (not Vixen) CG5 motors, which have been absolutely fine for my needs for a long time. I mainly use the manual slow motions, which are just smooth as butter. I wish more eq mounts available today had manual slow motions as an option.

 

The beautiful KB Systems walnut tripod was made to order decades ago, by the most wonderful people. Anybody else remember them? Still stands out as of the great purchasing experiences of my life. I have a second KB made of ash for another mount. I believe they also made tripods for TeleVue for a long time.

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