2483 replies to this topic

[Stellar1]

Finally got to try a 2" focuser on an ST80.  Saved the scope for me.  Still kind of underwhelmed by aperture but it's the widest field possible in about any of my gear.

Nice! the eyepiece looks like it weighs about as much as the scope itself 

[Jeffmar]

 

 

I shared this photo on another topic but I think it still qualifies. It’s another natural habitat photo. The scope on the left is a friend's 106mm f/5 Tak. The scope on the right it my Explore Scientific ED127 with a new Starlight focuser. I was more into the sunset and used a wide angle lens when I took this photo so the scopes aren’t as pretty as they could be.

Edited by Jeffmar, 28 December 2021 - 08:39 PM.

[BlueTrane2028]

Nice! the eyepiece looks like it weighs about as much as the scope itself 

Considering the balance point is the middle of the focuser... I'm not at all doubting that, haha.

[Bkmiller4463]

Hi Jeff. Where did you take these photos?

 

 

I shared this photo on another topic but I think it still qualifies. It’s another natural habitat photo. The scope on the left is a friend's 106mm f/5 Tak. The scope on the right it my Explore Scientific ED127 with a new Starlight focuser. I was more into the sunset and used a wide angle lens when I took this photo so the scopes aren’t as pretty as they could be.

 

[SpikeFalcon]

My Meade Model 300 80mm F15 refractor mounted on a Polaris mount. I bought the OTA for $60 at a used camera store. The Celestron SP-C90 came from the CN community. Both OTAs have great optics and the SP and Polaris mounts are a joy. I have them set up in the house with a Unitron Model 114. When not in use I like to just look at them. Functional art!

[LDW47]

 

 

My Meade Model 300 80mm F15 refractor mounted on a Polaris mount. I bought the OTA for $60 at a used camera store. The Celestron SP-C90 came from the CN community. Both OTAs have great optics and the SP and Polaris mounts are a joy. I have them set up in the house with a Unitron Model 114. When not in use I like to just look at them. Functional art!

 

What is the year of the C90 ?

[SpikeFalcon]

Greetings. When I was searching websites in the mid 80s for an SP-C102 refractor system, I think I remember seeing very few 90mm's offered. The CN member I bought it from stated it was mid 80s. He may have been the original owner. I plan to research the manufacture date.

It has the original rings that mount directly to the SP mount, but I added an ADM SP Vixen rail adapter so I can easily remove the OTA, plus use my Orion 120mm F5  refractor OTA on the mount. I also switched to a RACI 6x30mm finder. Need to take a new picture!

[SpikeFalcon]

I do not want to leave out my 1970's Unitron Model 114 Refractor. It has nice optics, an extremely stable and smooth mount, and just looks darn good. Has the tube counterweight and adapter. Great set of eyepieces and accessories.

 

[LDW47]

Greetings. When I was searching websites in the mid 80s for an SP-C102 refractor system, I think I remember seeing very few 90mm's offered. The CN member I bought it from stated it was mid 80s. He may have been the original owner. I plan to research the manufacture date.

It has the original rings that mount directly to the SP mount, but I added an ADM SP Vixen rail adapter so I can easily remove the OTA, plus use my Orion 120mm F5  refractor OTA on the mount. I also switched to a RACI 6x30mm finder. Need to take a new picture!

I have the C80 from the early 90's, wonderful views, I upgraded to a 2" Crayford and mount it on a Porta II. I have been searching for a C102 up here in Canada for some years, they are very scarce, but now my age and my newly acquired NP101 will bring it to a halt. I bet the C90 performs the same as the other models.

[SpikeFalcon]

Besides pleasing views of solar system objects, I was somewhat amazed at the view of the Orion Nebula with 18mm and 25mm Meade HD60 eyepieces and a Lumicon Nebula filter. The nebula pretty much filled up the field and four of the Trapezium stars were easy. My observing site is a moderately light polluted suburb of Albuquerque. I am using a High Point Scientific dielectric diagonal in place of the original Celestron that came with the scope. Gamma Andromeda looked nice also.

[Look at the sky 101]

There are very nice telescopes on this post, wow.

[SpikeFalcon]

I agree Johann! I could feel the passion and pride on this thread when I started looking at it. Made me want to post.

[doctordub]

Same Take in new rings, handle, extender and Turret!

CS

Jonathan

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[jason_milani]

My collection:

 

 

[Jeffmar]

Hi Jeff. Where did you take these photos?

I took them in Skull Valley. It is on the way to Dougway Proving Grounds. about 10 miles after the exit from I-80.

[Stellar1]

I do not want to leave out my 1970's Unitron Model 114 Refractor. It has nice optics, an extremely stable and smooth mount, and just looks darn good. Has the tube counterweight and adapter. Great set of eyepieces and accessories.

That is a beautiful refractor!

[Bomber Bob]

My modern CZJ T1 tribute scope -- Kenko KDS-63/800 + NES EQ:

 

 

Not in the same league optically, but much more versatile -- can use .965" / 1.25" / 2" accessories.

[SpikeFalcon]

Thank you for the compliment re the Unitron. I have really become attuned to 'functional art', and have used the term previously on some of the classic telescope threads. Paintings and sculptures are beautiful, but items that also have a functional purpose really get to me. The wonderful telescopes on this thread, well crafted acoustic guitars, bicycles, etc. I enjoy their presence as much as their use. Helps give me faith that we can overcome our limitations and reach a sustainable balance. Enjoy the evening.

[Dave1066]

Well this arrived yesterday, my Takahashi FS78. One came up for sale in the UK, as soon as I saw it, I said I'd take it, as it was a fair price. 

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[CHASLX200]

Well this arrived yesterday, my Takahashi FS78. One came up for sale in the UK, as soon as I saw it, I said I'd take it, as it was a fair price. 

That's the real deal. Had two of them and they were killers at 100x+ per inch.

[Dave1066]

That's the real deal. Had two of them and they were killers at 100x+ per inch.

When I had researched the FS78 previously, I had read posts from you, so your previous opinions probably played a role in me purchasing my FS78. I am very excited to view Jupiter through the FS78, can't wait until the planets are higher in the sky.

[payner]

Congratulations on your find; one doesn't see them for sale often. I believe you're going to find a lot of enjoyment from this telescope.

 

Clear skies,

[CHASLX200]

When I had researched the FS78 previously, I had read posts from you, so your previous opinions probably played a role in me purchasing my FS78. I am very excited to view Jupiter through the FS78, can't wait until the planets are higher in the sky.

It's the 3" scope that acts like a 4".

[LDW47]

My collection:

 

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How do you like your Antares, I had 4, now 3, great performers from a realatively small company ?

[Peter_D]

I've had my eye on an smaller apperature ED refractor for a while now (I've never actually owned one yet). I thought a 70/72mm would be ok but in the end a used Evostar 80ED came up for sale and I was lucky to get it at a fair price. My Vixen GP mount handles the OTA fine. I bought a longer dovetail that allows the setup to be balanced when a DSLR is added. The focuser had a little bit of slippage with the camera added so I just added a tiny bit more tension in the focuser. I have a new dew heater on order so I just added a spare dew shield to the fixed one to give a bit more insulation - not sure if it really helped but no harm in trying - it stayed dew free anyway. Finally added a cheap handle - it can be upgraded in due course but I like having a handle on scopes, especially in the winter.

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