2478 replies to this topic

[R Botero]

Three in tandem -  152mm f/7.5 (working at f/6), 110mm f/6 (will work at f/5) and 92mm f/6.65 (working at f/5.3):

 

 

This is an imaging rig. Still waiting for camera for third (and last addition refractor) to arrive at UK dealer.

 

Roberto

[Stewc14]

After 101 pages and 2503 posts, it’s time to close down part 8 and start part 9.  Part 8, which is now locked, is here: https://www.cloudyni...1#entry11542580

 
I’m going to get the ball rolling with a picture of my newest refractor, a Takahashi FS-128 f/8.1 fluorite doublet from 1996.

 

94CE6D7C-5FC8-4B6D-9E9D-B71A5FD9A3E2.jpeg

Very nice. Been looking for one to put on my Mewlon. When I have the money I can’t find one. When I have no money I see one………I’ve heard good things.I have my nib stowaway. I was going to sell

[Lookitup]

Got the Altair Planeta 101 F/11 today. Waiting for first light

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[Lookitup]

Planeta 101 having first light. Loving it   

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[desertlens]

Dream scope realized. 100mm is enough for me.

 

Takahashi FC-100DF

[Coldwarwarrior]

TS Optics F11 102mm ED with FPL 51 glass mounted on a Sky Watcher EQ5 Deluxe manual mount.

 

Love using this scope for visual, razor sharp images of the moon, planets and open star clusters.

 

[PawPaw]

Nikon S65 Achromat (65mm F12) dated 1983 s/n 10056.  Extremely happy with its performance on Sirius last night showing very little color in focus @ 111X.  

 

But the surprise was how it performed on Eta Orionis presenting, without any doubt, enlongation easily seen @ 111X.  

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[Phil Cowell]

Just found a Black Diamond 120ED I put away in a safe place years ago. A new scope that never got first light. Will have to find a reducer for it then give it first light. Will post a picture later.

[BKBrown]

I recently decided to concentrate on deep sky imaging with the TEC 140ED, but still wanted a big refractor side-by-side with an SCT. So I took advantage of the recent Skywatcher sale and picked up two EvoStars, the 150DX and a 72ED for widefield/finder duties. They are now safely aboard the AP1200, and if the weather holds will see first light tomorrow evening...

 

 

Clear Skies,

Brian 

[mondo1948]

I recently decided to concentrate on deep sky imaging with the TEC 140ED, but still wanted a big refractor side-by-side with an SCT. So I took advantage of the recent Skywatcher sale and picked up two EvoStars, the 150DX and a 72ED for widefield/finder duties. They are now safely aboard the AP1200, and if the weather holds will see first light tomorrow evening...

 

pier one up close.jpg

 

Clear Skies,

Brian 

Hi Brian,

Holy Cow, you ain't fooling around.  Enjoy the new setup and your fantastic observatory!

 

Clear Skies,

Mondo

[Scott99]

Nikon S65 Achromat (65mm F12) dated 1983 s/n 10056.  Extremely happy with its performance on Sirius last night showing very little color in focus @ 111X.  

 

But the surprise was how it performed on Eta Orionis presenting, without any doubt, enlongation easily seen @ 111X.  

Wow!  Beautiful scope - look at the mount!  Everything looking brand new.   Where did you find it?    Just curious.

 

It's such a shame that Nikon and Zeiss don't sell any astronomy telescopes or mounts here in modern times.   Just sport optics at this point.  And a few wide-field ep's from Nikon.  The high-quality offerings are now relegated to small, boutique companies like AP, 10Micron, TEC, etc.  The big guys have left the room.

Edited by Scott99, 03 March 2025 - 12:29 PM.

[Lagrange]

Nikon S65 Achromat (65mm F12) dated 1983 s/n 10056.  Extremely happy with its performance on Sirius last night showing very little color in focus @ 111X.  

 

But the surprise was how it performed on Eta Orionis presenting, without any doubt, enlongation easily seen @ 111X.  

What a gorgeous scope! Everything about that setup looks beautifully made.

 

I bet it's a joy to use.

[PawPaw]

Thanks Scott  and Lagrange. 

 

I feel lucky to have found it and yes it has that Nikon / Zeiss quality both mechanically and visually.

 

This thread inspired me to try one:  https://www.cloudyni...rite/?hl= nikon

[John R.]

What with so many kilo buck refractors on display thought it was time to go down market…..

so to speak. 
So, with no further preamble here is my Galileoscope, modified to use a diagonal and helical focuser. 

 

 

 

Total weight, including diagonal and eyepiece is about two pounds. 

I perched it on the dinky Slik tripod to take the picture. 
It will be used on a more substantial mount. 
 

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Edited by John R., 05 March 2025 - 01:28 PM.

[Agatha]

John…very nice Galileoscope.     

[Shorty Barlow]

My Sky-Watcher 72ED Evostar with AZ5 mount/tripod waiting for Mercury.

 

[JDavid Gallet]

CFF 185 F6,8 ; NJP Taka and Coronado 60 Double stack...

 

CFF 185 F6,8 ; NJP Taka and Coronado 60 Double stack...

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Edited by JDavid Gallet, 06 March 2025 - 04:05 PM.

[John R.]

John…very nice Galileoscope.     

Thanks, had it out last night. Optimal high magnification for conditions was 83x with a 6mm Expanse. The moon was lovely but I didn’t have a filter so a little taxing on the eyes. Finally for the moon switched to 50x with a 10mm. 
Only looked a a few show objects, M42 and M45, they seemed best at 33x with a 15mm. 
 

I believe this little cemented f10.5 (true clear aperture 47.5mm) is as good as you can get in a achromat that size. 
I’m very happy how it turned out.

[Phil Cowell]

As mentioned earlier, here's the SW 120ED. never seen first light. Was put away in a safe place many years ago. The reducer arrived today so will be attaching a camera to it and giving first light the next clear night.

 

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[Georg1981]

 

I love my TV-85 on Panoramic Mount.

[BKBrown]

In anticipation of observing with a new-to-me TV NP101 that I just received today, I had broken out my T-Rex and set it up in the backyard. Unfortunately, there is a problem with the NP101 focuser that requires attention before first light night   So even though we are almost at full moon, I didn't want the mount all revved up with no place to go. Out came the SW EvoStar 120ED for a modest evening excursion, and I will leave it up for the upcoming eclipse.

 

 

Until the NP101 is ready ...

 

Clear Skies,

Brian 

[Tony Bonanno]

 

ZWO ff107 quadruplet APO refractor (modified Petzval)

GEM 70 mount on pier

ASI 2600 Plus camera

ASIAIR Plus controller

ZWO fiiter holder

Skywacher EVO 50mm guide scope

ZWO EAF

Svbony dew strap (1)

 

This APO replaced the excellent AT-115 EDT which gave great results for 3 years.  Other than the convenience of no flattener needed and pinpoint stars at edge of FOV, not a lot of difference.

 

Yes, I'm pretty locked in to ZWO, but I don't mind.  It works well for me.

Edited by Tony Bonanno, 13 March 2025 - 02:17 PM.

[deemacsee]

I'm jealous of your sky view. I live in southern England. We never see sky anymore. Just clouds.

[Tony Bonanno]

I'm jealous of your sky view. I live in southern England. We never see sky anymore. Just clouds.

 

 

Our skies in NM are deteriorating too.... still pretty good.. When I moved here 30 years ago I lived in a Bortle 3, not a 4 and getting worse... too many people and too much light.  But still better than most places I used to live.  Hope your clouds diminish..

Edited by Tony Bonanno, 13 March 2025 - 03:18 PM.

[abby_normal]

ES127 carbon on skywatcher az-eq6.  

 

contemplating the ES 3 in. focuser if someone could respond with their experience ... especially w.r.t. image

shift 

 

 

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