601 replies to this topic

[KWB]

More white light solar fun today—lots of sunspots out there!  I won’t bore you with my crummy, barely-focused iPhone sun photo, as it doesn’t even come close to Alan’s awesome image above.

 

EE41E307-0034-4DD5-A80D-11A4819FC187.jpeg

Scott

 

Didn't you sell this 80mm scope or if I'm mistaken,  do you still have it?

[Scott in NC]

Scott

 

Didn't you sell this 80mm scope or if I'm mistaken,  do you still have it?

That was the AT80ED that I sold.  It was a nice scope, but had a little more CA than I typically like to see.  So I replaced it with an AT80EDL, and today was its first light.  Hopefully tonight it will get to see some starlight.

[KWB]

That was the AT80ED that I sold.  It was a nice scope, but had a little more CA than I typically like to see.  So I replaced it with an AT80EDL, and today was its first light.  Hopefully tonight it will get to see some starlight.

I got it.

 

You did bite the bullet and did purchase one of these little devils. Was it in this calendar year so as not to go back on your 2022 pledge? 

[Scott in NC]

I got it.

 

You did bite the bullet and did purchase one of these little devils. Was it in this calendar year so as not to go back on your 2022 pledge? 

 It’s 2023–a brand new year!

[KWB]

Enjoy it, my friend. 

 

My climate is so severe I may not get to test mine until April. One snowstorm after another. I might as well live at North Pole, Co. BTW, there really is such a place with it's own zip code.

[Mark9473]

I can't get over how long and slender this looks. My William Optics Megrez FD is also 80 mm f/7 but the OTA section between the extended dewcap and the start of the focuser is seemingly only a third as long.

[Alan S]

I finally had a chance to get this scope out under the stars (or I should say the night time stars!) last night for a proper meet and greet.  It was very clear, with excellent transparency and seeing that was above average, around an 8/10.  I have been fighting some kind of nasty virus for a few weeks and in an effort to maintain my course on the road to recovery, promised to limit myself to one hour out in the cold.  Fortunately, I am a disciplined fellow, as I was having so much fun with the telescope it would have been easy to push it and stay out too long.

 

In summary, over the years I have owned a number of 80 - 90mm scopes and this telescope is at the top of my list.  I feel that it is nearly equal in optical and mechanical performance (other than light gathering obviously) to my former Stellarvue 90mm triplet, and at a price of $700, represents an amazing value to performance ratio, which is why I put it at the top of my list, just ahead of the SV90.

 

For my first view, I used a 13mm Ethos and pointed at M42.  I chose the 13mm Ethos as it frames the entire sword region and much of what I enjoy with small refractors are the contextual views.  My first impression was how crisp the image was, and how much nebulosity was apparent throughout the region.  My most recent view of this target with a small scope was using my TV76 from our vacation home in Durango, CO a couple weeks ago.  Skies are darker there, and the TV is a slightly faster scope at f/6.3, but I felt that the view through the 80EDL exceeded what I was expecting in contrast based on my experience with the TV76.  Now obviously I am depending on my memory and I would need to have these telescopes side by side to make any meaningful comparison - however, I do think the TV 76 is a very good telescope so if first impressions are worth anything, the AT-80 EDL and I are off to a good start.

 

I also observed Rigel and it's companion star and as expected the 80 EDL did a very nice job presenting this binary.  I inserted a 3mm Delite eyepiece (~186x) and looked at the diffraction pattern with a green filter.  I am no expert at start testing, and everything looked as I was expecting. No obvious issues anyway. Rigel and companion really looked great at focus, even at this magnification, where seeing was beginning to impact the view.

 

Observed Mars, using a 4.5mm Delos and was quite impressed with the view.  Mars is only 12" in diameter right now and its details are always elusive in a small scope.  I was able to detect some subtle shading at steady moments, which is all I would expect from this scope.

 

Also observed M45 and the Hyades and the views were quite enjoyable.  A quick move over to Sirius, and using the 3mm eyepiece, the telescope has very little chromatic aberration - it is there racking through focus, but very minimal to my eye and if I was not specifically looking for it would not have noted it as intrusive...as I did not note it at focus initially.  I will say this - the AT-80 EDL has notably better color correction than my TV76.  Again, it is slightly slower at f/7 and has newer glass (I have an early TV76, if that matters?).

 

Lastly for now, I was somewhat shocked by how excellent the focuser is - I have used many import focusers and while they have improved over time, this one is simply fantastic.  It is a rack and pinion, and as smooth as a feather touch in operation.  Zero backlash when turning the knobs.  I am a visual observer only so can not comment on its load bearing or other imaging related characteristics, but in observational use, there is no need for an upgrade, ever.

 

Anyway, that is night one, and I look forward to more nights where I can really put in some time with the telescope.

[Scott in NC]

Wonderful report, Alan—sounds like we both had great first-lights with our new AT80EDLs.

[Alan S]

Wonderful report, Alan—sounds like we both had great first-lights with our new AT80EDLs.

Indeed, and I enjoyed your report and comparison with the TV85.  If I’m feeling up to it tonight, I hope to get out a bit longer with it.

 

clear skies,

Alan

[peter k]

The Astronomics web site specifies the backfocus as 161mm. Can one of you owners confirm this?

 

Thanks.

Edited by peter k, 22 January 2023 - 12:35 PM.

[Alan S]

For those of you interested in my solution for a case for this refractor...I was just after something simple for vehicle transport around town, and for storage to keep it out of the dusty desert environment.  Significant protection is not an issue for me, or I would order a case from Stellarvue...

 

I purchased this case from Amazon for $23.  It is only 1/8" padding but I then took the foam that scope was shipped in and it fits nicely inside the case with room on one end for a few accessories (underneath the case top on the left side in the picture...I should have fully unzipped it for the pic)

 

 

 

[Scott in NC]

Thanks for that idea, Alan.  I’ve got mine in a temporary case for now which isn’t really an ideal fit, and am still trying to decide what to get for a more permanent solution.  But you certainly can’t beat $23 with free shipping!

[Alan S]

Thanks for that idea, Alan. I’ve got mine in a temporary case for now which isn’t really an ideal fit, and am still trying to decide what to get for a more permanent solution. But you certainly can’t beat $23 with free shipping!

That was what I thought...$23 and it will last a lifetime given my light treatment of the case. And if I see something nicer later, I'm out $23.

[Scott in NC]

My thinking is that if I get this and then find something that I like better later, I’ll have only spent $23 on one hand, and on the other hand I’m pretty sure that I’ll be able to find another use for it. Can’t have too many cases!

[Scott in NC]

This is what I really want though, but am not sure that I want to pay $129 plus shipping at the moment:  Stellarvue C20 case.  I used to keep my former SV90TBV in one, and now have my SV80L (80/600) LOMO in it.

[Alan S]

This is what I really want though, but am not sure that I want to pay $129 plus shipping at the moment:  Stellarvue C20 case.  I used to keep my former SV90TBV in one, and now have my SV80L (80/600) LOMO in it.

That’s the case I would get if I needed more serious protection…they are nice.  The additional funds I am initially expending on this refractor are in the form of an SV m002c mount, which should be here Saturday 

[Scott in NC]

I may still buy one at some point, but really should wait to make sure that I’m keeping this scope long-term.  So far it looks like I will though.  And I just know that as soon as I order a brand new case from SV, a gently used one will show up on AM a few days later.  I’m pretty sure that’s how I got my first one.

[Doug Culbertson]

This is what I really want though, but am not sure that I want to pay $129 plus shipping at the moment: Stellarvue C20 case. I used to keep my former SV90TBV in one, and now have my SV80L (80/600) LOMO in it.

That’s the one I use for my AT80ED. If I buy the 80EDL I’ll use it for that. Part of me wishes that I had spent the extra $30 for the C19 because it has room for accessories, but I do like the C20.

[nicknacknock]

Sigh, joining the gang as Scott did some arm twisting, and a AT80EDL is on the way! Small brother / sister to my AT125EDL. Will decide if a boy or girl when I get it 

 

I’ll get the C20 for it, as this scope will be my grab n’ go scope and a nice padded case is a must for frequent transporting. Looking forward to slapping an eyepiece or 10 into this thing and checking it out!
 

I also have a Manfrotto 475B incoming, to pair with the Stellarvue M2C and keep this setup permanently mounted indoors for SLAP Astronomy. And hopefully, soon have it dual mounted with the 125EDL and enjoying some serious views!

[Scott in NC]

I’m really leaning toward getting a Stellarvue C20 case for my AT80EDL.  It’s not inexpensive, but not too bad either at $129 plus shipping.  I just get the feeling that if I buy the $23 case that Alan found on Amazon I’ll just end up getting the Stellarvue case anyway.

[dawnpatrol]

I've had the Stellarvue CT case in my cart for 2 weeks for my AT125EDL, but I can't get over the shipping cost. It looks like a great case and while not inexpensive, paying for quality is usually a good decision (the Stellarvue cases remind me of the excellent Tenba photo gear cases). If shipping wasn't an additional 30%, I wouldn't be so hesitant.   

[Scott in NC]

I've had the Stellarvue CT case in my cart for 2 weeks for my AT125EDL, but I can't get over the shipping cost. It looks like a great case and while not inexpensive, paying for quality is usually a good decision (the Stellarvue cases remind me of the excellent Tenba photo gear cases). If shipping wasn't an additional 30%, I wouldn't be so hesitant.   

Here’s the thing about these cases.  Some of them are quite expensive, and like you I’ve put one in my online shopping cart on many an occasion and fretted about the decision for days to weeks (like I’m doing now with the C20 case decision for my AT80EDL).  But never once have I looked back months or even years later and regretted my decision to buy a sturdy case for one of my scopes.  The cost is always quickly forgotten.  

And I know this is getting a little off topic, but take a look at the Lightware 39” Cargo Case for the AT125EDL.  It’s a bit lighter than the SV case, and even though it might be a little more expensive, the shipping might be less because of its lesser weight and the fact that it can be folded.  I’m not sure though, as I bought mine used.

[dawnpatrol]

Of course you're right about looking back at the cost. Buy right, buy once, move on. I just need to look at the total and not the product vs shipping breakdown (yes I've become accustomed to very inexpensive/free shipping). 

 

Also, I've had that Lightware case in my B&H cart for the same period of time.  

 

Apologies for hijacking the AT80EDL thread with this case discussion. 

[Scott in NC]

One more note about these cases.  The Lightware cases are much lighter (hence the name!), and the Stellarvue cases are sturdier and more protective.  But for casual use, car transport, etc., either one is sufficiently protective.  I have both types of cases, and really like them both.  If Lightware made a suitably-sized case for the AT80EDL then I might consider that too.  Which reminds me, I haven’t checked yet, so will plan to do that tonight and report back.

[Adluginb]

Scott are you planning on doing a formal write up for the 80edl vs the Televue?  I keep going to find what you did post and it seems I can never find the thread.

 

I keep thinking since the 80edl is on sale I might get one just to compare to my TS version and see if I can tell any difference between the fpl53 vs fcd100 glass.

 

thanks