12 replies to this topic

[klr]

Hello All,

 

20+ years ago I built a few dobs. The largest was a 12.5 f6 using Discovery Telescope mirrors. It was great, but a real pita to drag outside. Now older and weaker, I gave it away to a junior high science teacher a couple of months ago.  I still have a Zhumell 10", but the mirror is shot and it's still a little bigger than I want.  

 

Now I just want to grab a scope and show my grandkids Saturn, Jupiter, and the moon. That's all. But I want the bands on Jupiter and the Rings of Saturn to be clear. 

 

I still have a few decent eyepieces. IIRC, the smallest is 9mm.

 

A brief look around the net has me wondering if a refractor would meet my needs. Somewhere around $500 is the upper end of my budget.  I have woodworking and metalworking skills so building a mount isn't a big deal.

 

I''m looking at the ASTRO-TECH AT80ED, but wonder if it will be enough magnification?  With young kids and my old eyes, a small eyepiece is a struggle.

 

Any suggestions?  I do not want another dob. 

 

Thanks.

[clusterbuster]

Hi,

You may also think about getting a MAK. They are quite good on Planets as well, and a bit more powerful than a Refractor.

I had an ETX125 that was TAC SHARP on the Planets, a friend of mine wanted it, so I sold it to him.

 Mark

[TOMDEY]

"I want the bands on Jupiter and the Rings of Saturn to be clear."

 

That's a pretty tall order for an 80mm telescope. That should show those features alright... but it's the ~clearly~ part that would benefit immensely from more aperture. Like 100mm or larger. I'd go with the 80mm though... figuring that is fine for the kids to be happy to have seen them first hand. Planetary comes into its own around six inches... about double the resolution capability of the 80mm scope. I'm assuming very good optics in both cases.    Tom

[gstrumol]

Right around your price range:

 

https://www.astronom...e.html?___SID=U

 

With even a smaller scope, like an 80mm, you can see the bands of Jupiter and that Saturn has rings. But to see detail on Jupiter and the Cassini division on Saturn you'll need something bigger. Hence the 5" Mak.

 

Now if you really want to see detail, than an 8" SCT would do the trick ...

[ICit2]

 A Mak would be a good choice.  They're lightweight compared to a 6" refactor.  Only downside is the wait time.  They typically require 40 minutes to acclimate for high power viewing.

[betacygni]

Normally I’d not suggest 80mm for planets (I find 90mm my minimum), but if it’s to just show kids the rings and major cloud bands, I think the Astro tech would be good. I don’t think any kids would appreciate the difference between the views of an 80mm scope vs 100mm, unless they actually have lasting interest in the hobby.

Maybe more importantly you might find yourself using it more than you might expect, and maybe even rekindle some more observing for you personally. An 80mm scope with a mount that is light enough for the whole setup to be carried out in one piece is an entirely different experience than you’re probably used to with your old dobs.

[klr]

Thanks All for the suggestions. You've given me more options to consider. I need to do some more research.

[sevenofnine]

I have both scopes and if clear planetary detail is the goal then it's the 5" Mak hands down. However, the 80mm apo is a more versatile telescope. You may want to split the difference and go 4" apo. Astro-Tech has a nice one that meets your budget. Best of luck to you and your decision!  

 

https://www.astronom...ractor-ota.html.

[Philip Jodry]

I would feel out what kind of telescope and watching your grandkids want to do. Terrestrial? Tabletop? A sexy 114, 130, or 150 Newt? A Celestron C something with a flipper prism?

[klr]

I would feel out what kind of telescope and watching your grandkids want to do. Terrestrial? Tabletop? A sexy 114, 130, or 150 Newt? A Celestron C something with a flipper prism?

They are little kids. They will be thrilled just to see the moon, Jupiter, and Saturn at this point.   

[Echolight]

I have both scopes and if clear planetary detail is the goal then it's the 5" Mak hands down. However, the 80mm apo is a more versatile telescope. You may want to split the difference and go 4" apo. Astro-Tech has a nice one that meets your budget. Best of luck to you and your decision! 

 

https://www.astronom...ractor-ota.html.

How does $549 without a diagonal meet his budget of $500 at the upper end?

[klr]

Today I ordered a Spectrum Optics ExploraPro 70 Mak for $85 delivered.  Yea, I know it'll be marginal, but it has good reviews and will let me experience the opposite of my old 7' tall, 100 lb Dob.

 

If nothing else it will be good for a spotting scope and/or something to play with while I figure out exactly what I need.  

[NathanL]

How does $549 without a diagonal meet his budget of $500 at the upper end?

 

Budget nowdays doesn't mean what the word budget meant not long ago sadly. Kind of lost meaning.

Edited by NathanL, 20 March 2023 - 12:04 AM.