849 replies to this topic

[Scott99]

I recently had to buy the Tak 6x30 to complete my DZ, since it didn't come with one.   I've been totally anti-finder for years, preferring to use a big 2-inch eyepiece instead.  And to skip the added setup time for remote sessions.  But it needs to go with the scope for posterity so I got one. 

 

You can see how nice the optics are, just looking around during the day.  Razor sharp.  Of course everything is upside down....Tak's a little stubborn when it comes to making a RACI finder which I would prefer   My neck stopped bending like Fiske's years ago....if it ever did 

Edited by Scott99, 28 June 2024 - 12:06 PM.

[Fiske]

I recently had to buy the Tak 6x30 to complete my DZ, since it didn't come with one.   I've been totally anti-finder for years, preferring to use a big 2-inch eyepiece instead.  And to skip the added setup time for remote sessions.  But it needs to go with the scope for posterity so I got one. 

 

You can see how nice the optics are, just looking around during the day.  Razor sharp.  Of course everything is upside down....Tak's a little stubborn when it comes to making a RACI finder which I would prefer   My neck stopped bending like Fiske's years ago....if it ever did 

  

 

As Erik pointed out in an earlier post, having the scope positioned higher so one can sit under it helps, but, yeah, not for the 45-degree faint-hearted crowd at all. 

 

What makes Tak 6x30 finder attractive to me is the utter simplicity of it and its light weight. I don't really see using it for star-hopping so much as for alignment when whatever object is already in the finder view. The 24mm panoptic, which has a 2.2-degree FOV, is sufficient for star-hopping, at least with a Baader astro Amici diagonal.  I'm still planning to use the Z-Bolt GLP with it, which will minimize star hopping anyway.

[Scott99]

What makes Tak 6x30 finder attractive to me is the utter simplicity of it and its light weight.

It is a cool little telscope in its own right, for sure.  It makes you think about how nice the 7x50 and the 11x70 would be.   Definitely mounting the scope higher would make it more useable, if I had a permanent setup I'd go higher.
 

[Rich V.]

I never warmed up to straight-through optical finders; they're just too fussy to use.  The viewing position is bad enough for lining up my eye with a Telrad or MRF, much less an optical finder that needs me to jam my eyeball up against it as well.  A 90° finder would be much better if one goes the optical route, IMO.

 

I bought a straight-through Vixen 10x50 finder 30 years ago when I got my C9.25 but ended up using a Telrad primarily anyhow.  The Vixen finder did come with a screw-on Galilean correct image eyepiece attachment which took care of the inverted image problem but it was still a pain to use.  At least Telrads and MRFs are much more forgiving and can be used from a more comfortable distance even if it is still a bit hard on the neck.

 

For years now, all my scopes carry GLP finders which suit me well for my needs in my location.  Plenty of guide stars.  Just a momentary blast of the GLP is all that's needed.  Going strictly optical, my 80mm f/6 "support telescope" with a 23x eyepiece gives me a 4.35° FOV and even a 37x eyepiece still gives 2.7° which can locate most targets, anyhow, particularly with the GLP getting in the ballpark. 

[Fiske]

Yeah. I have a Z-Bolt in house now, just need to come up with a mounting solution for it. And I hear you about the inconvenience of straight-through finders, Rich. That's why I find my enjoyment of the 6x30 so bizarre.  I mean, I didn't immediately switch to right-angle finders decades ago. I switched to Correct-Image Right-Angle finders, and never looked back. 

 

Making binoculars primary really changes the game, though. Because I am just much more familiar with star fields now, and locating objects, honestly without a finder (or in the case of the 100DC even a red-dot finder just isn't that difficult. Generally pointing the scope and maneuvering with a 2.2 degree FOV works well enough. Doubtless it will be even faster when the GLP is on board.

[Fiske]

Gotcha! As nice as my Genesis SDF was, it was heavier, and also longer (even tho the resultant Petzval f.l. was shorter (540mm compared with 660mm) than my Vixen, and the Vixen was slightly better on planets at >200X. And giving up the TV scope allowed me to get my uber-portable AT90CFT, an even nicer binocular accompaniment!

It's an interesting question whether an alt-az design like this is preferable to a fluid video head or not.

 

I have a Stellarvue M002C on a Manfrotto 161MK2B, which is capable of handling the Orion 8-inch Classical Cassegrain, not to mention any of my refractors. It's not grab and go, but it isn't that much effort to move. The NT608 on the Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod really is grab and go, easily carried as a single unit instead of multiple trips. The fluid video head isn't quite as precise, but still works well up to 185x, anyway. 

 

Either of the Manfrotto tripods fold and unfold easily, which is convenient. They don't have an accessory tray, of course, so a point in favor of traditional tripods there.

 

I ordered this Yueoct Vixen rail to configure the 100DC for the Stellarvue M002C today, figuring it should work with the 1/4-20 threaded adapters installed on the Tak tube ring. We will see. 

[dmorrow]

 

Lately I've been using pairs of telescope/binoculars for maximum effect like the 8x42+EBT, 12x50+FC-100, 18x70+TOA depending on how deep I want to go and how steady the night is. I will say that even with these telescopes being so powerful, using both eyes just gives me a feeling I'm seeing more. I know it's just a feeling because I can split doubles down to 1.5" in the BT, 1" in the FC-100 and 0.8" in the TOA but still, somehow, details seem to be more readily apparent in the binoculars

 

Nothing forcing you to use your support telescope in cyclop's mode, just sayin' 

 

[Echolight]

 

The Baader T2 1.25-inch nosepiece arrived. The shorter extension section had to be removed for the eyepieces to focus because the Baader diagonal path is longer than the Tak prism. 

 

Despite my skepticism, I have become bizarrely fond of the Tak 6x30 finder. So, once again, Erik's wisdom has proven prophetic. 

 

 

I was able to view M 5 with the 6x30 finder last night.   From my urban yard. I was expecting to replace it with the GLP mount, but have now decided to retain the 6x30 and will find a way to mount the GLP on top of the Tak band clamp, I'm not sure what purpose the 1/4-20 post is supposed to serve on the top of the clamp, but will look for a way to attach the GLP mount on that.

 

I found my self viewing the NGC 6210 star field in Hercules, and observing (in addition to the planetary nebula) the double star STF 2079, which I viewed during the 120XL first light last June. I decided to have a look at STF 2087, also observed last June, but got confused and oriented on STF 2094 instead. It is also near NGC 6210. I had not been able to resolve it last June with the 120XL. Anyway, thinking it was the 8th magnitude, 5.2" STF 2087, I was puzzled to find it not resolved with the Tak at 56x (13mm Nagler Type 6), I switched to 187x (Delite 4mm) and was able to cleanly resolve it, but it was tight and I was thinking the listed separation must be incorrect. And only later realized what I had observed was 2094 -- 7.48/7.87 sep 1.1". 

 

Quite an impressive performance for the grab and go Tak 100DC support telescope. Navigation is considerably easier with the correct-image Baader astro Amici, and having resolved a 1.1 second double while using it, the Baader diagonal has surely proven its mettle. 

 

The Tak 100DC is shown here supporting an Oberwerk 20x70 EDU trotting along on a Farpoint p-gram, with the recently arrived 10x50 EDU riding side saddle.

 

Now that you have mastered looking high in the sky with the straight through finder, it seems time to try the fine Japanese refractor in true Japanese style, no?

[Fiske]

Now that you have mastered looking high in the sky with the straight through finder, it seems time to try the fine Japanese refractor in true Japanese style, no?

  

 

Uh, no.

[Fiske]

It's an interesting question whether an alt-az design like this is preferable to a fluid video head or not.

 

I have a Stellarvue M002C on a Manfrotto 161MK2B, which is capable of handling the Orion 8-inch Classical Cassegrain, not to mention any of my refractors. It's not grab and go, but it isn't that much effort to move. The NT608 on the Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod really is grab and go, easily carried as a single unit instead of multiple trips. The fluid video head isn't quite as precise, but still works well up to 185x, anyway. 

 

Either of the Manfrotto tripods fold and unfold easily, which is convenient. They don't have an accessory tray, of course, so a point in favor of traditional tripods there.

 

I ordered this Yueoct Vixen rail to configure the 100DC for the Stellarvue M002C today, figuring it should work with the 1/4-20 threaded adapters installed on the Tak tube ring. We will see. 

So, I tried the Yueoct Vixen rail mentioned in the above post, and am returning it. The captive screw design is awkward compared with quick release plates. Instead I will go with this Pocnsen dovetail rail, which I also chose for the 120 EON accessory mount. It attaches with 1/4-20 socket cap screws, is a cleaner design, and the color coordinates with the Tak 100DC. 

[Echolight]

I would've chosen a light blue anodized rail I believe.

 

The Askar has a pleasing shade of "lapis blue". Very similar to the badge on the dew shield.

https://agenaastro.c...ca_s_color=6321

 

Although the polished aluminum will match the rings at the end of the scope 

Edited by Echolight, 29 June 2024 - 10:32 AM.

[Fiske]

I would've chosen a light blue anodized rail I believe.

 

The Askar has a pleasing shade of "lapis blue". Very similar to the badge on the dew shield.

https://agenaastro.c...ca_s_color=6321

 

Although the polished aluminum will match the rings at the end of the scope 

I'm not convinced the Askar rails will fit the configuration of the Tak tube ring base. I looked at the ADM adapter (linked in a post above) but attaching it would interfere with the 1/4-20 inserts added to the outer holes, and I want the option to switch the Tak between the NT608 fluid head and the Stellarvue M002C. Honestly, most of the time I expect to use it on the NT608 configuration.

 

The matte aluminum Pocnsen rail will coordinate nicely with the Tak, in addition to being highly functional. 

Edited by Fiske, 29 June 2024 - 10:51 AM.

[Echolight]

I'm not convinced the Askar rails will fit the configuration of the Tak tube ring base. I looked at the ADM adapter (linked in a post above) but attaching it would interfere with the 1/4-20 inserts added to the outer holes, and I want the option to switch the Tak between the NT608 fluid head and the Stellarvue M002C. Honestly, most of the time I expect to use it on the NT608 configuration.

 

The Pocnsen rail will coordinate nicely with the Tak, in addition to being highly functional. 

I agree. I actually prefer the rails with long slots myself.

Kind of can't miss.

[PatientObserver]

Someone liked an old post of mine which reminded me of another post by Fiske.

...

Honestly, Takahashi telescopes aren't a serious consideration for me. I have no doubt about their excellence. I'm just somehow not inspired to own one. Not saying it's rational.

I see it took less than a year to become inspired.

[Echolight]

Someone liked an old post of mine which reminded me of another post by Fiske.


I see it took less than a year to become inspired.

Peer pressure

[paulsky]

... And one spotting scope? 

Can be a good support telescope? 

[Fiske]

A stylish GLP mount custom designed for the Takahashi 100D series arrived on Saturday from the Jordan Genius Astro Lab -- a subsidiary of Stark Industries. 

 

 

 

Shown below aligned on Polaris. 

 

Edited by Fiske, 07 July 2024 - 11:15 PM.

[PatientObserver]

A stylish GLP mount custom designed for the Takahashi 100D series arrived from the Jordan Genius Astro Lab on Saturday -- a subsidiary of Stark Industries.





Shown below aligned on Polaris.

It was not until I read this post that I had any interest in GLPs. I would need to paint the holder black or Tak Green, but that mount looks great. Well done, Jordan.

[Scott99]

A stylish GLP mount custom designed for the Takahashi 100D series arrived on Saturday from the Jordan Genius Astro Lab -- a subsidiary of Stark Industries. 

 

wn below aligned on Polaris. 

 

 

can you see that green reflection on the back of the dewshield while you're observing?  Yuck......all I can say is, I hope people reserve the use of lasers at night to solo observing sessions

[Fiske]

can you see that green reflection on the back of the dewshield while you're observing?  Yuck......all I can say is, I hope people reserve the use of lasers at night to solo observing sessions

I will mostly use it from my urban yard. You should see my neighbors' security lights.

 

  

[aznuge]

In recent nights of observing at a darker site (SQM ~ 21.4) this tag team of a BT and support telescope was a perfect combination in hunting down, observing, sketching and logging many DSOs - over 100.  The BT was the Oberwerk 100XL SD, and the Telescope was the TSA 120.  The best power was 45x for BOTH for this work.  That was accomplished with Pentax 20mm XWs in the telescope and 12.5 Morphs in the BT.  Sometimes I preferred the view in the TSA, at other times the OB dominated as the source for the record, revealing the faint fuzzies with more contrast.  The TSA served as the finder, and the BT in coordination with the telescope's GLP beam locked on the object, sometimes needing it's own beam to initially converge the two with the naked eye.

 

For double star observing the refractor dominated.

 

Definitely this has been the best darker sky duo for revealing Herschel 400 objects to date.  Not for sure yet, but I may have also found support telescope nirvana

 

     

 

[Jbond]

I think Jordan is Jedi level at this kind of thing... 

[Fiske]

I think Jordan is Jedi level at this kind of thing... 

  

[revans]

Tonight the forecast was for clear skies but the reality turned out to be clear with long intervals of cloud cover moving through.  I'd set up my 4 inch refractor to image the galaxy NGC 3718 in UMa.  While that was going on I decided that the visual part of the evening would be pairing my Oberwerk 12x60 LW binoculars with my SVBONY SV48P achromat refractor (90mm f/5.5).  I put the latter on a Monfrotto 161 MK2B tripod with Oberwerk 280mm fork head. 

 

After twilight I spent an hour on the moon, especially the Alpine Valley area and the Mons Hadley area which both had a favorable solar angle.  My best views were using a 3mm eyepiece for 165x.  I tried using a 2.5x barlow with a 6.5 mm eyepiece for 190x and the view was acceptable. Trying to achieve more magnification combining this barlow with a 4mm eyepiece for 310x did not produce a sharp image and I considered the result to basically be empty magnification.  Seeing conditions happened to be sub-arcsecond tonight according to FWHM values coming off of my imaging run.

 

Although the lunar views were nice, the achromat doesn't have enough aperture to show the rille in the floor of the Alpine valley and I didn't get much of a view of Hadley rille.  That level of lunar detail would probably require at least an 8 inch scope.  But the achromat did do a good job of giving me a detailed view of lunar features that were pretty minute in my 12x60 binoculars.  There was some obvious chromatic aberration along the lunar limb, but I didn't find it objectionable.  

 

After finishing with the moon I studied the globular M4 in the binoculars from a zero gravity chair and then viewed it in the achromat with and without night vision.  I'm in Bortle 6.  My southern horizon has the worst light dome pollution and M4 was barely perceptible in the binoculars.  It was a bit more definite in the achromat, but the stars didn't resolve until I switched to a PVS-14 equipped eyepiece.  

 

Then I moved to Albireo and easily split the double into blue and gold components.... quite close together at 12x.... and with a tendency to jiggle with hand holding.  The view was much steadier and definitive in the achromat.  I couldn't see M57, the Ring Nebula, at 12x with the binoculars but it was obvious in the achromat at 43x with a 14mm eyepiece. I thought I could just barely detect M56 with the binoculars and confirmed its position with the achromat staying with the 14mm eyepiece. 

 

I got tired of dodging cloud banks and the mosquitoes were getting thicker towards 11:30 pm.  I know I lost a large number of sub-exposures of NGC 3718 to clouds, but I also know I got at least a modest number of cloud free shots with good transparency and excellent seeing.  I'm glad I set up both rigs because I rarely see sub-arcsecond seeing.  It is too bad that the sky was intermittently covered with clouds, but that's life in New England.

 

Rick

[Fiske]

... 

 

I got tired of dodging cloud banks and the mosquitoes were getting thicker towards 11:30 pm.  I know I lost a large number of sub-exposures of NGC 3718 to clouds, but I also know I got at least a modest number of cloud free shots with good transparency and excellent seeing.  I'm glad I set up both rigs because I rarely see sub-arcsecond seeing.  It is too bad that the sky was intermittently covered with clouds, but that's life in New England.

 

Rick

Try an electric fan for mosquito control, Rick. Mosquitos are not strong flyers and even a light breeze holds them off remarkably well. 

 

(Permethrin treated clothing is also quite helpful.)