82 replies to this topic

[Franx]

I'm not fond of the term "entry-level." As far as I'm concerned, the best scope for a beginner is one that also great for an experienced observer, and vice versa.

I do know exactly what's wrong with a 100-mm f/6 achromat, namely false color. But what's wrong with your 8-inch f/5 Newt? On the face of it, that sounds just about ideal. Plenty of aperture and a nice wide field of view.

In some ways, moving from that to a 9.25-inch SCT seems to be going backward -- at least as far as visual observing is concerned. Yes, you would get a smidge more aperture, but at the cost of a much smaller field of view.

Given a choice between owning only a top-quality 200-mm f/5 Newt and a top-quality 235-mm f/10 SCT, I would pick the former in a heartbeat.

Of course I have no idea whatsoever about the optical quality of your current Newt. Do you have any specific complaints about it?

Tony,

I have gotten some really good views from the Newtonian but the issues I have with it is mostly the focuser, it’s terrible. I know this is going to sound petty too but I’m not a fan of the defragmentation spikes either.

[Franx]

 

This is a picture of my 8” Newtonian on my EQ6R mount

Edited by Franx, 10 January 2024 - 08:33 AM.

[Franx]

Well I finally made up my mind about a new OTA so I decided to order the Askar 140 APO. I know, this came out of left field considering the original OTA's I was looking into but the more I read, the more I found myself leaning towards a larger refractor. Time will tell if I made a good decision or not but as of this moment, I’m excited about this OTA.

[msinc]

Best advice you can ever get is: buy both and then get some other ones too..........no sane person, in the entire history of the world has ever said, "I just have too many telescopes" and meant it!!!!!!!!

Edited by msinc, 02 August 2024 - 10:15 AM.

[Sebastian_Sajaroff]

The "best" telescope is not only about optics, choice is also influenced by your aesthetic preferences, observational or photographic targets and ergonomics.

[Tony Flanders]

No sane person, in the entire history of the world has ever said, "I just have too many telescopes" and meant it!!!!!!!!

I definitely have too many telescopes. Unfortunately it's hard to say which ones to get rid of. Also, disposing of a good telescope honorably is sometimes easier said than done.

[Mr. Mike]

Might be an unpopular opinion but Ill take a frac as my only scope which right now it is.  Its a small one too(just 80mm) but you cannot beat the pristine, contrasty views, the "ready to go on a moments notice" nature of fracs & the simplicity.  No collimating, aligning, setup, thermal gymnastics, or any other mucking around.

 

Yes, I give up aperture - I get that.  But its a trade-off Im willing to make. 

 

Evetually Ill get into a 102mm or a 115mm frac and be good forever.

Edited by Mr. Mike, 03 August 2024 - 12:27 PM.

[msinc]

I definitely have too many telescopes. Unfortunately it's hard to say which ones to get rid of. Also, disposing of a good telescope honorably is sometimes easier said than done.

Haha....then you sir either don't really mean it.......or have gone totally insane!!!!!!!!! Just because you use the word "disposing" in regard to a telescope causes me to lean toward the insane side........M

Edited by msinc, 03 August 2024 - 12:30 PM.

[Echolight]

Might be an unpopular opinion but Ill take a frac as my only scope which right now it is.  Its a small one too(just 80mm) but you cannot beat the pristine, contrasty views, the "ready to go on a moments notice" nature of fracs & the simplicity.  No collimating, aligning, setup, thermal gymnastics, or any other mucking around.

 

Yes, I give up aperture - I get that.  But its a trade-off Im willing to make. 

 

Evetually Ill get into a 102mm or a 115mm frac and be good forever.

Nothing wrong with one telescope. For a long time a 6" f8 achromat was basically all I ever used.

 

Now,...

As much as I might try, I probably won't really want to have just one.

So, with portability, ease of use, and generally not taking up much storage space,..

..probably the ST102 f5 achromat for widefield and the deuced and reduced C8 for general purpose and high power.

 

These two could do everything I want,

...

....except be expendable and go on an extra small and light tripod, for travel where space were at a real premium. So I'll probably have to keep the ST80 at least, and maybe the Starblast 4.5 to go on the same lightweight tripod mount combo.

[Franx]

Might be an unpopular opinion but Ill take a frac as my only scope which right now it is.  Its a small one too(just 80mm) but you cannot beat the pristine, contrasty views, the "ready to go on a moments notice" nature of fracs & the simplicity.  No collimating, aligning, setup, thermal gymnastics, or any other mucking around.

 

Yes, I give up aperture - I get that.  But its a trade-off Im willing to make. 

 

Evetually Ill get into a 102mm or a 115mm frac and be good forever.

I have two reflectors that I use, one commercially produced and the other was handmade (primary mirror included) that gives me my best views of the night sky. I also have 102mm refractor that is horrible for astronomy because of CA but very good for daytime use. My decision to purchase the Askar 140mm APO was influenced by the ability to get pinpoint stars, clean details of the moon with my refractor, even though the CA is so bad. I like the unobstructed view of the refractor, no interference from the secondary mirror spider.  I’m really looking forward to using the Askar 140mm and for the price, it could be a great value to boot!

[Bearcub]

Tony,

I have gotten some really good views from the Newtonian but the issues I have with it is mostly the focuser, it’s terrible. I know this is going to sound petty too but I’m not a fan of the defragmentation spikes either.

Same! I just cant get over it, probably terrible bortle adds up more and in dark sky it would be less important.

[gnowellsct]

Tony,
I have gotten some really good views from the Newtonian but the issues I have with it is mostly the focuser, it’s terrible. I know this is going to sound petty too but I’m not a fan of the defragmentation spikes either.

I believe they are called diffraction spikes. Don't be ashamed to admit that you don't like them, a lot of people don't like them, notwithstanding the protests of devoted Newtonian users.

You might consider buying your Newtonian an aftermarket focuser and fixing it up. One or two hundred bucks. Go to the newts area and ask for recommendations.

You already have a 4-in refractor so you are 85% of the way there already to understanding what a 5-in refractor has to offer. I personally use both 92 mm and 130 mm refractors.

I don't think the 9.25 is a bad move here. But even though I am a devoted user of scts, I do think you may not have fully explored how you can improve what you have by upgrading the hardware on your Newtonian, which you might pursue on the Newtonian groups.

1. A new focuser. I already mentioned it but I'll mention it again. Bad focusers can be a hobby killer so it's wise to invest in a good one. And be aware that if you find the focusers are sloppy and defective on your refractors those can be replaced too. The Chinese aftermarket focusers are a big step up from what comes with your less expensive telescopes.

2. A CURVED VANE SPIDER. When the supports that hold the secondary mirror in place are curved the diffraction spikes are not visible. I have had a few newts over the years and once I was hip to this I made sure they were equipped with curved vane spiders.

3. And you may want a new mirror cell some designs are much easier to collimate than others. Again, discuss that in the Newtonian section.

If you undertake these projects you'll have a chance to save more money for that 9.25 and you will gain competence with your gear. You may discover a new respect for the Newtonian once you've made some upgrades. It's a known fact that mass produced telescopes are put together with an eye towards minimal functionality rather than optimal performance. There's probably a lot more to be gotten out of your Newtonian.

The 9.25 is a fine instrument. I just think that you are faulting the design of the telescope for the limitations you are encountering in use. Those limitations are real and need to be dealt with. But you could do years and years of observing with a 4-in refractor and and optimized version of your 10 inch Newt.

Greg N

Edited by gnowellsct, 04 August 2024 - 10:17 PM.

[Tony Flanders]

Haha....then you sir either don't really mean it.......or have gone totally insane!!!!!!!!! Just because you use the word "disposing" in regard to a telescope causes me to lean toward the insane side........M

My view of modern life is that all of us burden ourselves with far too many possessions. The more we can get rid of, the simpler and happier our lives will be.

On the other hand, I find it very hard to dump any functioning apparatus into the trash. It seems disrespectful. The ideal solution is to give it to somebody who actually needs it. But finding such a person can take some time and effort.

[Jon Isaacs]

On the other hand, I find it very hard to dump any functioning apparatus into the trash. It seems disrespectful. The ideal solution is to give it to somebody who actually needs it. But finding such a person can take some time and effort.

 

 

It is not all that hard to find such people..  I sometimes see CN members who can use a little equipment help.

 

Jon

Edited by Jon Isaacs, 05 August 2024 - 05:44 AM.

[Franx]

According to Askar and High Point Scientific I should receive the OTA in early to mid September. In preparation I’ve also purchased the Explor Scientific 2’’ Dielectric Diagonal and the pier extension for my EQ6-R mount. It’s a shame I don’t have everything now because the weather is looking good for the next 4 or 5 days.

[rjacks]

I find diffraction spikes to be beautiful. It's one of the things I love about the views through my dobsonian. Also, the diffraction spikes provide a check on your collimation. 

[Mike Q]

Choosing between a frac and SCT is easy.  I have both and my SCT will eat the frac easily.  Now of course thats to be expected.   10 inchs vs 4, its not a fair fight.  

[donniesoprano]

Franx,

 

Did you get the 140 yet?  Curious of your experience.

 

ds

[Franx]

Franx,

 

Did you get the 140 yet?  Curious of your experience.

 

ds

No I haven’t yet. 

​Quantity Backordered                                                             Expected Ship Date

ASK-140APO Askar 140APO Triplet Air-Spaced Refractor 1 Waiting for manufacturer to provide lead time.

 

This is the latest I have heard from High Point Scientific in early September. I did see in another thread someone mentioned early December as a shipping date. That would be a great Christmas present for sure. If I hear anything more about my order I’ll post it here.

[Franx]

I’m still patiently waiting to be notified that the scope is ready to ship. The last I received from HPS was early December maybe, depending on Askar of course. It’s really a shame that this has taken so long, the weather has been great for the past few months. I suspect it’s going to show up when the rain, that we desperately need, shows up as well. 

Edited by Franx, 12 November 2024 - 04:05 PM.

[Cpk133]

I’m still patiently waiting to be notified that the scope is ready to ship. The last I received from HPS was early December maybe, depending on Askar of course. It’s really a shame that this has taken so long, the weather has been great for the past few months. I suspect it’s going to show up when the rain, that we desperately need, shows up as well. 

Since you’re still waiting, just want to make sure you’re aware that a 140mm triplet is pretty front heavy so you’ll have a lot of scope behind the dec axis on that eq6r.  That means your viewing position is going to vary widely from standing to knees.  A good adjustable observing chair is a must.  Viewing near the zenith will be the most difficult.  Even with the stubby C9, when viewing at the zenith I usually just take a knee, it’s easier to do that and still have a seated view for everything else.  The C9 feels grab n go to me vs a 140 triplet.

Edited by Cpk133, 12 November 2024 - 08:25 PM.

[Franx]

Since you’re still waiting, just want to make sure you’re aware that a 140mm triplet is pretty front heavy so you’ll have a lot of scope behind the dec axis on that eq6r.  That means your viewing position is going to vary widely from standing to knees.  A good adjustable observing chair is a must.  Viewing near the zenith will be the most difficult.  Even with the stubby C9, when viewing at the zenith I usually just take a knee, it’s easier to do that and still have a seated view for everything else.  The C9 feels grab n go to me vs a 140 triplet.

In anticipation of a front heavy scope I picked up the pier extension for the EQ6 already. I can also see a good observing chair in the near  future for me, any suggestions as to style or brand would be appreciated.

[Cpk133]

In anticipation of a front heavy scope I picked up the pier extension for the EQ6 already. I can also see a good observing chair in the near  future for me, any suggestions as to style or brand would be appreciated.

I use a “vestil” it has a big range from full up to down.  They used to be cheap

 

https://www.northern...wE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

i see one on Ali for 115 if you trust Ali.  Lots of people like “Starbound” chairs.  I wanted something lighter, easier to pack.  

[12BH7]

I use a “vestil” it has a big range from full up to down.  They used to be cheap

 

https://www.northern...wE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

i see one on Ali for 115 if you trust Ali.  Lots of people like “Starbound” chairs.  I wanted something lighter, easier to pack.  

My observing chair has been the best upgrade I have ever made in astronomy to date.

 

I'll bet that you can see the delivery truck coming by looking at the approaching cloud line.

[Franx]

Before I invest in the observing chair I want to see what this scope is going to look like on my mount. I’m use to standing as I observe with my Newtonian and in the meantime I have an adjustable office chair I have used before. Thanks for the suggestions, I will definitely check them out.

 

With no appreciable rainfall or snowfall in my extended forecast, mid to late December for delivery or even January is looking credible. 
The Farmers’ Almanac predicts a “wet and cold winter” for my location with a series of storms bringing rain and snow. Oh joy!