82 replies to this topic

[JOEinCO]

....I’m use[d] to standing as I observe with my Newtonian....

 

That's a habit you want to break.

 

Doesn't matter what kind of telescope. Your eye sees more detail when you are relaxed and comfortable.

[rfcooley]

Hello,

As the title says I’m looking for advise on my first real OTA. I currently have two Orion OTA’s, a 4’’/600 mm refractor, a 8”/1000mm Newtonian and I would classify them as entry level OTA’s. I have also recently purchased a used EQ6R-Pro with the wifi dongle because my other EQ mount is not a goto mount and it is only rated at 20 pounds.
 

I’ve heard so many good things about Celestron’s 9.25 SCT being a kind of jack of all trades so I thought my decision was going to be easy. However, then I hear about Svbony’s SV550 122mm Triplet APO F7 and Explore Scientific FCD100 127mm triplet APO F7.5.

 

This is my dilemma because as much as I would enjoy owning all three of these OTS, it’s currently not within my grasp. I want to get one OTA that will allow me to do clear and clean visual observing and down the road maybe some EAA.  I enjoy all types of viewing, planetary, lunar and deep sky mostly from my back yard in SE PA. I’m also getting tired of standing up for hours using the 8” Newtonian to be quite honest. All three of these OTA’s are under 20 pounds and all three are within a few hundred dollars of each other so it comes down to the optics and the necessary equipment to support them.
 

If you could only have one scope to use as your do it all scope, which one would you use or recommend ?
I know I’m asking a lot and I do appreciate any and all feedback.

 

Thank you,

Franx

Franx,

 

I would vote the SCT.

 

In your situation I would go for what is most versatile.

 

A SCT is hard to beat for versatility. You already have a 4" refractor.  My most used kits are combinations of a AT72EDii, or a C8, or C11, or Dobs.  In all of the cases they work well together and are very versatile. I can use the AT72EDii as a grab and go or use to help me find targets for my Dobs. On the C8's I can use the AT72 has a finder/guider/ piggyback AP. Most of the time I use the AT72 in the same roll as the C8s on the C11. With the addition of a .63 reducer/flat on the SCTs  you can attain a wider FOV.  If I need a wider FOV  than what the SCT will give me I will use one of my refractors, which you already have. Your new mount will handle a fully loaded C8 or 9.25 with a  80 mm or so doublet refractor and camera.

 

After 60yrs in amateur astronomy I have learned that versatility is a major player in enjoy-ability and longevity of the hobby. When I started this hobby I was 8 years old and all I wanted was a telescope so I could see "stuff". Seeing "stuff" was a major challenge with a 60mm Tasco refractor. It only took me around 7 years to learn where some "stuff" was and what it was. I then discovered there was more "stuff"  out there that I couldn't see or find. The odyssey began accompanied by more challenges and frustrations. At that time SCTs, in mid 1960's. were available but far out of the price range of a kid with a paper route. My 8th grade science teacher introduced me to a thing called a Dobsonian. Wow! a real telescope and better yet the price that was maybe achievable within my limited finances. Now I had to have a Dobs. Fortunately for me the same 8th grade teacher found a used 8" Dobs, well within my budgetary constraints. On the Dobs I learned, to star hop, to read star charts and to maintain and collimate the scope. I had and used this Dobs for many years. I would still have it if my ex-wife didn't decide to run it over.

 

Ex-wife gone, finances improved I bought a new a 10.1 Coulter and shortly there after I came across a deal on a used Celestron 8" orange tube with wedge mount and tripod. I still have that orange tube and the Coulter. The SCT required a little more set up but I could get a lot closer look at "stuff" and it could track "stuff". As time went on I bought, sold, and used just about every different design of telescope available at a reasonable price. But I always went back to the SCT or the Coulter. The SCT got the first goto mount I bought, from there on out the C8 was used the most because of it's versatility. I would drag the Coulter out when I wanted a quick look or a change of view. Sometimes I took them both out for fun!  After all, fun is a necessary component of this hobby. Otherwise we wouldn't be in this hobby for long.

 

So in conclusion to the OPs' question. Buy the SCT. Refractors have their limits. Newts are more complex and fussy. But the SCT is the perennial favorite and has the most versatility. While the SCT is not the "perfect scope" it sure is the most versatile, that is why they are so popular and have been for 50+ years. You already have a 4'' refractor and they have their niche. The Newt with it's complexities and fussiness has its' niche. But, the SCT can reasonably cover everything the others do.

 

Clear Skies, Never Lose the Wonder,

 

RF

[Mike Q]

If it were me, knowing what i know now and strictly for me, i would be going with a 10 to 12 inch classical cassegrain.  To me, and these are debatable points, it "fixes" a lot of issues that come with SCTs.  No corrector plate to catch dew, a real focuser,  a fixed mirror that eliminates mirror flop and a open tube design which will help with cooling.  Sure they are bigger, heavier but i can deal with that.

[12BH7]

Franx,

 

I would vote the SCT.

 

In your situation I would go for what is most versatile.

 

A SCT is hard to beat for versatility. You already have a 4" refractor.  My most used kits are combinations of a AT72EDii, or a C8, or C11, or Dobs.  In all of the cases they work well together and are very versatile. I can use the AT72EDii as a grab and go or use to help me find targets for my Dobs. On the C8's I can use the AT72 has a finder/guider/ piggyback AP. Most of the time I use the AT72 in the same roll as the C8s on the C11. With the addition of a .63 reducer/flat on the SCTs  you can attain a wider FOV.  If I need a wider FOV  than what the SCT will give me I will use one of my refractors, which you already have. Your new mount will handle a fully loaded C8 or 9.25 with a  80 mm or so doublet refractor and camera.

 

After 60yrs in amateur astronomy I have learned that versatility is a major player in enjoy-ability and longevity of the hobby. When I started this hobby I was 8 years old and all I wanted was a telescope so I could see "stuff". Seeing "stuff" was a major challenge with a 60mm Tasco refractor. It only took me around 7 years to learn where some "stuff" was and what it was. I then discovered there was more "stuff"  out there that I couldn't see or find. The odyssey began accompanied by more challenges and frustrations. At that time SCTs, in mid 1960's. were available but far out of the price range of a kid with a paper route. My 8th grade science teacher introduced me to a thing called a Dobsonian. Wow! a real telescope and better yet the price that was maybe achievable within my limited finances. Now I had to have a Dobs. Fortunately for me the same 8th grade teacher found a used 8" Dobs, well within my budgetary constraints. On the Dobs I learned, to star hop, to read star charts and to maintain and collimate the scope. I had and used this Dobs for many years. I would still have it if my ex-wife didn't decide to run it over.

 

Ex-wife gone, finances improved I bought a new a 10.1 Coulter and shortly there after I came across a deal on a used Celestron 8" orange tube with wedge mount and tripod. I still have that orange tube and the Coulter. The SCT required a little more set up but I could get a lot closer look at "stuff" and it could track "stuff". As time went on I bought, sold, and used just about every different design of telescope available at a reasonable price. But I always went back to the SCT or the Coulter. The SCT got the first goto mount I bought, from there on out the C8 was used the most because of it's versatility. I would drag the Coulter out when I wanted a quick look or a change of view. Sometimes I took them both out for fun!  After all, fun is a necessary component of this hobby. Otherwise we wouldn't be in this hobby for long.

 

So in conclusion to the OPs' question. Buy the SCT. Refractors have their limits. Newts are more complex and fussy. But the SCT is the perennial favorite and has the most versatility. While the SCT is not the "perfect scope" it sure is the most versatile, that is why they are so popular and have been for 50+ years. You already have a 4'' refractor and they have their niche. The Newt with it's complexities and fussiness has its' niche. But, the SCT can reasonably cover everything the others do.

 

Clear Skies, Never Lose the Wonder,

 

RF

Wow, did you really nailed it. 

 

Back in the mid 70's all we had were smallish refractors. Then one day when I was in Korvette's, a department store that closed in the 80's, and there is was. It was the first 8" SCT that I ever saw. It was the biggest scope I had ever seen. And of course as RF put it, there was no way I was getting it working a paper route. 

 

Don't underestimate what an 8" SCT can do. I have both a 12" and an 8" and there's many a night I prefer to use the 8". Not for the ease of portability, which is a BIG bonus, but sometimes it offers a better view. 

 

Also, as RF said, "versatility is a major player in enjoy-ability and longevity of the hobby" Truer words have never been spoken.

Edited by 12BH7, 17 November 2024 - 06:07 PM.

[Franx]

I really appreciate everyone’s opinions and suggestions on what type of telescope to get. I’m still torn between the refractor and the SCT but I did order the refractor and I can’t wait to see how good it is. Fortunately with the mount I have its big enough to handle the 140mm APO and a 9.25 SCT. With the recent addition of smart telescopes into the mix, I can see the used market prices dropping so who know’s maybe next year I’ll have that SCT too!

[edsmx5]

Wow, did you really nailed it.

Back in the mid 70's all we had were smallish refractors. Then one day when I was in Korvette's, a department store that closed in the 80's, there is was. It was the first 8" SCT that I ever saw. It looked was the biggest scope I had ever seen. And of course like as RF put it, there was no way I was getting working a paper route.

Don't underestimate what an 8" SCT can do. I have both a 12" and an 8" and there's many a night I prefer to use the 8". Not for the ease of portability, which is a BIG bonus, but sometimes it offers a better view.

Also, as RF said, "versatility is a major player in enjoy-ability and longevity of the hobby" Truer words have never been spoken.

A bit off topic, but you brought back childhood memories when you mentioned Korvette's

[Dave Mitsky]

A bit off topic, but you brought back childhood memories when you mentioned Korvette's

Many years ago, there was a Korvettes less than two miles from my current home.

 

https://www.pennlive...es_we_miss.html

 

https://drloihjourna...ent-stores.html

[edsmx5]

Many years ago, there was a Korvettes less than two miles from my current home.

https://www.pennlive...es_we_miss.html

https://drloihjourna...ent-stores.html

Ok, last time, before we get this thread locked:

The King of Prussia Plaza, back in the day, had Korvette's and Kiddie City side by side ( and a Horn & Hardart's)

[revans]

Hello,

As the title says I’m looking for advise on my first real OTA. I currently have two Orion OTA’s, a 4’’/600 mm refractor, a 8”/1000mm Newtonian and I would classify them as entry level OTA’s. I have also recently purchased a used EQ6R-Pro with the wifi dongle because my other EQ mount is not a goto mount and it is only rated at 20 pounds.
 

I’ve heard so many good things about Celestron’s 9.25 SCT being a kind of jack of all trades so I thought my decision was going to be easy. However, then I hear about Svbony’s SV550 122mm Triplet APO F7 and Explore Scientific FCD100 127mm triplet APO F7.5.

 

This is my dilemma because as much as I would enjoy owning all three of these OTS, it’s currently not within my grasp. I want to get one OTA that will allow me to do clear and clean visual observing and down the road maybe some EAA.  I enjoy all types of viewing, planetary, lunar and deep sky mostly from my back yard in SE PA. I’m also getting tired of standing up for hours using the 8” Newtonian to be quite honest. All three of these OTA’s are under 20 pounds and all three are within a few hundred dollars of each other so it comes down to the optics and the necessary equipment to support them.
 

If you could only have one scope to use as your do it all scope, which one would you use or recommend ?
I know I’m asking a lot and I do appreciate any and all feedback.

 

Thank you,

Franx

I have had a C9.25 for many years and also a 120mm f/7 apo refractor for the past few years.  I am active in many areas of the hobby but for visual observing my favorite instrument is a 4 inch apo refractor or 4 inch binocular telescope.  Most people probably prefer large Dobsonians but I don't find them easy to lug around at my age.  My philosophy is to keep things as portable and as lite as possible and if I want to see "deeper" then I add a night vision equipped eyepiece or I do EAA.  There is a Pegasus Astro digital eyepiece that supposedly will be on the market late this year and that might be a worthwhile accessory for a modest sized telescope.

 

No one scope is right for everybody.  Some will always gravitate towards light buckets of one design or another.  I gravitated toward ease of use and accessorization.

 

There is nothing wrong with a C9.25 but in my opinion it comes into its own as an imaging scope.

 

Rick

[bandhunter]

I think there have been some great points made on scopes here.  But I want to reiterate an important point made by others.  An observing chair is important.  Honestly,  i think my stardust chair is one of my best and favorite pieces of astronomy gear.

[Patrick]

Lots of good discussion...

 

With the EQ6R-Pro you could also mount a C11 (Edge preferred).  The C11 will outperform the C9.25 for only a little more weight and size.  It will also outperform a 125mm refractor.  Portability can be a factor with large refractors...sometimes their cases can be quite cumbersome.  Counterpoint...a C11 in a duffle carry bag is not small either. :-)

 

Patrick

[Franx]

Patrick,

As much as I think I would enjoy having a C11 edge or non edge, that’s a bit much for me at my experience level I do believe. The Askar 140mm APO (on order) should keep me engaged for a long time I’m hoping and the custom case should make transporting the OTA a breeze.

 

Thanks for your suggestion,

 

Franx

[Patrick]

Patrick,

As much as I think I would enjoy having a C11 edge or non edge, that’s a bit much for me at my experience level I do believe. The Askar 140mm APO (on order) should keep me engaged for a long time I’m hoping and the custom case should make transporting the OTA a breeze.

 

Thanks for your suggestion,

 

Franx

Congrats on your new scopeI  You will love it I'm sure!

 

Patrick

[sheath]

My introduction to the hobby was with a 10" LX200GPS.  It was awesome, and I learned quickly.  I was in my 40s with a strong back and a weak mind.  Moving it around, and taking to dark skies was easy.

 

Thankfully I had a brother/best friend with a brilliant mind and decades in this hobby. He also had a large budget for astronomy gear.  So I was able to look through all his equipment while he helped me understand and learn.  I looked through his 20" Obsession, an 8", 12" and 16" Meade SCT, three refractors.  Also a motor driven star chair with a huge set of ship binos.  All kinds of EPs from expensive to cheap, filters, astrophotography gear, Starry Night software, etc..

 

He also took the time to help me pick mods, and accessories that best fit my wants and finances. Thanks to him I was able to make good choices, and focus the available time on learning/observing, rather than futzing around.

 

Looking back, it has really made me appreciate how important a local mentor, who really knows their stuff is to this hobby. 

Cheers to all you quiet, reserved folks who have great listening skills, plenty of patience, and the willingness to help those who listen carefully, and follow competent advice.

[WillR]

First thing is get an adjustable observing chair. I started using one about a month into my journey, and never observe without (Unless I am doing outreach) This will be a game changer with the 8” dob. I use an Ikea gas piston armless chair. I can easily reach any eyepiece height, and I have a 10” but with the same tube length as an 8”.

 

I would get the 9.25 SCT. The fracs will show less than your 8”, frankly.

Edited by WillR, 24 November 2024 - 12:36 AM.

[Franx]

My Askar 140mm APO will be here Wednesday and I plan to be using it Wednesday night, weather permitting. Speaking of weather permitting, a dew heater comes to mind (something I’ve never needed before) and power for everything.  I was looking at the Aperture 155WH power supply to run my mount (EQ6-R) and a dew heater strip, maybe from SVBONY for 4 or 5 continuous hours. Will this power supply meet my needs for visual observing only? It’s currently on sale for $160.00.

[Bearcub]

My Askar 140mm APO will be here Wednesday and I plan to be using it Wednesday night, weather permitting. Speaking of weather permitting, a dew heater comes to mind (something I’ve never needed before) and power for everything.  I was looking at the Aperture 155WH power supply to run my mount (EQ6-R) and a dew heater strip, maybe from SVBONY for 4 or 5 continuous hours. Will this power supply meet my needs for visual observing only? It’s currently on sale for $160.00.

Cool, let us know about your askar. Im always interested in reading reviews. Gives me some perspective.

[sheath]

My Askar 140mm APO will be here Wednesday and I plan to be using it Wednesday night, weather permitting. Speaking of weather permitting, a dew heater comes to mind (something I’ve never needed before) and power for everything.  I was looking at the Aperture 155WH power supply to run my mount (EQ6-R) and a dew heater strip, maybe from SVBONY for 4 or 5 continuous hours. Will this power supply meet my needs for visual observing only? It’s currently on sale for $160.00.

Might be worth checking in the Mount sub forum:  https://www.cloudyni...orum/66-mounts/

I'm not familiar with the mount or power supply, but the mount has extensive coverage in the sub forum. 

 

Clear skies!

[gnowellsct]

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.

Some stuff I'll toss.  I had some Japanese .965 eyepieces here for several years.  I advertised them at twenty bucks each.  I advertised them at ten bucks each.  I advertised them at "cost of shipping only" and even then had no takers.

 

Into the trash.

 

Greg N

[daveb2022]

My Askar 140mm APO will be here Wednesday and I plan to be using it Wednesday night, weather permitting. Speaking of weather permitting, a dew heater comes to mind (something I’ve never needed before) and power for everything.  I was looking at the Aperture 155WH power supply to run my mount (EQ6-R) and a dew heater strip, maybe from SVBONY for 4 or 5 continuous hours. Will this power supply meet my needs for visual observing only? It’s currently on sale for $160.00.

Not sure about your mount, but one strip ~8" strip shouldn't be an issue. I bought a Anker 521 Portable 256Wh Power Station and was surprised how fast it was sucked down. But that was using two controllers, (4) dew strips and (1) 9.25 dew ring. Kind of depends on make and the size of the strips I'd think. My 10" scope's strip is probably the hog. With the Celestron controller and dew ring, I don't have a clue what it pulls. I need to do a test with the battery station supplying my 4 channel Thousand Oaks controller only. It seems I made a mistake purchasing the 256Wh battery power supply for dew control. I'd think a 40 Ah battery (480Wh) would be a better choice for my loads. My Kendric and Thousand oaks controllers are basic type models.  For a hundred bucks more you can get a 768Wh battery (60Ah) power supply but I'd guess that is a bit overkill. I'd rather have a bit more than less, but apparently miscalculated.

 

 

 

When I was imaging, I just used a trolling motor battery box and put a 100 amp AGM battery in it. Now days, a lithium battery is half the size and weight. Easy to make your own power station similar to these.

[Franx]

Well my Askar 140 APO arrived this afternoon, finally! I’ll be honest, it’s a bit more robust than I was expecting and that’s a good thing in my opinion. I’m very impressed with the fit and finish, everything moves smoothly as expected and the focuser is a dream. It was easy to balance on my EQ6R but I’ll definitely need the pier extension for viewing at the zenith. 

Hopefully I’ll be able to use it tonight, weather gods permitting. I’m a visual observer but I have taken a few pictures with my iPhone so if I remember I’ll take a few.

 

** I was able to get a few hours of viewing in tonight and I tried to attach a few files but they are too large. As far as the views go, they are crisp and clean. No false color or haloes around any bright objects including Sirius. Venus, Mars, Jupiter and the moon were very nice at medium magnification. Hopefully I’ll get back out there Saturday night but I’m very happy so far with this OTA.

Edited by Franx, 05 February 2025 - 09:46 PM.

[Bearcub]

Well my Askar 140 APO arrived this afternoon, finally! I’ll be honest, it’s a bit more robust than I was expecting and that’s a good thing in my opinion. I’m very impressed with the fit and finish, everything moves smoothly as expected and the focuser is a dream. It was easy to balance on my EQ6R but I’ll definitely need the pier extension for viewing at the zenith. 

Hopefully I’ll be able to use it tonight, weather gods permitting. I’m a visual observer but I have taken a few pictures with my iPhone so if I remember I’ll take a few.

 

** I was able to get a few hours of viewing in tonight and I tried to attach a few files but they are too large. As far as the views go, they are crisp and clean. No false color or haloes around any bright objects including Sirius. Venus, Mars, Jupiter and the moon were very nice at medium magnification. Hopefully I’ll get back out there Saturday night but I’m very happy so far with this OTA.

You can upload big photos in your gallery and then press "my media" button when writing a post and the select those photos to attach to your forum messages.

[Franx]

Thanks to Bearcub I was able to post images from my phone. The images are not a very good representation of what I see through the eyepiece but they do show the lack of color fringing or halos.

[Bearcub]

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Bearcub I was able to post images from my phone. The images are not a very good representation of what I see through the eyepiece but they do show the lack of color fringing or halos.

 

Your photos are good quality considering they are only 50Kb... You dont have to reduce size so much. I believe you can upload 5Megabyte photos in your gallery.. Without gallery, but directly to post 500KB is max size.

[JOEinCO]

.

Oh my my.  He had to sell everything in his house, furniture/decorations/everything, to get the 140!!

 

Though he did manage to keep the doormat....