I've thought about it hard, I just can't pick a few. I could get it down to about 12, but 3? I can't choose.

If you could pick just three?
#52
Posted 05 November 2024 - 10:26 AM
Celestron First Scope 80 by Vixen
Vixen 102 Fluorite
My most used of all, My USA Meade 90ETX on Unitron 114 mount
Honorable mention
Sears 76mm from 1972
Edited by grif 678, 05 November 2024 - 10:37 AM.
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#53
Posted 05 November 2024 - 10:38 AM
I've thought about it hard, I just can't pick a few. I could get it down to about 12, but 3? I can't choose.
Fortunately, it's just a game..
I once was in a similar situation but downsized so that today, my "classic" scopes are just modern scopes that happen to be 25 years old.
I've been thinking of the "true classics" I've owned, which are my three favorites?
I'm thinking the 12.5 inch Meade RG, a Criterion RV-6 and an Asahi-Pentax 60 mm x 800 mm with an honorable mention to the many, many 80 mm x 900 mm refractors I've owned.
Edited by Jon Isaacs, 05 November 2024 - 11:23 AM.
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#54
Posted 05 November 2024 - 02:37 PM
about 20 of the 24 scopes that I have are over 55 years old. Some of those are older that 60, and a couple over 65.
Edited by Garyth64, 05 November 2024 - 02:37 PM.
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#55
Posted 05 November 2024 - 03:04 PM
Easy:
1: Zeiss 100/640 APQ
2: Zeiss 100/640 APQ
3: Zeiss 100/640 APQ
These cover all my bases!
In different configurations, of course
(and it’s all about that junk in all the right places, right).
• Zeiss Herschel Wedge for WL or ERF + TV Telecentrics and SolarSpectrum Etalon for Ha
• Zeiss and Baader FFC barlows + TV Powermates & Ethos 13,8 for lunar & planet
• TV 41 Pan & 21 Ethos + Nightvision monocular for DSO
Plus:
Baader/Zeiss 2” Amici diagonals for all visual
Mono camera for solar system recordings
Smartphone + NightCap for DSO (incl. nebulae!)
Of course a large box of further bits & bobs (filters, GPCs, binos, laser pointer, etc)
And oh yes, I still have an excellent classic Vixen FL-80s and a Unitron 128 60/900 with all the bells & whistles, that I dont ise anymore and that needs to go, maybe to my two young girly grandkids. We’ll see.
And another large box of bobs & bits, coming up for sale…
But all-in-all, just one left
— Allan
Ahh hmm, oh yes.
I also still have a Zeiss Telemator C63/840 + Teleminor with accs.
How could I forget that…?
Well, I’ll tell you: they are packed away in a box, because —wonderful magnificent scopes, as they are — I never reach for them now i have a full 4” APQ setup. I think it all boils down to not wanting to spend time on the collecting and restoring and comparing segment of our hobby, but instead wanting to concentrate on observing and exploring and sharing the experiences with my scope under the stars.
Getting older, realizing the remaining time is limited, and precious,
trying to not accumulate things but instead maximize usage and yield.
Edited by AllanDystrup, 06 November 2024 - 02:43 AM.
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#56
Posted 05 November 2024 - 03:09 PM
I've thought about it hard, I just can't pick a few. I could get it down to about 12, but 3? I can't choose.
While our scopes might differ, in that regard we are pretty much alike.
Just looking at my 60mm scopes, it's hard to pick only 3!
The ones below in Blue being the hardest to part with.
Green is the next rung but still difficult
1976 & 78? Mayflower 814s (SYW)60/700
1960s Mayflower 806 (Towa) 60/400 Cutdown OTA
1969 Shrine Manon (APL) Black and Silver 60/700
1958-60 Bushnell Sky Chief (RAO?)60/910 w/ Alt-Az & GEM mount
1958-59 Tasco 227x (RAO?)OTA 60/910
1957 Unitron 114 62/900 (NS)
1950s Soligor 60/1000
1958 Goto Hy-Score 451 60/900
1969 Penncrest (Towa) 60/1000
1960 Crescent (Towa AT2) 60/800
1983 Celestron (Vixen) C60-E (Orange Tube) 60/910
1980ish Swift Aerolite 859 (Carton) 60/910
1960 Swift 839 (AMA) 60/800
196? Kenko TA-710 (Circle K) 60/710 Alt-Az
1960ish ATCO 1252 (OTS)
1985 Meade 277 60/300 (MIZAR)
Yeah I have a problem but...
I just love the character and different ways each brand did the same thing.
Edited by Kasmos, 05 November 2024 - 03:15 PM.
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#57
Posted 05 November 2024 - 03:19 PM
While our scopes might differ, in that regard we are pretty much alike.
Just looking at my 60mm scopes, it's hard to pick only 3!
The ones below in Blue being the hardest to part with.
Green is the next rung but still difficult
1976 & 78? Mayflower 814s (SYW)60/700
1960s Mayflower 806 (Towa) 60/400 Cutdown OTA
1969 Shrine Manon (APL) Black and Silver 60/700
1958-60 Bushnell Sky Chief (RAO?)60/910 w/ Alt-Az & GEM mount
1958-59 Tasco 227x (RAO?)OTA 60/910
1957 Unitron 114 62/900 (NS)
1950s Soligor 60/1000
1958 Goto Hy-Score 451 60/900
1969 Penncrest (Towa) 60/1000
1960 Crescent (Towa AT2) 60/800
1983 Celestron (Vixen) C60-E (Orange Tube) 60/910
1980ish Swift Aerolite 859 (Carton) 60/910
1960 Swift 839 (AMA) 60/800
196? Kenko TA-710 (Circle K) 60/710 Alt-Az1960ish ATCO 1252 (OTS)
1985 Meade 277 60/300 (MIZAR)
Yeah I have a problem but...
I just love the character and different ways each brand did the same thing.
If you want to part with the Sky Chief EQ... I already have an OTA!
-drl
#58
Posted 05 November 2024 - 06:58 PM
You got rid of the mint Celestron Vixen C102 on the SP!? You said you’d never let that one go.
I typed too soon. Looks like some of the junk in the trunk is coming back home. So the C102 is coming back. I am gonna leave the walls as they are with no drywall so that way when it floods next year i won't have to cut the walls out again. I can't go thru that dust again as it got everywhere when i cut the walls up. Took weeks to clean it up.
Edited by CHASLX200, 05 November 2024 - 07:11 PM.
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#59
Posted 06 November 2024 - 11:52 AM
I typed too soon. Looks like some of the junk in the trunk is coming back home. So the C102 is coming back. I am gonna leave the walls as they are with no drywall so that way when it floods next year i won't have to cut the walls out again. I can't go thru that dust again as it got everywhere when i cut the walls up. Took weeks to clean it up.
Sounds like you’re opting for an open floor plan.
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#60
Posted 06 November 2024 - 03:10 PM
While our scopes might differ, in that regard we are pretty much alike.
Just looking at my 60mm scopes, it's hard to pick only 3!
The ones below in Blue being the hardest to part with.
Green is the next rung but still difficult
1976 & 78? Mayflower 814s (SYW)60/700
1960s Mayflower 806 (Towa) 60/400 Cutdown OTA
1969 Shrine Manon (APL) Black and Silver 60/700
1958-60 Bushnell Sky Chief (RAO?)60/910 w/ Alt-Az & GEM mount
1958-59 Tasco 227x (RAO?)OTA 60/910
1957 Unitron 114 62/900 (NS)
1950s Soligor 60/1000
1958 Goto Hy-Score 451 60/900
1969 Penncrest (Towa) 60/1000
1960 Crescent (Towa AT2) 60/800
1983 Celestron (Vixen) C60-E (Orange Tube) 60/910
1980ish Swift Aerolite 859 (Carton) 60/910
1960 Swift 839 (AMA) 60/800
196? Kenko TA-710 (Circle K) 60/710 Alt-Az1960ish ATCO 1252 (OTS)
1985 Meade 277 60/300 (MIZAR)
Yeah I have a problem but...
I just love the character and different ways each brand did the same thing.
Nothing wrong with that. I wouldn’t say you have a problem. I would just say you’re a collector.
As I said in my OP (#1):
”I came to the realization that at heart and from the beginning and most of my 60 years in the hobby, I am primarily an observer, not a collector. I really got into collecting on from a happenstance trip to a thrift store, and coincidently discovering this forum in 2012. Those two things started a decade of Classic Telescope Collecting mania, or CTC syndrome, an affliction which I presume many of you possess, admittedly or not.“
When I realized that I was becoming one, I began to feel that I was literally drowning in telescopes. I feel fine now that I have cut my collection of classics down the the three that were most important to me.
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#61
Posted 06 November 2024 - 07:03 PM
Sounds like you’re opting for an open floor plan.
Been slapping up card board. Not gonna deal with dry wall as i do it all day anyways and not doing it when i get off work.
#62
Posted 07 November 2024 - 11:52 AM
Telementor C63 with T1 mount
AS80/1200 and AS110/1650 on Zeiss 1b mount.
But if consider that Tak FOA60 and 100DZ are going to become classics at some point the selection would be slightly different
FOA60 + Tak100DZ riding on Telementor mount. I would keep AS110, however I can fit at the same OTA my 82/1670mm doublet, and I would be taking AS110 only occasionally. That's actually my current mode of operation.
Edited by Sasa, 07 November 2024 - 11:57 AM.
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#63
Posted 09 November 2024 - 12:48 AM
Easy for me due to my low count of exactly three officially classic scopes:
1. Cave 8" Model B Deluxe (1975), recently restored and converted to servo drive with Byers gears
2. Sears 60mm blue tube 15-60 zoom and the erecting lens. Terrible optics, bad tripod, unusable "finder" with no glass, but was my first telescope (Christmas gift from parents when I was 6-7 years old) and the first thing I ever saw the rings of Saturn with.
3. Celestron 11x80 binoculars, original made-in-Japan version. Bought new for Halley's comet but they are now fully qualified as classic.
Can I claim a future classic?? Recently acquired a ~2020 AT152EDT 6" triplet...it turned out to be wicked sharp. No way I am parting with it. It just has to wait 20 years for the Dead Chicken of Classic Scopes to be waved over it.
Edited by Dave Cook, 09 November 2024 - 12:53 AM.
#65
Posted 16 November 2024 - 02:39 PM
This is easy for me since I’ve already reduced all my classics down to a final two:
Questar 3.5
Mayflower 816
Me too, Bob, or soon will be. One leaves home Thursday. Then I’ll be down to two classics (and 6 moderns! ).
PS: you should try out a SeeStar. Not a lot of money but a lot of fun and a whole new way of seeing a whole lot more in a light polluted environment.
Edited by Terra Nova, 16 November 2024 - 02:41 PM.
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#66
Posted 16 November 2024 - 03:09 PM
Me too, Bob, or soon will be. One leaves home Thursday. Then I’ll be down to two classics (and 6 moderns!
).
PS: you should try out a SeeStar. Not a lot of money but a lot of fun and a whole new way of seeing a whole lot more in a light polluted environment.
Lol, I have all "moderns." Now if you asked about classic mounts, that would have been different.
I have to say, I'm intrigued by the SeeStar. You have one, or used one?
Edited by Exnihilo, 16 November 2024 - 03:10 PM.
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#67
Posted 16 November 2024 - 04:23 PM
1) Celestron C8 Orange Tube SCT(vintage 1976)
2) Spacek 6" f/15 Refractor
3) Criterion RV6 Newtonian
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#68
Posted 16 November 2024 - 05:18 PM
Lol, I have all "moderns." Now if you asked about classic mounts, that would have been different.
I have to say, I'm intrigued by the SeeStar. You have one, or used one?
I have one.
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#69
Posted 16 November 2024 - 06:10 PM
Me too, Bob, or soon will be. One leaves home Thursday. Then I’ll be down to two classics (and 6 moderns!
).
PS: you should try out a SeeStar. Not a lot of money but a lot of fun and a whole new way of seeing a whole lot more in a light polluted environment.
Funny you should say that. I’ve been kicking around the idea of the SeeStar 50 as a Christmas present since I’m definitely in a light polluted environment. So, you like your SeeStar? Any advice/recommendation? I don’t think I’d want the 30. I already have the good tripods and I’d get the “levelers”.
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#70
Posted 16 November 2024 - 07:09 PM
Funny you should say that. I’ve been kicking around the idea of the SeeStar 50 as a Christmas present since I’m definitely in a light polluted environment. So, you like your SeeStar? Any advice/recommendation? I don’t think I’d want the 30. I already have the good tripods and I’d get the “levelers”.
Bob, Yes, definitely get the 50, NOT the 30. Also a decent tripod, the included one is too short. The optional leveler head is a nice accessory. I also got the dew shield because like you, it can get pretty humid here in the summer, and I thought it might help with frost in the winter; also it helps block stray light from my building. I also got the adapter ring that allows you to use 2" filters (I haven't used that but I wanted to have it on hand). It works great on my balcony and aligns itself just fine with the stars it can see and also using the gps on my iPhone. The alignment with plate solving and the go-to is a different world compared to the Meade LX85 which we both had. That was a nightmare with my limited sky exposure that I had in my backyard and would never have worked here on my balcony. This is night and day by comparison. It's really easy to interface with your smart phone, at least mine was.
I'm looking forward to setting it up on my balcony on winter nights and being able to observe from the comfort of my living room. I think these features and attributes make it perfect for us condo dwellers. Also, everything but the larger tripod fits in its sturdy case and case in one hand, my lightweight carbon fiber tripod in it's shoulder bag, and my iPhone in my pocket makes it all an easy carry to take up on to our rooftop patio, or to the park down the street. It's built in battery holds its charge a long time, so no need to carry an external power pack.
Check out the picture galleries in the smart telescopes forum. It's amazing what they can do. I'm not into all the post processing stuff. Just the raw output is fun and suits me fine. I think you would love it. The Questar used to be called the self contained observatory in a box. This is the Questar of the future. All you need fits in the case, plus a better tripod and your smart phone or tablet. You will love it!
Edited by Terra Nova, 16 November 2024 - 07:25 PM.
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#71
Posted 16 November 2024 - 10:45 PM
Lol, I have all "moderns." Now if you asked about classic mounts, that would have been different.
I have to say, I'm intrigued by the SeeStar. You have one, or used one?
Other than the Bogen, all of my mounts are 21st century modern. The oldest is the Vixen Porta II that I bought new in 2011. They're also all alt-az.
Edited by Terra Nova, 16 November 2024 - 10:46 PM.
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#72
Posted 17 November 2024 - 09:57 AM
… I think it all boils down to not wanting to spend time on the collecting and restoring and comparing segment of our hobby, but instead wanting to concentrate on observing and exploring and sharing the experiences with my scope under the stars.
Getting older, realizing the remaining time is limited, and precious,
trying to not accumulate things but instead maximize usage and yield. — Allan
Very wise words Allan. I think wisdom comes with age. That’s what I’ve always been told, and we are right at the same age. I feel the same way. I’m not paring it down to one mind you. I don’t think that there’s one scope for all seasons, and I do believe that a modicum of variety adds some spice to life. None the less, I too want to observe, not accumulate. Lightening the load is very freeing! There’s a reason for the word unburdening. It truly is.
Edited by Terra Nova, 17 November 2024 - 12:47 PM.
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#73
Posted 17 November 2024 - 04:41 PM
Bob, Yes, definitely get the 50, NOT the 30. Also a decent tripod, the included one is too short. The optional leveler head is a nice accessory. I also got the dew shield because like you, it can get pretty humid here in the summer, and I thought it might help with frost in the winter; also it helps block stray light from my building. I also got the adapter ring that allows you to use 2" filters (I haven't used that but I wanted to have it on hand). It works great on my balcony and aligns itself just fine with the stars it can see and also using the gps on my iPhone. The alignment with plate solving and the go-to is a different world compared to the Meade LX85 which we both had. That was a nightmare with my limited sky exposure that I had in my backyard and would never have worked here on my balcony. This is night and day by comparison. It's really easy to interface with your smart phone, at least mine was.
I'm looking forward to setting it up on my balcony on winter nights and being able to observe from the comfort of my living room. I think these features and attributes make it perfect for us condo dwellers. Also, everything but the larger tripod fits in its sturdy case and case in one hand, my lightweight carbon fiber tripod in it's shoulder bag, and my iPhone in my pocket makes it all an easy carry to take up on to our rooftop patio, or to the park down the street. It's built in battery holds its charge a long time, so no need to carry an external power pack.
Check out the picture galleries in the smart telescopes forum. It's amazing what they can do. I'm not into all the post processing stuff. Just the raw output is fun and suits me fine. I think you would love it. The Questar used to be called the self contained observatory in a box. This is the Questar of the future. All you need fits in the case, plus a better tripod and your smart phone or tablet. You will love it!
Thank you, Terra!
This info is really helpful and I’ve made up my mind to get one with the leveler. I have Oberwerk and Manfrotto tripods and both are quite substantial, especially the Manfrotto. It sounds perfect for our living situations. The order is going out this week!
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#74
Posted 17 November 2024 - 05:22 PM
I may wind up with just the SeeStar 50 and the Questar 3.5! Need to sell 2 telescopes!
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#75
Posted 17 November 2024 - 05:25 PM
Selling telescopes? If I may quote Nancy Reagan "Just say no"
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