Hi, it's been a while. I'm considering buying myself a refractor because i love refractors and long focal ratios. My limited budget allows me something in the 80mm - 100mm range. I wonder if should i go with modern achromats like Omni XLT 102mm or stick with the classic ones, say, Towa 339 80mm f/15 or a Vixen 90M. Refractors are not so long these days and i mainly think of using the scope for moon and planets (including decent views of Mars), so is a difficult decision. Maybe i would once in a while, use a webcam for taking a planetary video, but mainly for visual joy. I like the oldschool refractors very much, like Vixen 80M or 90M. How about a Vixen 90M/Towa 339 vs Omni XLT 102?
Best regards.
Hello wishmaster,
Some of the old classic achros like the Goto Kogaku, Takahashi and Unitrons have really nice optics. That can be truly realized using modern diagonals and eyepieces but these scopes command APO prices when ever you find them. The modern Achros will outclass most all other classic Achros, such as the Towa's Like Jimeh, posted, the Altair Starwave 102ED F/11 also known as the TS Optic 102ED F/11 (TS Optics has a version with a Lanthanum element) The Altair 102ED F/11, way out performs its price point and was my favorite Lunar and Planetary scope for years.
HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro
Here is a long running set of Altair Starwave 102ED CN Threads.
https://www.cloudyni...2ed-f11-yes-ed/
My Altair Starwave 102ED F/11 in tandem with a Atrotech 102ED F/7 for size comparison.
Edited by Jethro7, 15 February 2025 - 11:23 PM.