12 replies to this topic

[Johnic]

So as the topic says, I would like to get a Sky watcher quattro 8" for galaxies and I know its the best bank for the buck for FL in this range but I'm super concerned about the issues associated with these vs a Refractor. I know a refractor in this FL is more expensive buuuuut its grab and go. 

 

So the question, I don't have the patience to tinker much anymore and I wouldn't mind the initial setup and collimation, if it's going to give me issues ever night or much after setup I might avoid this style reflector all together. 

Will this scope give me the freedom to grab and image easily each night and what upgrades will I need to make it reliable.

 

I'm also willing to explore better Newts that are more reliable.

 

I will add, I'm using an asiair 

Edited by Johnic, 18 February 2025 - 05:01 PM.

[mayhem13]

So in order to get this scope up to par for imaging you’ll need to purchase a coma corrector, off axis guider and a new focuser. A primary mirror aperture mask is available and reduces star bloat caused by diffraction from the mirror clips. Financially at retail, you’re likely around $1500 which puts your at the grab and go price point of say an Askar 120 APO which has a similar focal length.

 

The Quattro still has the advantage of speed but there’s a price to be paid. F4 scopes aren’t easy to collimate to the level of precision that puts them on par with an APO….axial collimation must be within .32mm. This will require some precision collimation tools and the practical experience to use them….. not as difficult as it sounds but there’s more tinkering involved. These entry level newts are also notorious for NOT holding collimation as they slew or the temps change. Two known causes for the optical flexure are the tube rings and the secondary mirror holder assy. There are replacement options out there to solve those issues as well.

 

Over view?…..I have an ES Carbon Tube version of one of these….and it’s a beast of a scope now. All in, I’ve spent around $2300 plus my time. Am I happy with the performance?….absolutely. Would I do it again?……..absolutely not. I’d opt for a 140mm APO with a quality reducer for around the same $$$ and weight without the hassle of collimation.

[Nemo51]

What he said. I had one and gave up in disgust. 

[Johnic]

Interesting. To be honest, I am leaning toward the Askar 140apo. I think that will be a decent galaxy scope at native 1000fl and I can reduce down to 780fl if the swing seeing isn’t good.

How’s that idea ?

[mayhem13]

Interesting. To be honest, I am leaning toward the Askar 140apo. I think that will be a decent galaxy scope at native 1000fl and I can reduce down to 780fl if the swing seeing isn’t good.

How’s that idea ?

I think that’s an excellent choice……happy someone can benefit from my somewhat expensive  hindsight. The pixel size of the 533 is a good match for average or better seeing.

 

Make sure the guide scope is super secure on the main scope to avoid flexure and since you’re after galaxies with the 533, use just an IR/UV cut filter to keep the stars from bloating.

[cuzimthedad]

Moving to Beginning Deep Sky Imaging...

[Johnic]

Ya. I might even get the 120 to save a few bucks. I think the native 120 at 840fl with the 2600 is a good image scale and should get some good galaxies details.

[Johnic]

Going with the 140 apo !

[Spaceman 56]

Going with the 140 apo !

what mount will you put the 140 apo on Johnic ?

[Johnic]

what mount will you put the 140 apo on Johnic ?

I will use my AM5n. 

I just ordered the 140apo.

[Spaceman 56]

I will use my AM5n. 

I just ordered the 140apo.

a 140mm apo is a big scope johnic.

 

whats the mount upper payload capacity ?

[mayhem13]

a 140mm apo is a big scope johnic.

 

whats the mount upper payload capacity ?

The scope is 20lbs….add another 3-4 for the optical train and he’s well within the unbalanced spec of 33lbs.

[Johnic]

a 140mm apo is a big scope johnic.

 

whats the mount upper payload capacity ?

The upper limit is 44lbs with added weight bar and weight. There are a number of folks running the 140 on the Am5n currently.