87 replies to this topic

[Ben Diss]

Talk me off a cliff please.

 

I have jumped feet first into the deep end. I had a chance to pick up a Mach2 after passing on my place in line early last year. The mount arrived, I've figured out how to use it and have been imaging with my Edge 11". All is well, but I'd really like to have a wide field refractor for different targets.

 

I'm at a point in life where I don't mind dropping what just a few years ago would seem like insane amounts of money into this hobby. I figure these things are durable goods, capital assets that depreciate slowly, especially when purchased used. I'm young enough to use them for hopefully 10-15 years before I age out of the heavy equipment.

 

Having said all this, I've fallen in  love with the TOA-130/TOA-150 refractors even though I've never seen one, looked through one, or imaged with one. I figure if I'm going to get one, why not get the big one. I have a rig that doesn't get broke down every night. I roll it out to the driveway from the garage and roll it back in the next morning, so the weight and complexity of setup isn't a concern.

 

So, tell me why I'm crazy to think I should get a big, heavy Takahashi refractor for imaging in bortle 6 skies.

 

Thanks, and I look forward to comments.

 

-Ben

[zjc26138]

I say do it!

[cougarone]

Sorry but I can't talk you out of it. I just retired and totally realized I do not have much time left to lug heavy equipment around and thus went down the same path you are heading down. In fact a purchased a bunch of expensive equipment just before I retired including a MACH 2 and will put a SVX140T on it ;and will roll it out of garage on to the driveway for imaging (Bortle 6 at home and Bortle 4 at cabin). Just purchase it and be done!

[RamStrocsop]

You are not crazy. On the contrary, this is a well thought plan. Just do it!!

[rachnoman]

If you can swing it, go for it!

You may also want to consider the TOA 130 for a wider field of view.

[ken30809]

The fact that you have a semi-permanent set up and you can manage the weight, I’d say go for it. I have the TOA-130 and I love it. Personally, I wouldn’t buy the TOA-150 unless I had the observatory and mount to go with it. But I’m an older guy…. Good luck with your decision. 

[gpom]

I'm not here to talk you out of the Takahahi, I've never used or been around one. I'm here to talk you into a nice refractor purchase

 

I would simply say, figure out your ideal field of view/focal length and make your decision from there. Unless you are 100% set on a Tak, shop around with some of the other premium refractor brands (AP, TEC, CFF, etc.) Different combos of field flatteners and reducers should allow you to have a few different focal lengths.

 

Nothing wrong with a nice scope in bortle 6!

[Dean J.]

Talk me off a cliff please.

 

I have jumped feet first into the deep end. I had a chance to pick up a Mach2 after passing on my place in line early last year. The mount arrived, I've figured out how to use it and have been imaging with my Edge 11". All is well, but I'd really like to have a wide field refractor for different targets.

 

I'm at a point in life where I don't mind dropping what just a few years ago would seem like insane amounts of money into this hobby. I figure these things are durable goods, capital assets that depreciate slowly, especially when purchased used. I'm young enough to use them for hopefully 10-15 years before I age out of the heavy equipment.

 

Having said all this, I've fallen in  love with the TOA-130/TOA-150 refractors even though I've never seen one, looked through one, or imaged with one. I figure if I'm going to get one, why not get the big one. I have a rig that doesn't get broke down every night. I roll it out to the driveway from the garage and roll it back in the next morning, so the weight and complexity of setup isn't a concern.

 

So, tell me why I'm crazy to think I should get a big, heavy Takahashi refractor for imaging in bortle 6 skies.

 

Thanks, and I look forward to comments.

 

-Ben

Check with the folks at Astro-Physics and make sure that the TOA-150 isn't too much for the Mach2. 

[Lagrange]

It sounds like it's the ideal time for you to make a purchase like this.

 

You've got a setup that's capable of carrying a big, relatively heavy refractor and you're able to handle the physical side of using it and you're familiar with the logistics of using a large scope.

 

The TOA-150B is far from cheap but by all accounts it's about as good as it gets optically in a scope of that size.

[Binofrac]

Threads like these only ever go one way.

 

If life is measured by the good times then purchase and be d@mned.

Edited by Binofrac, 17 March 2025 - 09:44 AM.

[RichA]

Talk me off a cliff please.

 

I have jumped feet first into the deep end. I had a chance to pick up a Mach2 after passing on my place in line early last year. The mount arrived, I've figured out how to use it and have been imaging with my Edge 11". All is well, but I'd really like to have a wide field refractor for different targets.

 

I'm at a point in life where I don't mind dropping what just a few years ago would seem like insane amounts of money into this hobby. I figure these things are durable goods, capital assets that depreciate slowly, especially when purchased used. I'm young enough to use them for hopefully 10-15 years before I age out of the heavy equipment.

 

Having said all this, I've fallen in  love with the TOA-130/TOA-150 refractors even though I've never seen one, looked through one, or imaged with one. I figure if I'm going to get one, why not get the big one. I have a rig that doesn't get broke down every night. I roll it out to the driveway from the garage and roll it back in the next morning, so the weight and complexity of setup isn't a concern.

 

So, tell me why I'm crazy to think I should get a big, heavy Takahashi refractor for imaging in bortle 6 skies.

 

Thanks, and I look forward to comments.

 

-Ben

I search around, comparing images in it and the C11 (compressed) to see how they'd differ.

[Jethro7]

Talk me off a cliff please.

 

So, tell me why I'm crazy to think I should get a big, heavy Takahashi refractor for imaging in bortle 6 skies.

 

 

Hello Ben Diss,

Jump and come on down, "The Water is Fine" 

 

 The bad part of making a decision to buy a frac of this class would put me somewhat into a dilima. Between The Tak TOA 150 and a TEC 160. The good part is I really can't loose either way. However the considerations for buying a TEC 160 are, the TEC 160 is cheaper a little Lighter and made in the USA. 

 

Anacortes Telecopes will have a TEC 160 ready for shippment in four weeks.

https://www.buytelescopes.com/

 

Here is a link to the vibrant TEC Telescope Users Forum Groups io. 

Yuri, the owner of TEC Telescopes is a regular contributor. 

 

https://groups.io/g/tec-scopes

 

YOU WILL LOVE THE TAK. KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

Edited by Jethro7, 17 March 2025 - 03:55 PM.

[DeanS]

I had a TOA150 and loved the optics but that was it.  Very heavy and awkward to handle, and cool down time was long when when temps dropped fast.  Tak parts and adapters expensive too.

 

I went to a TEC140 and used it way more often, and now have a TEC160 which is the perfect scope for me.  Although I think a TEC180 would be even more perfect

 

Something we all should consider if we image is that most optics are old designs and not optimized for todays smaller pixels.  If you check spot sizes on various designs it will be obvious. 

 

Tak will be making some big changes in the coming year and retiring some scopes that have been considered the best for this very reason.  And many of the imported scopes are just copies of these older optical designs so why try to compete with them.

 

Anyways something to consider but sure is nice to have our current selections of toys.

 

Dean

[Ben Diss]

Check with the folks at Astro-Physics and make sure that the TOA-150 isn't too much for the Mach2. 

Well shoot. I hadn't thought it'd be close to the limits, but I'll ask and make sure. Thanks!

[Dean J.]

Well shoot. I hadn't thought it'd be close to the limits, but I'll ask and make sure. Thanks!

The weight should be considered along with the diameter and length of the TOA-150.  Check out the "Specifications" tab on the AP Mach2 page -->

 

https://www.astro-physics.com/mach2

Edited by Dean J., 17 March 2025 - 09:54 PM.

[Aibrahim]

I have the TOA130 and 150. I would not trade the 150 for anything and I would never sell it. The optics are just pure magic. High definition image and a magical presentation is what you expect. Best scope I have and I have lots.

[payner]

Well shoot. I hadn't thought it'd be close to the limits, but I'll ask and make sure. Thanks!

The TOA-150 will ride comfortably on your mount. You will not regret this nearly optically perfect telescope. I do not find it awkward and mount it by placing the OTA into the rings which are already coupled to the mount.

[bobhen]

If you are just going to be imaging with the Tak, you might want to consider the Takahashi FSQ106ED. You'll get a much wider field, which you say you are after. For visual and imaging, the TOAs are superb.

 

Bob  

[Ben Diss]

If you are just going to be imaging with the Tak, you might want to consider the Takahashi FSQ106ED. You'll get a much wider field, which you say you are after. For visual and imaging, the TOAs are superb.

 

Bob  

Well I meant wider than the 2800mm the Edge11 gives me. But, make no mistake in my intentions. There may be one of those in the shop soon too.

[dryfly]

I don't think anyone here will try to talk you out of it.  If anything, we'll just try to try to talk you into bigger!

 

Mike

[f430]

I don't think anyone here will try to talk you out of it.  If anything, we'll just try to try to talk you into bigger!

 

Mike

  

[25585]

I had a TOA150 and loved the optics but that was it.  Very heavy and awkward to handle, and cool down time was long when when temps dropped fast.  Tak parts and adapters expensive too.

 

I went to a TEC140 and used it way more often, and now have a TEC160 which is the perfect scope for me.  Although I think a TEC180 would be even more perfect

 

Something we all should consider if we image is that most optics are old designs and not optimized for todays smaller pixels.  If you check spot sizes on various designs it will be obvious. 

 

Tak will be making some big changes in the coming year and retiring some scopes that have been considered the best for this very reason.  And many of the imported scopes are just copies of these older optical designs so why try to compete with them.

 

Anyways something to consider but sure is nice to have our current selections of toys.

 

Dean

  

[Erik Bakker]

Get one and enjoy it while life is kind to you.

[PIEJr]

Well, the mount has a 75 pound weight rating.

Now figure out the weight of everything you want to put on it from the clamp up, including the dovetail bar, and everything you can imagine you might ever use for imaging. (Camera, filter setup, rotator, focuser, guiding system, electronics and USB hub if applicable.)

In the upper escalon of mounts, the Photographic Equipment load is clearly stated, so you don't take the 75 pound load rating and halve it like the typical Asian mounts.

 

"Capacity Approximately 75 lb. (34 kg) scope and accessories only (maximum capacity depends on scope diameter). Refer to the graphic that discusses weight capacity calculation." And Karen.... 

 

What are you waiting for?  

[Mcloud]

Primarily because you'll feel better in your heart purchasing it and donating to me.