51 replies to this topic

[Chris Lindsay]

Just sold my Mak150 setup.  It needed to go and I would like to try a refractor. There are few Orion 80st and mead 80 explorer.  I'm open to larger ones but I have been looking on FB market place for something  for planets and wide field views.  I am open to smaller too but Looking for that diamond in the ruff.

 

Thanks for any suggestions, my kids were not happy with the sale so would like to find something. 

 

 

[Napp]

Planets and widefield views are kinda opposing requirements.  Widefield usually means short focal length.  Planetary observing works better with longer focal length like your old Mak had.  Which is more important?  The usual 80mm refractor today is short focal length and not really good for planetary.  The old long focal length refractors had very narrow fields of view.  Why did you let the Mak go?

[maniack]

Under $150 you're going to have choose one or the other. To do both well you'll need ED glass at the least, and that's more than $150 even on the used market.

[Inkie]

I found this quick hit at B&H Optical where I have shopped several times...online.  Very good service if my experience is any indication.

 

https://www.bhphotov..._refractor.html

 

I have to be scrupulously honest, though; this is a 'junior's' telescope, one meant for junior under the Christmas tree with the same hope of amazement that a guitar of similar quality might offer the parents. After your Mak, you will find this a bust, as you will any optical tube costing you less than about $300-ish.  And then you need a mount and tripod of decent quality so as to actually be able to use the entire ensemble to good effect.  I would urge you to look at an SvBony Sv225 alt-ax manual controls mount.  And get their matching tripod, which works reasonably well....for me.  We're talking about another $300-ish...haven't checked. 

[triplemon]

Here in Portland used 60/70mm long focus (f10 to f/11) refractor on junk mounts often go as low as $20. And optically they are fine. May have a 0.965 focuser, though.

So if you were to get a ST80 on a serviceable mount there might be some change left for an additional long focus achromat that would then be good for planetary views. Might still be cheaper than getting one ED refractor that could do both.

 

Actually there is right now a 70mm f/10 on what looks like a serviceable alty-az mount on craigslist, in Gresham, just across the river.

Edited by triplemon, 18 March 2025 - 03:44 AM.

[Mcloud]

You'd be surprised what you can find on Craigslist by posting a wanted ad.

[davidc135]

Maybe a used 5'' or 6'' Dob could be an all-rounder and inside budget. Unless it needs to be a refractor.

 

David

Edited by davidc135, 18 March 2025 - 06:42 AM.

[tcifani]

Just sold my Mak150 setup.  It needed to go and I would like to try a refractor. There are few Orion 80st and mead 80 explorer.  I'm open to larger ones but I have been looking on FB market place for something  for planets and wide field views.  I am open to smaller too but Looking for that diamond in the ruff.

 

Thanks for any suggestions, my kids were not happy with the sale so would like to find something. 

I agree with Napp on scope requirements for planets and wide field views, but I think there are modest solutions to the problem. Years ago, I purchased a new "old stock" Meade 90mm F/10 refractor for about $50, mount not included. Basically, an unused older model telescope. For a while, I used an old heavy video tripod with a pan head and eventually purchased a better alt/az mount. But this scope, even at F/10, is not bad for lunar and planetary viewing despite some chromatic aberration. This scope excels at viewing double stars curiously. Using a lower power wide field eyepiece, I can actually see most of the Pleiades - not exactly wide field sweeping but not bad. And, this scope travels well compared to larger Dobs and such. So, I think it's possible to have the best of both worlds in a smaller inexpensive refractor.

 

Do you still have eyepieces and other accessories?

[Chris Lindsay]

Planets and widefield views are kinda opposing requirements.  Widefield usually means short focal length.  Planetary observing works better with longer focal length like your old Mak had.  Which is more important?  The usual 80mm refractor today is short focal length and not really good for planetary.  The old long focal length refractors had very narrow fields of view.  Why did you let the Mak go?

Financial reasons .  I probably made a mistake but it was also an older one and had the fine thread. That was prob my biggest gripe about it 

 

I found this quick hit at B&H Optical where I have shopped several times...online.  Very good service if my experience is any indication.

 

https://www.bhphotov..._refractor.html

 

I have to be scrupulously honest, though; this is a 'junior's' telescope, one meant for junior under the Christmas tree with the same hope of amazement that a guitar of similar quality might offer the parents. After your Mak, you will find this a bust, as you will any optical tube costing you less than about $300-ish.  And then you need a mount and tripod of decent quality so as to actually be able to use the entire ensemble to good effect.  I would urge you to look at an SvBony Sv225 alt-ax manual controls mount.  And get their matchin tripod, which works reasonably well....for me.  We're talking about another $300-ish...haven't checked. 

I understand the reality I have been eyeing the SVBony for a while. I'm not specifically in a hurry either.

 

Here in Portland used 60/70mm long focus (f10 to f/11) refractor on junk mounts often go as low as $20. And optically they are fine. May have a 0.965 focuser, though.

So if you were to get a ST80 on a serviceable mount there might be some change left for an additional long focus achromat that would then be good for planetary views. Might still be cheaper than getting one ED refractor that could do both.

 

Actually there is right now a 70mm f/10 on what looks like a serviceable alty-az mount on craigslist, in Gresham, just across the river.

I did see that there is some good deals though I tend to us FB.

 

You'd be surprised what you can find on Craigslist by posting a wanted ad.

Never thought of trying that.

 

Maybe a used 5'' or 6'' Dob could be an all-rounder and inside budget. Unless it needs to be a refractor.

 

David

It doesn't,  but I haven't ever had a refractor.  There is a white older c5 for $100 but I would have to find a mount. I was hoping the is a diamond in the rough  refractor wise. There is an older Vixen mad in Japan also I found.

 

I agree with Napp on scope requirements for planets and wide field views, but I think there are modest solutions to the problem. Years ago, I purchased a new "old stock" Meade 90mm F/10 refractor for about $50, mount not included. Basically, an unused older model telescope. For a while, I used an old heavy video tripod with a pan head and eventually purchased a better alt/az mount. But this scope, even at F/10, is not bad for lunar and planetary viewing despite some chromatic aberration. This scope excels at viewing double stars curiously. Using a lower power wide field eyepiece, I can actually see most of the Pleiades - not exactly wide field sweeping but not bad. And, this scope travels well compared to larger Dobs and such. So, I think it's possible to have the best of both worlds in a smaller inexpensive refractor.

 

Do you still have eyepieces and other accessories?

 

Everything went with the scope. I didn't have a huge investment in eyepieces because I like to Taylor them to the scope.  I'm basically starting over again.  I will probably see what I can find OTA wise and go from there.

 

 

Thanks for all the suggestions.  So for decent entry refractor we're talking around $300 or so .  I'm looking for more portable setup also gng. I don't have high expectations but I'm open for just about anything that I already have not had or already had at one time.

[Jon Isaacs]

Financial reasons .  I probably made a mistake but it was also an older one and had the fine thread. That was prob my biggest gripe about it 

 

I understand the reality I have been eyeing the SVBony for a while. I'm not specifically in a hurry either.

 

I did see that there is some good deals though I tend to us FB.

 

Never thought of trying that.

 

It doesn't,  but I haven't ever had a refractor.  There is a white older c5 for $100 but I would have to find a mount. I was hoping the is a diamond in the rough  refractor wise. There is an older Vixen mad in Japan also I found.

 

Everything went with the scope. I didn't have a huge investment in eyepieces because I like to Taylor them to the scope.  I'm basically starting over again.  I will probably see what I can find OTA wise and go from there.

 

 

Thanks for all the suggestions.  So for decent entry refractor we're talking around $300 or so .  I'm looking for more portable setup also gng. I don't have high expectations but I'm open for just about anything that I already have not had or already had at one time.

 

Chris:

 

You can buy a scope like an ST-80 and it will provide reasonably wide fields of view and it will not be too bad on the moon. The planets are a weak point.  An 80mm F/11 achromat will do a decent job (for an 80mm) on the planets and double stars but will be limited to a 1.7 degree TFoV.  

 

The C-5 would be similar to your MAK...  A used 6-8 inch Dob will be the most capable but will be limited to something around a 2 degree FOV and require 2 inch eyepieces to achieve that.

 

Portland has an active community of amateur astronomers.. I would be looking on Craigslist.

 

Jon

Edited by Jon Isaacs, 18 March 2025 - 09:21 AM.

[Chris Lindsay]

Yes they do. I just found a Meade adventure 80 with tripod for $30. It has the metal focuser so older model.  Have to do look bit more into it on here.

[Gonariu]

Hi, I have had an old 80/400 bought used since 2020 (the Konus Vista 80), I use it with satisfaction even on the sun, moon and planets (Mars and Jupiter) even if the planetarium is not its field. Surely you will notice the difference with the maksutov 150, this one for sure.

[maniack]

At the budget given if you really want wide field and planets your only real choice is a Newtonian/Dob with a parabolic mirror in the 4.5"+ aperture range on the used market.

 

The C-5 would be similar to your MAK...  

 

The C5 could go wider with a standard 0.63 reducer/corrector - just over 2 degrees.

 

Yes they do. I just found a Meade adventure 80 with tripod for $30. It has the metal focuser so older model.  Have to do look bit more into it on here.

I'd jump on that, assuming the collimation is fine. My first unit exhibited bad coma so I exchanged it for another. It served me well for a few years before I gave it to someone here on CN.

 

The Adventure 80 is a standard Synta ST80 with the metal focuser that can be easily tuned for more smoothness and less shift. The included tripod is garbage though. The OTA works fine on relatively cheap used Bogen tripod + fluid head combos.

[sevenofnine]

How about this 90mm achro from Explore Scientific? 

 

https://www.explores...escope-az-mount.

[Chris Lindsay]

That's a good possibility. Thanks everyone for the input definitely something to do a lot more reading up.  I'm starting to think I just have to do without and save up for a bit.   There is an Astro tech 102ed on Craigslist for $370 it will take a bit more time but in the long run I be probably happier.

[Kitfox]

Keep an eye on my Friends in Classics' little give-away thread.  Lot's of surplus surprises and gems in our collections come up for the cost of shipping...a perfect little Vixen went to a new home just days ago:

 

 

https://www.cloudyni...-thread/page-74

[Chris Lindsay]

Keep an eye on my Friends in Classics' little give-away thread.  Lot's of surplus surprises and gems in our collections come up for the cost of shipping...a perfect little Vixen went to a new home just days ago:

 

 

https://www.cloudyni...-thread/page-74

Thanks I will keep an eye on that.

 

There is a Local selling a Celestron 102AZ for $75.  It seems like a good base to start off and might get me by for now what do  you guys think?

[Terra Nova]

Thanks I will keep an eye on that.

 

There is a Local selling a Celestron 102AZ for $75.  It seems like a good base to start off and might get me by for now what do  you guys think?

I think that would be a great place for you to start. A decent 4” F6.5 refractor with good coatings can give you a wonderful introduction to both telescopes and sky observing. It will show you a lot and be a nice general purpose telescope without putting a lot of money into it. Even tho it’s an achromat, it’s definitely not a bad starter scope. Especially for $75 bucks!

Edited by Terra Nova, 24 March 2025 - 09:28 AM.

[Chris Lindsay]

I missed it so still looking. I might end up going with a Svbony.  But still going to keep my eyes open for a older Celestron. I also did find a Celestron C102  but can't make out the last two letters on it  in the listing picture . They still haven't gotten back to me yet.

[Wildetelescope]

I was going to recommend the Astronomer's without borders little dob, but they are sold out and cost about 100 bucks more than your target cost.   They ARE a nice little scope.  One of my club mates has one that I got to look through and play with.  Probably more value there than less expensive achromates, etc... but it costs more too.  Beyond that, search through the want ads.  things do pop up!

Wish you good Luck!

 

JMD

[Polyphemos]

I missed it so still looking. I might end up going with a Svbony.  But still going to keep my eyes open for a older Celestron. I also did find a Celestron C102  but can't make out the last two letters on it  in the listing picture . They still haven't gotten back to me yet.

If the price is reasonable what difference do the last two letters make? Certainly there are better and best versions, but I don’t think any of them are likely to disappoint though I’m no expert on the C102.

[MarcETX60]

For $150, a pair of binoculars (my Celestron zooms from 8x to 17x) and a support rack to hold them for you would be the best choice 

 

https://www.cloudyni...-1509828171.jpg

[LDW47]

For $150, a pair of binoculars (my Celestron zooms from 8x to 17x) and a support rack to hold them for you would be the best choice 

 

https://www.cloudyni...-1509828171.jpg

The experienced users of binos are not keen on zooms, I wouldn't dig into them. The binocular forum will verify that issue.  I have a pair of Celestron 15x70's you have to tuck your elbows into the lower rib cage without a pod, they are big and heavy.  But the 4° fov is wonderfull on a dark, clear nite. I also have a pair of Celestron 10x50 Ultima's with Bak 4 lenses but they run about $500 C if you can find a pair. They are an excellent alternative, a temporary fix, many, many astronomers will verify that. There is a Binocular Forum in these forums dealing strictly with binos and their virtues.

Edited by LDW47, 23 March 2025 - 08:49 PM.

[Bomber Bob]

Thanks I will keep an eye on that.

 

There is a Local selling a Celestron 102AZ for $75.  It seems like a good base to start off and might get me by for now what do  you guys think?

Us Classic Fans are known to down-size our Collections.  I'm doing that myself...  

 

Do you have a mount?  Or, are you looking for a scope + mount??

 

BIF:  Chris, if the scope is a Celestron OMNI 102AZ, these tend to be okay all-rounders -- F6 / F7 IIRC -- so good deep sky & acceptable planetary...

Edited by Bomber Bob, 23 March 2025 - 06:02 PM.

[Bomber Bob]

If the price is reasonable what difference do the last two letters make? Certainly there are better and best versions, but I don’t think any of them are likely to disappoint though I’m no expert on the C102.

C102 = made by Vixen (Japan).  C102HD = made in China.  Also, a Vixen A102sf = made in China, but branded Vixen...

 

The vintage Vixen (JP) refractors are far superior.

Edited by Bomber Bob, 23 March 2025 - 05:59 PM.