4 replies to this topic

[astr.max]

Hi all,
Im currently looking for a refractor in the 150-250mm focal length range for travel this summer. It will be going on a Wave 100i mount with the ASI 2600MC Pro

Current considerations are:
William optics MiniCat 51,
Askar FMA 180 pro,
Founder Optics Draco 62,
If someone suggests something else I'd consider that too.

I like the idea of the MiniCat but all the reviews and even WO themselves say it has bad star performance on APS-C. Right now it's my top contender. The reviews of the FMA are pretty good, but I don't like the lack of a focusing knob and I've had bad experience with Askar mechanics in the past. The FMA is far cheaper than the other options, which is definitely a plus. The Draco looks good, but is a little big for my idea of a backpack rig (it comes in a backpack but then my mount won't fit). It is also the most expensive option.

My smallest scope I currently use is a Sharpstar 76EDPH at a focal length of around 350. That scope is too big and heavy for me to travel with, and I'd like to not overlap that focal length too much with my travel scope.

If anyone has ideas for alternatives or feedback on these choice I'd love to hear it. I'm not a super pixel peeper, and will be using BlurX so maybe the MiniCat isn't so bad?

Clear skies
-Max

Edited by astr.max, 24 March 2025 - 01:33 AM.

[The Cloud Gazer]

I bought recently a 60ED that is super tiny and convenient (f6, 360mm). Used in conjunction with a TSFlat2 I can get quite the well corrected wide field (~6.5°). With a very light mount and tripod it does the trick as an "as compact and light as can be" setup.

 

However if I really want the most light and portable options---which can prevent quite many headaches---I just go for my binoculars. 

 

I have no experience with the scope you mention, they seem quite the elaborated configuration! I do not think I would bother carrying a tripod and mount for 40mm/50mm aperture though. 

 

edit: good lord, sorry I did not understand you want to do astrophotography, Im out I know nothing about that. That's what happens when I open cloudy nights when I just wake up...

Edited by The Cloud Gazer, 24 March 2025 - 04:29 AM.

[Rasfahan]

The difference between the designs will be less than the difference due to manufacturing. I doubt any will have good stars out to APS-C and they will show quite a bit of colour. Get what paint job you like best or the one you can get with the best return policy.

[Celerondon]

Don’t forget about this one.  They are still available and the image quality should match or exceed anything on your list.  I have been tempted by this telescope myself even though I have two 70mm traveling scopes and an 80mm apo as well. 

 

The latest from this thread hints that the AT60EDP won’t be available much longer.  If I didn’t already have a similar Petzval I would have to grab one before they are all gone. 

 

Don

Edited by Celerondon, 24 March 2025 - 12:51 PM.

[maniack]

I use the Sharpstar 50EDPH for visual only. But it seems like the logical choice when you have a 76EDPH already. The 50 is quite dimunitive, very easy to travel with.