Post a picture of your rig!

[Kadath]

I havent been to POTN in a few days and I was stoked when I got here to see this new forum! For those of us who are thinking of dipping our feet into Astro, can those of you who have purchased scopes and all the other assorted gizmos that are associated can you please post a picture or pictures of what you have assembled and a list of components? For those willing, a ballpark $$$ figure would surely be appreciated too!

Would it be too much to ask that, assuming folks are willing, that this thread could get stickied too?

[Celestron]

Hi Kadath , go to my website and i have an equipment page with half my equip and rig . Too much to be posting and not as much as alot of astronomers ! Price wise is something that depends on your taste of quality . You can get started real cheap but cheap equip usually discourages ppl and they bop out quick . Cheap equip is usually very low quality and either won't let you see what you expect or image bad photos . Basic price range can run you $500.00 plus depending your taste . I've had my rig about 10-yrs now . Back then the scope and mount $1000.00 plus or minus . Extra Eye-Pieces grew on me as the yrs passed as well as imaging equipment . With most equip i have now probably $2000.00 plus . Many have MEG $$$$ . This is why we usually suggest start out with Binocs and watch the night sky for a while and if the interest hangs then slowly start building your rig . Just don't start with real cheap stuff like WalMart sells . those are trash scopes . Maybe good for looking at the moon somewhat but for other DSOs' they usually flop . For now i'll let others come in and reply about their equip . Be sure and ckeck out my website link and see how you like it . BTW my images are not top quality but my time is limited and i don't have the best equip but good equip. !

[Kadath]

Oh I gotcha completely. I'm going that route myself, I am sticking with prime lenses now for the foreseeable future, but I'd like to see what people who have actually made the plunge to dedicated astro rigs have put together! And, as the saying goes, "This thread is useless without pictures" =) Seeing things all put together is a heck of a lot more intriguing to me than an equipment list...

[Celestron]

Oh I gotcha completely. "This thread is useless without pictures" =) Seeing things all put together is a heck of a lot more intriguing to me than an equipment list...

I take it you did not check my equipment page on my website ..... ? Sorry .

[jm4ever]

Well I checked out your site and all I can say is WOW. You have some awesome stuff there.

I'm glad people like you and Nighthound and some others take the time to post some of this stuff.

[Nighthound]

This is my astrophotography set up right now.

Vixen R200SS Newtonian Reflector and Takahashi Sky 90 II APO Refractor on a Losmandy G-11 German Equatorial Mount w/Gemini.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Astrophotography/Astro%20Equipment/vix90a.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Astrophotography/Astro%20Equipment/viv90b.jpg

Sky 90 riding solo with 20D:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Astrophotography/Astro%20Equipment/tak90-1.jpg

[Celestron]

Well I checked out your site and all I can say is WOW. You have some awesome stuff there.

I'm glad people like you and Nighthound and some others take the time to post some of this stuff.

Thanks ! Remember tho it didn't happen over night with either of us . Lots of practice , lots of time :D !

[Celestron]

This is my astrophotography set up right now.

Vixen R200SS Newtonian Reflector and Takahashi Sky 90 II APO Refractor on a Losmandy G-11 German Equatorial Mount w/Gemini.



Sky 90 riding solo with 20D:



Very nice rig Steve !

[markjpcs]

TEC MC200/15.5 wIth Astro-Physics Traveler 105mm f5.8 APO Riding Piggy Back on an Astro-Physics Mach1 GTO GEM.

http://www.pcsincnet.com/Traveler/TravelerOnTecReduced.jpg

The corrector and secondary.

http://www.pcsincnet.com/Traveler/TECCorrectorReduced.jpg

The focuser.

http://www.pcsincnet.com/Traveler/TECFocuserReduced.jpg

One more for what it will look like in the future with Astro-Physics 130mm f6.3 APO

http://www.pcsincnet.com/Traveler/AP130GTOnTecReduced.jpg

I'm new to Canon as of today! 50D just arrived. Will post some photos as soon as I get some.

[Nighthound]

Now we're talkin'!!

Dream rig, top to bottom. Just beautiful. Wow!

Welcome Mark, I hope you'll post some images soon.

[Kadath]

Thanks guys, it really is helpful to see it all together!

[Raikyn]

Wow some really nice stuff here :shock:

At the other end of the scale ;) Skywatcher 200 explorer on an EQ-5 mount. Very basic, haven't even got the mount motorised.
Plan in the next year or two is get a good mount, I guess that'll hurt the pocket just as much as buying 'L' lenses.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/713/scopecrop800x533lo5.jpg

[yagimax]

Markjpcs: Were you on a never ending waiting list for the AP traveler?
And a 130 edf for your next scope? Wow!

[Johnny9s]

Here's mine. I should have posted earlier to not have my ego hurt...:rolleyes:

Sky-Watcher Equinox 80ED on a HEQ5-Pro mount.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2869419906_0d82d1cda7_o.jpg

John

[black_z]

Still nice! :)

[ZGMF-X20A]

I'm wondering, would live view on 40D works in this astro photography rig setup

[Johnny9s]

I have a 40D and live view does work if you have a dark sky and a bright star to use. I have noticed though that if you want perfect focus everytime then you are better off getting a 3rd party focuser or program such as the Stiletto or DSLRfocus.

John

[ZGMF-X20A]

Thanks for the info. I love the shots in this part of the forum; unfortunately I don't think i have any budget left for any of these equipments.

[markjpcs]

I actually purchased the Traveler from a guy who used it once. I've been on the 130 list since February 2000. Some people have gotten one recently who were on the list in December 1999/January 2000 so I should be getting the notification that my name is up soon.

I hope to have a couple of photos from tonight if everything goes well.

The 50D is an awesome camera for sure. Never has focusing been so easy.

[ebann]

Let's see some more rigs... I'll post mine as soon as it stops raining here! Someone please sticky this...

[timeasterday]

A couple pics of my rig:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/3011094091_0943322d00_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3011093929_d2df2f26ab_o.jpg

[markjpcs]

oops.

[MacDogg]

Jebus!!!

[Jeff]

I think there are a few of these threads floating around now. Here's mine:
10" Meade LX200 GPS - UHTC.
Also shown:
Finderscope which is 1/2 a 10X80 binocular with a diagonal and an eyepiece -- all held together with a high-tech rubber band.
Celestron f/6.3 focal reducer
Scopestuff 10:1 focuser (scopestuff.com)
2" Celestron diagonal
Losmandy counter weight bar (it *STILL* can't count past 5 though!)
Astrozap dew shield
Piggyback camera adapter
http://www.seivertfamily.com/POTN/ASTRO_9460.jpg

http://www.seivertfamily.com/POTN/ASTRO_9464.jpg

[Jeff]

Tim, how do you like this mount?

A couple pics of my rig:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/3011094091_0943322d00_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3011093929_d2df2f26ab_o.jpg

[timeasterday]

Great mount. Mine was pretty accurate right out the box, but they do have some QC issues. My mount had the power supply wired backwards internally, but fortunately the dealer (KW Telescope in Ontario) caught it before shipping to me. Most other dealers would not even bother to check each mount, but KW does. I've done some tweaking to it to get the gears to mesh better. It easily handles 30 lbs of equipment.

[Nighthound]

Great looking rig Tim.

[Nightop]

Both of these are a bit dated but the basic rig remains the same. The cameras and location however have both changed.

Ready for a night of work.
http://www.nightop.com/images/Tele_Wedge.jpg

After a night of work.
http://www.nightop.com/images/Tele_Cold.jpg

Greg

[Nighthound]

Nice looking rig Greg. Almost got a Milburn when I had my LX200, nice wedge.

I can sure relate to that last shot, sure makes packing up a little hard on the hands at the dark site.

[Celestron]

Greg , Do you leave your rig out at night uncovered :shock: ??? If you do you really need to get a COVER (http://www.astronomics.com/main/search.asp?catsearch_header=Astronomics&keyword=scope+covers) for protection ! Doesn't matter where you get it but you need a cover bad !!

[bbulldog]

Picture of my 'rig' the Walimex 600-1300mm

[Nightop]

I only leave it out at night when I am shooting pictures with it. Back when the picture with frost on the scope was taken it was getting broken down each morning or a cover put on it. It would be outside all night long taking pictures though. Now it is in an observatory that I constructed out of PVC and heavy tarps. I have pictures of it that I need to put up at some time.

[Celestron]

Picture of my 'rig' the Walimex 600-1300mm


bbulldog , you n eed a regular HD scope mount for that lens :shock: !!

[Celestron]

I only leave it out at night when I am shooting pictures with it. Back when the picture with frost on the scope was taken it was getting broken down each morning or a cover put on it. It would be outside all night long taking pictures though. Now it is in an observatory that I constructed out of PVC and heavy tarps. I have pictures of it that I need to put up at some time.


Thats good ! Got any picts of it ?

[FarmerDave8N]

I must have looked at the "frosty" picture (I can *completely* relate, BTW) for about 5 minutes going "what did he *do* to the dew shield on the refractor (ST-80?)" then I realized you put your hand on it to put the dust cap back on, and left marks in the frost - at least, that's my guess.

:)

[Nightop]

It is an ED-80 but yes, that is a hand print on the top of the dew sheild. I will try and get the pictures of the observatory up tonight. They are on the computer at home.

[FarmerDave8N]

It is an ED-80 but yes, that is a hand print on the top of the dew sheild.

Ah, ED-80 - it's hard to gauge the scale sometimes - the first time I pulled my ED-80 out of the box, I was kind of flummoxed. Same thing when I upgraded to an Atlas from a CG-5. So is that a CPC-11? Sweet.

*DUH!* Just read your sig - never mind! :)

[dispatchermike21]

This is my astrophotography set up right now.

Vixen R200SS Newtonian Reflector and Takahashi Sky 90 II APO Refractor on a Losmandy G-11 German Equatorial Mount w/Gemini.





Sky 90 riding solo with 20D:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Astrophotography/Astro%20Equipment/tak90-1.jpg


I like the looks of this one don't suppose it would work for birds?

[liquidstone]

My improvised moonshooter:

http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/image/42362624.jpg



And a 100% crop from this lens at 1600 mm:

http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/image/104890807.jpg

[Nighthound]

I like the looks of this one don't suppose it would work for birds?

Thanks, it's said to be a good birder but I've never tried it. It's 500mm and I don't have any tripod mounting hardware for it, nor do I think my tripod is heavy duty enough to feel safe with the 90 on it. It would likely be ok for static shots but focusing on any action or flight would be lacking.

[A.S.I.G.N. Observatory]

At the heart of ASIGN Observatory. I love my hobby..;)

Baz.

[txduggan]

Talk about p**** envy....LMAO!!!!

http://tomduggan.com/misc/astro/Ouch_6434.jpg

This was a setup before I sold the C-8:

http://tomduggan.com/misc/astro/CRW_1400.jpg

(that's not me in the pic, hence the fuzzy face)

And, a GOTO experiment....Meade DS motors and Autostar on mod'ed CG-5 (notice the silver aluminum spacer on the RA axis)

http://tomduggan.com/misc/astro/GEM_alt-az.jpg

(that is me in the image :D )

Tom D

[Celestron]

Wow BAZ !! What an observatory :shock: !

Tom , yours is looking great also :shock: !!

[txduggan]

LOL Ron!

That's like comparing a Porsche to a roller skate with 3 wheels! LMAO!!!!!

Baz....way to go, mate!
My friend in my image of the refractor and Schmidt has actually applied to Keck in Hawai'i.....I have my fingers crossed for him...

-TomD

[Bernoulli]

Not much gear to show off in this picture but it's an interesting shot. It's a 30 second exposure at f/4 at our last University star party, taken by moonlight. You can see stars in the sky in the original.

[strgazr27]

Hey everyone,

Been out of commission due to some surgery but am now back on my feet. Here are a few shots of some of my equipment. For more pictures you can go to Stonyhillobservatory dot com

This was my setup from about 2 yrs ago.

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p731702000.jpg

This is a shot of my current widefield rig.

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p661426869.jpg

TMB130SS f/7 and AT-111 f/7

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p928560309.jpg

A load of TAK's

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p788014925.jpg

[strgazr27]

This is where it all happens :) Built over 3 months in 2006 by myself. A converted 8X8 garden shed.

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p782204935.jpg

Ready for action....

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p996724656.jpg

[Adrena1in]

Damn, those are some serious bits of kit, and I LOVE the "Observashed"!

[markjpcs]

Nice equipment strgazr27!

Love the observatory too.

[Celestron]

How do you gentlemen afford that kind of equipment ???? Are you doctors , lawyers , own your own business , win the lottery , etc...... ????? This is equip. ppl like me dream of having but never having :( .

[strgazr27]

How do you gentlemen afford that kind of equipment ???? Are you doctors , lawyers , own your own business , win the lottery , etc...... ????? This is equip. ppl like me dream of having but never having :( .

I work a ton of overtime whenever I can, I modify Canon DSLR for Astronomical and IR photography as a side business, I make custom Carbon fiber tubes for telescopes as a side business and I buy everything I have owned except for the mount used. The nice thing about this hobby is if you spend money on good equipment you rarely ever lose money.

[strgazr27]

Here are a few examples of the custom tubes I make. The Meade SN10 I did for my best friend. It features a Cf tube, dewshield and back plate. Thsi trimmed almost 11 lbs off the weight of the scope and focus change due to temperature changes are no longer an issue.

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p160619605.jpg

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p391493725.jpg

My custom Vixen R200SS

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p255903251.jpg

Another R200SS I have done

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p486176191.jpg

[markjpcs]

Those are sweet!

thinking a custom CF tube for my TEC MakCass might be something to consider. 8-)

[Adrena1in]

I wonder if more and more scopes will be Carbon Fibre, as it seems to make sense. I read about a company called ZeroChromat.com, and they make CF scopes...the first I'd ever seen. They're certainly lovely bits of kit...do they suffer less from dew and the cold then?

[PM01]

I'll dig up the pic of my rig sometime...but it's as follows...

AP1200 mount, Astro Physics.
Astro Physics 130EDT f/8 with field flattener and reducer.
Takahashi FSQ106N fluorite. With 1.6x extenQ.
SBIG STV autoguider.
SBIG ST10XME
MaximDL + DSLR softwar
CCDSoft software
The Sky 6.0 and 5.0 for "steering".

Also have access to...
Takahashi 180ED f/2.8 astrograph.
Meade 178ED 7 inch refractor doublet
Takahashi FS152 Fluorite
William Optics 105
Meade 14 inch SCT ...MUCH better than the Celestron C14 that we were using...but the C14 that we had was of questionable quality. RUSHED from the factory.
Takahashi NJP PC tenma mount
Vixen SPDX w/wooden tripod - sold to me from Astro Physics back in the day.

DSLR cameras -
Canon EOS 1D Mark III
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
Canon 5D
Canon 20D, 40D, 50D
TC80N3 remote release

And a few extras. :)

[Nighthound]

Wow, that CF R200SS is beautiful. You do amazing work. I had a CF C-11 at one time but being a closed tube design it still took forever to cool down and I never could get a good collimation with it. I returned it and used a 10" LX200 R for a while before switching to the Vixen R200SS.

[Nighthound]

PM01, that's one heck of a list of gear. I'm wiping drool from my keypad. :D I know your images will be amazing.

I like your DSLR collection. I thought I was well stocked with the 5D, 20D, and 1D Mark II but I guess not. :D

[strgazr27]

This is my current setup.....

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p823921476.jpg

And with the side by side for shooting with camera lens'

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p592771757.jpg

[strgazr27]

Wow, that CF R200SS is beautiful. You do amazing work. I had a CF C-11 at one time but being a closed tube design it still took forever to cool down and I never could get a good collimation with it. I got rid of it and used a 10" LX200 R for a while before switching to the Vixen R200SS.

Steve,

Thanks! They are a labor of love ;) The use of CF with SCT's is a great idea and can really help with focus changes but the tubes do need to be ventilated if not used in a permanent setup where the tube has time to acclimate itself. They do take a bit longer to cool down but change less once cooled. When your ready for a tube for your R200 drop me a note. I'll take care of ya :)

[Nighthound]

Steve,

Thanks! They are a labor of love ;) The use of CF with SCT's is a great idea and can really help with focus changes but the tubes do need to be ventilated if not used in a permanent setup where the tube has time to acclimate itself. They do take a bit longer to cool down but change less once cooled. When your ready for a tube for your R200 drop me a note. I'll take care of ya :)

You're welcome Bobby. Thanks for the offer, you'd be the first person I contacted for any custom work.

Your set up is beautiful. I see your a big Moonlight fan too. :D The Atlas must be a real workhorse.

I have a question, I'm replacing the cheap/soft screws that attach the primary and secondary assembly to the tube on the R200. Any suggestions? Maybe allen head stainless? I like the screw head caps seen on the front end of the CF tube(first shot), looks clean.

[Jeff]

This is my current setup.....

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p823921476.jpg


After being blinded by all the cool equipment ;) I noticed the beast of a pier that keeps all the expensive stuff off the ground.

Just curious how deep below ground it goes.

Very nice setup!

[strgazr27]

Steve,

I use SS allen head screws when I do a tube replacement. No rust and better resistance to stripping the heads.

I love the Moonlites. I run them off of a Cercis II controller with temperature monitoring and compensation which has been significantly inproved.

[strgazr27]

Jeff,

Thanks for the kind words! It's a 12" diameter pier. The base is a 36" "Bigfoot" concrete form that is sunk 42" deep. This sits on a 3" thick bed of compressed crush gravel. Lets just say I don't get any movement or flex from it Lol

[PM01]

Have you tried Feathertouch focusers? The person that makes them isn't too far away from me.

Astro Physics is a little over an hour away from where I am at....and they seem to also like Feathertouch.

[strgazr27]

PM,

Yep I have. I actually did the testing for Werner when he was designing the TMB 92SS focuser. I also used their Digital Focusing system with my TMB 130SS, CF TMB80SS as well as my 92SS. I helped with the prototype testing on the TMB SS line for Mike at Astronomics as well as Tom B before he passed away. As far as I'm concerned they, and the Moonlites are all that go on my scopes.

[txduggan]

How do you gentlemen afford that kind of equipment ???? Are you doctors , lawyers , own your own business , win the lottery , etc...... ????? This is equip. ppl like me dream of having but never having :( .


I don't know about the others.....I'm in SO much debt!!!!!

Sold most of my gear (6 scopes and 3 GEM mounts and various EPs)

Photography AND astronomy/astrophotography nearly did me in! LOL!!!!!!

Loved looking at all the rigs people!

Now...I haven't finished looking at the entire thread, but if anyone posts a Paramount ME as their mount, I'm gonna get huffy! LOL!

Happy Holidays all!

-TomD

[PM01]

We had a choice between the Paramount ME and the AP1200. Paramount required 48 volts and wouldn't image past the meridian, which I think is absolutely silly. Plus the payloads for both mounts are similar.

AP1200 has the nice GOTO controller, Paramount a joystick. I'd rather use the GOTO controller, plus it's easy enough for the rest of my crew to use. AP1200 you can power off a single 12 volt battery - I'm using an Optima deep cycle.

Plus you can disassemble the AP1200 in two different pieces for possible field usage with a dedicated pier. Can't do that with the paramount.

So, for us it was hands down the AP1200. :)

[chris.bailey]

My current setup W/O FLT110 and MZ70 side by side on HEQ6 Pro. More often than not I guide with the MZ using an SX Lodestar and image with the FLT using an SXM-25C or Canon 40D. The Lodestar plus straight into the ST4 port on the mount and this works really well with PHD guiding.

http://www.pbase.com/chris_bailey/image/107344461.jpg

[Nighthound]

Beautiful rig Chris. I sure wouldn't mind owning a WO refractor, they produce excellent OTAs/optics. Like their 2" Dielectric diagonal too.

Which side-by-side saddle is that?

[A.S.I.G.N. Observatory]

Had a change of plans and a complete re-think since I cracked the corrector on my 11"SCT.

Now gone down a different road.

Main scope Skywatcher ED120 APO
Guide scope Skywatcher ED80 APO
Imaging camera Orion Starshoot Pro Deep Space Color Imager
Guide camera Orion Starshoot Autoguider

[chris.bailey]

Beautiful rig Chris. I sure wouldn't mind owning a WO refractor, they produce excellent OTAs/optics. Like their 2" Dielectric diagonal too.

Which side-by-side saddle is that?

The Saddle is made by Geoptik from Italy. Its wonderfully engineered and is a complete system of Losmandy and Vixen plates. It revolves arround a replacement head for the EQ6 that itself will take Vix or Los dovetails. Although getting balance takes a bit more practice I found that the lower counterwight load for side by side gave me much smoother guiding and its much easier to setup and take down.

the FLT is a great scope for the money (but a poor mans Takahashi) and works really well with the dedicated field flattener.

[A.S.I.G.N. Observatory]

THis is the new camera mounted to the ED120.

[Nighthound]

The Saddle is made by Geoptik from Italy. Its wonderfully engineered and is a complete system of Losmandy and Vixen plates. It revolves arround a replacement head for the EQ6 that itself will take Vix or Los dovetails. Although getting balance takes a bit more practice I found that the lower counterwight load for side by side gave me much smoother guiding and its much easier to setup and take down.

the FLT is a great scope for the money (but a poor mans Takahashi) and works really well with the dedicated field flattener.

I've discovered the same about my G-11. Using a side-by-side allows for "perfect" balance, something I just couldn't get with the piggy back configuration. Now with a quick drift align it behaves very well.

[Nighthound]

THis is the new camera mounted to the ED120.

Very cool Baz! I had a Starshoot mono at one point but couldn't get the software to work with PHD Guiding so I switched to an ATIK 16ic.

[BSBXTi]

This is where it all happens :) Built over 3 months in 2006 by myself. A converted 8X8 garden shed.

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p782204935.jpg

Ready for action....

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p996724656.jpg

I love that hut!!!

[chris.bailey]

Darn its been cold the last few nights and yes that is frost forming on the screen of the laptop.

I have added a Takahashi FSQ85 to the scope line up (well it was Xmas!) and everything they say about them is true. No colour fringing whatsoever and completely flat field from corner to corner. Plus its built like a tank!

http://www.pbase.com/chris_bailey/image/107590011.jpg

[kaitanium]

wow you guys have some crazy setups.

i feel like if i go out at night ill get jacked!

[Nighthound]

Sweet set up Chris. There's nothing quite like a TAK. The kind of scopes that never need replacing. I didn't add any scopes this Christmas but I did grab a Canon 500L and 1D Mark II to hold me over. :D

[chris.bailey]

Sweet set up Chris. There's nothing quite like a TAK. The kind of scopes that never need replacing. I didn't add any scopes this Christmas but I did grab a Canon 500L and 1D Mark II to hold me over. :D

Tha tak is mightily impressive, great field of view and evenly illuminates even the 5D. Pricey though with all the Tak extensions needed to go with it.

:-) that 500L might make a decent imaging tool.

[PM01]

The only thing about the tak that's a negative is the focuser. Even when properly adjusted, there is still a bit of end play. There is about a 1.5mm "slop" where the focuser tube is housed. Not a sign of good machining. The newer ones are even worse, focuser wise.

I've had my 106N for about 5 years now. Optically, it's superb. Focuser wise, if you can fit a complete Feathertouch housing on it, do so. I was working with Werner for quite a while on this since I was doing nature and astrophotography with the scope.

Another 106 user (highly published canadian photographer, also in astro) commented on the new 106ED focuser. "crap" is what he basically said, but then he's coming from a Astro Physics focuser.

When you tighten down the locking knob on the 106N, you can see the tube deflect by a good amount. This throws off the focus and is definitely not ortho to the tube. I've heard of other complaints from other 106N and 106ED users also.

Don't get me wrong, the 106/85 tak modded petzval designs are quite nice, but they have to work on the focuser.

[chris.bailey]

I'd heard such comments from 106 users but have not noticed the slop on the 85 (which is slightly different I understand). I dont find I need to use the focus lock, but then the Starlight Express CCD is not all that heavy, even at zenith.

[PM01]

That's where you have the advantage. I routinely use 1dsm3, 1dm3 and SBIG ST10XME with the filter wheel. They're a few pounds. :)

[chris.bailey]

Yes you are probably right. The whole rig is relatively light which the HEQ6 seems to respond well to.

[PM01]

Here's the one that I'm using.

Top scope - Takahashi FSQ 106N. This is with the ExtendQ 1.6x. At the end of the scope is the camera head for the SBIG STV autoguider.

Other scope is the Astro Physics 130EDT f/8. The field flattener is attached to the RL67EOS adapter. EOS that I'm using for that night is the 5D Mark II.

Mount is the Astro Physics AP1200.

Pier is filled with 400 pounds of playsand. The concrete pillar that the pier sits on goes into the ground an additional 8 feet.

12 foot diameter dome.

Works quite nicely, though it is light polluted around the area. Mag 3+ if you're lucky.

[A.S.I.G.N. Observatory]

Taking a pic from the outside in for a change....

[timescapes.org]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3197648330_0322e97077_b.jpg

[le_R]

timescapes.org > wow nice panorama !

http://rivoalen.fr/uploads/m_mg_4501.jpg

[ebann]

Looks very much like my rig :-)

[Jon Foster]

Wow, you guys have some crazy/serious equipment here. Damn...

Jon.

[umbra]

Figured since this thread was getting pushed down I would post a pic of my rig:

A Celestron CPC1100 with a Celestron Onyx 80 piggybacked and a Rebel XT

http://www.tristanmolina.org/picz/Celestron_CPC1100.jpg

[dispatchermike21]

Figured since this thread was getting pushed down I would post a pic of my rig:

A Celestron CPC1100 with a Celestron Onyx 80 piggybacked and a Rebel XT

http://www.tristanmolina.org/picz/Celestron_CPC1100.jpg

Very nice set up..... might want to upgrade your table.

[umbra]

Very nice set up..... might want to upgrade your table.

Haha! i just put the laptop on those bricks for the pic because they were next to my firepit. My usual "table" is the back of my flatbed golf cart I use to haul all that stuff out into the yard. There is a 120v power inverter in the cart I use to power the lappy and a radio.

[Celestron]

Haha! i just put the laptop on those bricks for the pic because they were next to my firepit. My usual "table" is the back of my flatbed golf cart I use to haul all that stuff out into the yard. There is a 120v power inverter in the cart I use to power the lappy and a radio.

How big is your backyard ??

[umbra]

How big is your backyard ??


I have 10 acres ;). My next investment is going to be an observatory with a roll off roof.

[Adrena1in]

That's my dream, to have enough land or a big enough house to have my own observatory.

[dpastern]

Here's one (admittedly not good, was heavily in shadow so I've used shadow/highlights to try and bring out detail and played with contrast and exposure a bit):

http://www.macro-images.com/web/newscope.jpg

SkyWatcher Equinox ED80 + SkyWatcher EQ6PRO mount + SkyWatcher 9 x 50 Illuminated Finderscop + William Optics 2" dialectric diagonal + GSO 40mm 2" eyepiece.

I know the eyepiece is a cheapy, it's good enough for now until I can enter Nagler territory ;-)

Cheers,

Dave

[chris.bailey]

Ed80 on an Eq6Pro is a great combo. Might want to consider changing out the Alt/Az adjuster bolts as the ones supplied are just plain NASTY and liable to thread stripping.

ps the W/O Swans are nice eyepieces at not tooooooooo silly prices.

[troypiggo]

Nice rig Dave. I like the scope rings you have there. My ones are cheapies. With all this bad weather we've been having, you'd think it'd occur to me to take the opportunity to photograph my gear...

Chris - I have similar mount to Dave's - HEQ5 Pro. What bolts do you recommend? We're both based in Australia if that matters.

[PM01]

Here's one (admittedly not good, was heavily in shadow so I've used shadow/highlights to try and bring out detail and played with contrast and exposure a bit):

http://www.macro-images.com/web/newscope.jpg

SkyWatcher Equinox ED80 + SkyWatcher EQ6PRO mount + SkyWatcher 9 x 50 Illuminated Finderscop + William Optics 2" dialectric diagonal + GSO 40mm 2" eyepiece.

I know the eyepiece is a cheapy, it's good enough for now until I can enter Nagler territory ;-)

Cheers,

Dave

At first glance I thought it was a Takahashi EM200PC mount!

[chris.bailey]

Nice rig Dave. I like the scope rings you have there. My ones are cheapies. With all this bad weather we've been having, you'd think it'd occur to me to take the opportunity to photograph my gear...

Chris - I have similar mount to Dave's - HEQ5 Pro. What bolts do you recommend? We're both based in Australia if that matters.

I use these, make a huge difference to setting up

http://www.astrodevelopments.co.uk/

[dpastern]

Ed80 on an Eq6Pro is a great combo. Might want to consider changing out the Alt/Az adjuster bolts as the ones supplied are just plain NASTY and liable to thread stripping.

ps the W/O Swans are nice eyepieces at not tooooooooo silly prices.

yeah, I'm aware of those "issues" Chris. Any recommendations? Those alt/az bolts just feel plain dodgy.

Dave

PS, this is the ED100 - I know, slower f stop @ f9/900, but I'm not that fussed.

[dpastern]

Nice rig Dave. I like the scope rings you have there. My ones are cheapies. With all this bad weather we've been having, you'd think it'd occur to me to take the opportunity to photograph my gear...

Chris - I have similar mount to Dave's - HEQ5 Pro. What bolts do you recommend? We're both based in Australia if that matters.

The scope rings came with the OTA, they are quite nice and solid. I think bintel sells them, so does Andrews communication. Not sure on costing, probably around $100.

Dave

[dpastern]

At first glance I thought it was a Takahashi EM200PC mount!

I wish! My current plans are to eventually upgrade to either the Losmandy G11 + gemini, or Celestron CGE, but I may extend it and upgrade to an AP900 or even a Paramount ME.

Dave

[dpastern]

I use these, make a huge difference to setting up

http://www.astrodevelopments.co.uk/

Thanks! I shall check them out.

Dave

[PM01]

I wish! My current plans are to eventually upgrade to either the Losmandy G11 + gemini, or Celestron CGE, but I may extend it and upgrade to an AP900 or even a Paramount ME.

Dave

One of the university observatories that I've assisted had a G11/Skywalker combo. It's not up to snuff. And the motors don't have enough torque and are known to stick at times. With Losmandy, it's hit or miss - also the same problem with the motors - just too small for any real loadout and they're easily stressed, plus I've heard horror stories from quite a few astronomers around the area - you either get one that works, or you just get a gremlin filled one.

The Celestron CGE - our observatory at the college used to use a similar model, the CI700, which was based off the G11 Losmandy. It was the poorest example of a mount that I've ever seen. Lots of shrapnel all over the worm gears, the bearings also had shrapnel in them, just horrible.

AP - AWESOME stuff. We now use AP and Tak mounts exclusively. AP1200 and the Tak NJP, along with the Tak EM200PC at times. They're outstanding mounts. Well worth the cost and lack of hassle. After going from Celestron to Losmany, the AP and Tak ARE WORLD CLASS. You expect things to work and setup easily - the Celestron and the Losmandy were a pain. Many gray hairs were saved by moving over to AP and Tak!

I did have to make the decision between the AP1200 and the Paramount ME. Paramount uses a 48 volt system. AP1200 is 12 volts, so I can power it with a car battery. Paramount has meridian stops, AP1200 does not, so I can image all night and through the meridian. AP1200 has a database and a keypad that can be used in -40C/F. Paramount doesn't. So, for us anyways, AP1200. And I picked it up in Rockford and drove it back to our college. Quite an enlightening moment!

[dpastern]

How does the AP900 compare to the AP1200 (if you have any experience)? Remember, the AP/Paramount mounts are far more expensive than the Celestron/Losmandy, which aren't cheap either. I'll probably end up imaging with a Deepsky Instruments 10" corrected RC within 2 or 3 years (probably sooner knowing me). I can't justify the cost of a RCOS setup, which I personally think are deliberately overinflated price wise. The RC market has had almost no competition for several years now, and I suspect that there's some serious illegal market collusion in play with price fixing the result. The best thing for the RC market is GSO's RC and Deepsky instruments imho (with the latter being far better optically I suspect).

I was planning on guiding with the Equinox 100 that I now have, but I might keep that for visual use and grab something like a WO Megrez 80 or 90. Again, I can't justify the expense of something like a tak or televue setup, especially for what would be a guide scope.

These are long term astro imaging goals for me, so depending on where I decide to go, will mean how much it'll cost me, and how long it'll take to get the funds together etc.

Dave

[PM01]

The only real difference between the 900 and the 1200 is the loadout capacity. Both systems are excellent.

Cost is relative. With Celestron, I've had more than my fair share of gray hairs and headaches. Losmandy is quite "hit or miss". So you may still get gray hairs from them. AP - they work out of the box like they should.

When you're imaging on a very cold night or very hot one, you'll quickly appreciate the thought that went into the AP. Or a Tak. The only other mount that has worked well for me, lightweight loadout, are the Vixen SPDX or the Vixen GPDX.

AP does all of their quality control IN HOUSE so you don't have to. Often times, with other mounts of lesser price, YOU are the one ending up doing the quality control. IE..Celestron/Meade.

[ebann]

[snip]

AP does all of their quality control IN HOUSE so you don't have to. Often times, with other mounts of lesser price, YOU are the one ending up doing the quality control. IE..Celestron/Meade.

Whew... good thing you didn't mention Orion! ;)

[PM01]

Orion is usually pretty darn good. They're certainly not Celestron or Meade, thank goodness. You would be surprised at how much Celestron and Meade equipment we have rejected over the years. CI700, C14 (JUNK - probably THE worst optics I've ever seen), etc.

If you're going to equip an observatory, it's worth the added expense to do it RIGHT the FIRST time. Simple bolt ons for the CI700/G11, such as the Gemini GOTO system didn't cut it with us either. The Skywalker system is GOD AWFUL. And the company didn't help us out any with a overload light that was supposedly HEAT generated. We mentioned to the company that the light came on whether it was -10F or 90F. They still can't help. Poor service.

The observatory that I'm at (am director for) routinely sees several thousand people in a years time. Everything is battle tested. If it doesn't hold up, it gets rejected. Or if it doesn't provide good views, it's also rejected.

Here's a short list of things torture tested that have LASTED...
Astro Physics (any gear)
Takahashi (any gear)
Feathertouch (amazingly tough)
Losmandy PLATES (not mounts or GOTO systems)
Robin Cassady plates (OUTSTANDING)
Vixen mounts - VERY good.
Televue Eyepieces

And here's a list of things that could be improved if the company wasn't sitting on their laurels...
SBIG. ANY camera.

You could throw pretty much any other name out there and more than likely we've tried it out, with the public, and it's been either shelved or rejected.

[dpastern]

Thanks for the advice PM01, much appreciated.

Dave

[ebann]

Orion is usually pretty darn good. They're certainly not Celestron or Meade, thank goodness.

[snip]

Here's a short list of things torture tested that have LASTED...
Astro Physics (any gear)
Takahashi (any gear)
Feathertouch (amazingly tough)
Losmandy PLATES (not mounts or GOTO systems)
Robin Cassady plates (OUTSTANDING)
Vixen mounts - VERY good.
Televue Eyepieces

[snip]

You were mentioning mounts... is that to say that Orion's Astroview mount is good? From what I've read, there are mounts with different names but is the same and one... I.e. Orion Astroview, Celestron CG-4, and Skywatcher EQ3-2.

Perhaps you were thinking optics?

Anyways, I was very much surprised when I called TeleVue for help to collimate my Ranger (which they say is factory collimated and cannot be done by the user *that* I refused to believe!) and talked to none other than Al Nagler!!! Now that is customer service. He promptly told me where the hidden screws were located (covered with black epoxy) and everything worked out fine!

I always have this big smile when I know I did the right thing selling my ETX-90C and Celestron 6" Newtonian *BUT* keeping my nice semi-APO Ranger!

[troypiggo]

Went to a dark site on the weekend. In all the excitement of setting up, meeting new people, and taking images I forgot to get a shot of my rig. Fortunately for me, someone else did without me knowing. That's me on the right. Handsome devil, aren't I...

You can see the gold Skywatcher ED80 Pro with 30D (unmodified) for imaging, Skywatcher Short Tube 80 with Meade DSI II Pro on top for guiding, HEQ5 Pro mount. The small table has a black plastic box that I put my laptop in to try to keep dew off it. I put the lid on when I can.

http://piggo.com/~troy/images/potn/troys_rig.jpg

[A.S.I.G.N. Observatory]

How did your car battery perform and for how long mate? Did you use the one battery to power everything?

Baz.

[troypiggo]

It easily lasted until the dew set in around 2-3am, then I packed up. I only run the mount and laptop off it. The laptop is only one of those Acer Aspire One netbooks and doesn't use much power. The DSI II guide cam uses USB port power from the netbook.

I have some DIY dew heaters that I'll use next time now, and I have ordered a 30D AC power supply so I can run the SLR off it too. First battery in that went flat and I don't trust my backup camera battery - it's an ebay cheapy.

One weekend I plan to really flog the thing and see how long it lasts.

[dpastern]

Looks a great site Troy, and a good rig to boot.

Dave

[MidnightSun]

It easily lasted until the dew set in around 2-3am, then I packed up. I only run the mount and laptop off it. The laptop is only one of those Acer Aspire One netbooks and doesn't use much power. The DSI II guide cam uses USB port power from the netbook.

I have some DIY dew heaters that I'll use next time now, and I have ordered a 30D AC power supply so I can run the SLR off it too. First battery in that went flat and I don't trust my backup camera battery - it's an ebay cheapy.

One weekend I plan to really flog the thing and see how long it lasts.

Nice setup there...:D I also used a car battery this past Sept. for a weekend trip, and with a daytime charge it worked great both nights.

[MidnightSun]

Here is my setup waiting for sunset.

[troypiggo]

Very nice. I take it this was shot in Virginia, not Thailand? ;)
Beer bottles? - I like your style.

I like the idea of right angle viewfinder. I must get one of those. Pain in the "you know what" lying on ground trying to focus/compose prime focus on refractor.

[MidnightSun]

Very nice. I take it this was shot in Virginia, not Thailand? ;)
Beer bottles? - I like your style.

I like the idea of right angle viewfinder. I must get one of those. Pain in the "you know what" lying on ground trying to focus/compose prime focus on refractor.


LOL...Thx, yea, we're in Va right now. :( The angle finder helps alot for hitting the focus w/o having to take a bunch of "practice" shots, it is also a 2X magnifier, which was the main reason I bought it.

[Celestron]

WOW ! Nice rigs everyone !!

[Canon Pete]

thats a real nice set up Dave .

[PM01]

You were mentioning mounts... is that to say that Orion's Astroview mount is good? From what I've read, there are mounts with different names but is the same and one... I.e. Orion Astroview, Celestron CG-4, and Skywatcher EQ3-2.

Perhaps you were thinking optics?

Anyways, I was very much surprised when I called TeleVue for help to collimate my Ranger (which they say is factory collimated and cannot be done by the user *that* I refused to believe!) and talked to none other than Al Nagler!!! Now that is customer service. He promptly told me where the hidden screws were located (covered with black epoxy) and everything worked out fine!

I always have this big smile when I know I did the right thing selling my ETX-90C and Celestron 6" Newtonian *BUT* keeping my nice semi-APO Ranger!

I would have to say that the TOP TWO easiest to talk to people would be Al Nagler and Yuri at Telescope Engineer Co.

Roland at AP can be either in a really good mood or highly defensive.

If you're purchasing anything, OPT corp is OUTSTANDING. They have been able to get some equipment, with excellent customer service, that Anacortes telescope couldn't. OPT corp treats people at the government / education / university level with CLASS. IME, I don't see that happening with the "wild bird telescope" people.

Still haven't looked through any of the Ethos eyepieces!

[markjpcs]

After 9 years on the waiting list, serial# 100 was delivered to me this week!!!

Astro-Physics 130 EDF f6.3 "Gran Turismo" Triplet APO.

http://www.pcsincnet.com/My130GT_Park1.jpg

http://www.pcsincnet.com/My130GT_Objective.jpg

[chris.bailey]

O now that is nice with a capital nice :-) Not sure I have the patience to wait nine years for anything though!

[markjpcs]

Had a 105mm Traveler in the meantime as well as other telescopes from Astro-Physics, TeleVue, APM/TMB and TEC.

It was an easy wait.

[Nighthound]

Congrats Mark, a real dream scope. No need to upgrade anytime soon huh? LOL.

[PM01]

Way to go Mike! :)

I've been on the wait list since 2002. No call yet!

I figure that I'd probably have enough money by then to purchase a 155 or 160. They're a bit heavy for field/nature usage though.

[markjpcs]

Thanks Steve! Looking forward to contributing more here over the next few months. It's been a crazy winter and business is booming so we will just have to wait and see how much time I get under clear skies to capture some photons with this baby.

But yeah, I think I am set pretty much forever or at least until my children get out of college which will be at least another decade or more.

[markjpcs]

I hear they are into October 2000 on the notifications so it might not be that much longer for you PM01!

Good luck man! It is worth every penny and every second of waiting.

[PM01]

You don't have to convince me! I have the 130 f/8 EDT, first run. The f/6 and f/6.3 are good for a wider view.

And yes, I'll be nutty enough to use these for nature photography. :)

[Dusty]

Congratulations Mark on your wonderful Astro-Physics 130 EDF !!
What a beautiful looking 'work of art' it is.

Looking forward to some images through it.

:D

[Celestron]

Congrats on the new scope after such a long wait ! One question i got to ask ...? Out of all the other scopes you have and had , would you say this AP is the best of them all ?? I've always heard that APs' were the best on the market ! So ... , Is it true ??

[markjpcs]

Yes, it's true.

I had a 155 EDF but sold it to finance the 9.25" MakeNewt production prototype called FastMax. That was a sweet scope but it never went into production due to several reasons of which optical quality was not one. lol. It had awesome optics. f4.3 too. Nice astrograph. The main reason it was never put into production was the complexity of manufacturing and the weight issue. The weight issue was the reason I sold it as my back was starting to hurt real bad from lugging it around to star parties.

The Traveler of course was my next favorite which I sold to finance the New 130.

But yeah all my AP scopes have far exceeded any other brand of similar aperture in terms of optical and mechanical quality that I have either owned or viewed through at star parties.

[PM01]

Congrats on the new scope after such a long wait ! One question i got to ask ...? Out of all the other scopes you have and had , would you say this AP is the best of them all ?? I've always heard that APs' were the best on the market ! So ... , Is it true ??

They are ARGUABLY some of the best. Optically speaking, I would give the slight (very slight) edge to Yuri over at TEC for refractors that are 160mm diameter and up, and the ones that utilize fluorite. I've observed through AP102, AP130 f/6 (many of them - they're cute), AP130 f/8, AP155 f/7. Also have observed through quite a few Takahashi scopes. My favorite by far is the Takahashi FSQ106. That little scope was meant for high contrast, dead nuts on color correction (an AP has more slop - check the color correction charts) and a nearly perfectly flat field due to the modified petzval design. The only scope that I know of that has supposedly PERFECT color correction would be the newer Takahashi TOA series.

AP is usually good to deal with, and if you get a chance to talk to Roland, it's pretty rare. Depending on his mood, he can be very fun to talk to or he'll be a grump noid. I've had both happen and have met the man many times - I'm not too far away from the AP shop so I always visit when I can.

Contrast - Tak. Hands down. That's Tak vs AP. TEC - geez they're good in fluorite. Reason? Fluorite has virtually zero internal scatter. It's not a mix of glass and fluorite like ED is, or specifically, FPL53, which is what Roland is using at AP. Now Roland will say that contrast isn't an issue since you can always pump up the contrast in photoshop. That's great for the imagers, but for the visual guys, it's a turnoff. For terrestrial usage, contrast makes the difference between focusing accurately or "mushing" through focus. The AP 130/6, 130/8, 155/7 tend to "mush" through. The Tak 106 - geeeez. Snaps right onto focus. If you have both scopes, there will be a huge difference. When I first bought the 130/8 AP, I thought the snap to focus was pretty good. Then I bought the FSQ106 - holy smokes!

The picture that you see is of two optical blanks. The one on the left is crystalline fluorite. The one on the right is ED glass. FPL53, which is the same stuff that Roland uses. There is a green laser that is shining through both elements. With the fluorite, all you see are the entry and exit points. No scattering through the internal of the element. With the ED glass, you see the green traces (zig zag) - that's the internal scattering from the glass component of the ED glass.

Don't get me wrong. AP makes some great gear, but the other companies have improved because of AP, and in some cases, out done AP. (contrast/color correction) Competition is always good! I always use my AP for the classes over at the college (I'm the Director for their observatory - nearly 20,000 students there and it's only a JUNIOR college). Plus we have lots of clubs around the area and they bring in some really nice scopes. :)

[markjpcs]

Your forgetting resale value! LOL!

Seriously, When we talk about AP, Tak & TEC we are splitting hairs on optical quality.

But the best mechanics go to AP so as an overall package (Materials, mechanical design, manufacturing, size and weight) I put AP at the head of the pack.

[PM01]

The most troublefree WOULD be the AP. They are simple to use, the adapters are machined to be easily fit even with gloves on and they don't have very thin little threads like the Tak. The mechanics of the TEC - they have the full out 3545 Feathertouch. Nice. But I still like the AP. It's solid, no focus shift, no end play...good stuff. :)

Resale value - outstanding with the AP.

[dpastern]

Congrats, that's a fine piece of scope!

Dave

[markjpcs]

Regarding the fluorite comments...

I remember this green laser test from years ago but had to think about and go back to some notes I took about what I learned about it.

1) All glass, with the exception of crystal fluorite, scatters green laser light. The scattering is backscatter. (it's coming back toward the source not forward toward the focal plane). However, there is almost no forward scattering of light in optical glass. Forward scattering affects the image, back scattering does not. Any light which goes back out the front of the optic does not reach the focal plane.

2) There are always at least 1 and most often two more glasses in the optical train, which all scatter green laser light, so this negates the argument that there is no scatter in fluorite.

I also learned recently that Tak is no longer using Fluorite in most of their telescopes, the new FSQ106 being one of them. Based on current information, Tak is actually using FPL53 in the new FSQ.

Anyway all of this is subjective. Your eyes see things differently than my eyes. I have my preferences and you have yours. It's all good and there is plenty of room in the market for various designs and manufacturers. I would be proud to own a Takahashi or a TEC (wait, I do own a TEC! (MC) lol) if I did not already have my AP APO and was years away from getting one .

[PJ1958]

My old 10" f/6 Newt. on a Byers 812 mount. I assembled this setup in 1981 and parted it out sometime in 2003. Many film images were taken with this scope. I used Kodak 103a spectroscopic emulsions until 1990 when I switched to Kodak Hypersensitized Tech Pan film. A 160 minute exposure of 52 cygni and part of the Veil nebula at right.

[PJ1958]

My new scope is an Orion 8" f/4.9 Newt. which I use for piggyback imaging and visual observing. Nice setup for the money and tracks surprisingly well. My 40D with 105mm lens mounted on the back.

[markjpcs]

Sweet setup from days past! Excellent photo of the Veil too!

[PM01]

Regarding the fluorite comments...

I remember this green laser test from years ago but had to think about and go back to some notes I took about what I learned about it.

1) All glass, with the exception of crystal fluorite, scatters green laser light. The scattering is backscatter. (it's coming back toward the source not forward toward the focal plane). However, there is almost no forward scattering of light in optical glass. Forward scattering affects the image, back scattering does not. Any light which goes back out the front of the optic does not reach the focal plane.

2) There are always at least 1 and most often two more glasses in the optical train, which all scatter green laser light, so this negates the argument that there is no scatter in fluorite.

I also learned recently that Tak is no longer using Fluorite in most of their telescopes, the new FSQ106 being one of them. Based on current information, Tak is actually using FPL53 in the new FSQ.

Anyway all of this is subjective. Your eyes see things differently than my eyes. I have my preferences and you have yours. It's all good and there is plenty of room in the market for various designs and manufacturers. I would be proud to own a Takahashi or a TEC (wait, I do own a TEC! (MC) lol) if I did not already have my AP APO and was years away from getting one .

Fluorite has a higher transmission rate due to the lack of back or forward scatter as compared to ED glass. This would possibly explain the greater contrast that I see with the Tak, especially with terrestrial photography. I can take my AP, reduce it to f/5.4 via ccdt67 and ap16t, and it still won't have the same amount of contrast or "snap to focus". On the other hand, I can hook up the f/8 (extend q 1.6x) to the Tak, and it will still have greater contrast than my AP at the same focal ratio. It's not a small amount.

The reason why Tak stopped using fluorite in their FSQ - the mating glass had lead in it. Yuri is still using this because of the correction and the results that can be had with it. I know of someone with a TEC 200/8 FLUORITE that lives around the neighborhood. Now that's a heck of a scope! :) :) :) Planetary is AWESOME!!!! But so is the price tag!

True, there are other elements that are not fluorite in optical train, but the fluorite does help. The other elements may scatter, but with the fluorite, it is greatly reduced. The FSQ106 has 4 elements, 2 of them being fluorite. If they used ED, I'm pretty sure that the scatter will increase. I've often asked the boys at Takahashi whether I should switch to the 106ED or keep the 106 fluorite. They ALWAYS say to me - KEEP THE FLUORITE!

They (takahashi) are designing the next modified petzval as we speak / type. Think of it as a big brother to the FSQ106. More than likely a FSQ140 or so. :)

But, as you mention, all the scopes have the pros and cons. I just use them for both astro and terrestrial photography. Specifically, nature photography of animals, plants, insects, etc. They never sit around collecting dust!

And yes, the AP will have the highest resale value. BY FAR.

[PM01]

My old 10" f/6 Newt. on a Byers 812 mount. I assembled this setup in 1981 and parted it out sometime in 2003. Many film images were taken with this scope. I used Kodak 103a spectroscopic emulsions until 1990 when I switched to Kodak Hypersensitized Tech Pan film. A 160 minute exposure of 52 cygni and part of the Veil nebula at right.

That is a great shot of 52 Cygni, PJ1958! I would really like to do the same thing with say a STL16000.

A Byers mount?!?! Wow...haven't heard of him in YEARS. He made some outstanding worm/gear sets. And the mounts aren't cheap either!

[markjpcs]

I know of someone with a TEC 200/8 FLUORITE that lives around the neighborhood. Now that's a heck of a scope! Planetary is AWESOME!!!! But so is the price tag!

I own a TEC 200 MC 15.5 with zero CA and it is also an awesome planetary scope. The price was right too. :cool:

[PM01]

IMO, TEC makes some great MC gear. Very low CO. And yes, very little to no CA. An SCT has much more color due to the corrector plate and design.

[Rrdstarr]

Well, It is my pseudo astronomy/Gimbal head rig. Just built it last week!
10D and Sigma 150-500 OS.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3332161033_343e322a49.jpg

[markjpcs]

Sweet!

Love the look.

Lets see some pictures!

[markjpcs]

Another photo taken during "first light". Viewed the Sun and Venus which was just a sliver of a crescent today. Tonight I got first light under the stars before the moon rise. Observed M81/82, Beehive Cluster, M51 and split some doubles.

It's a keeper! :D

http://www.pcsincnet.com/AP130GT_Mach1GTO.jpg

[Nighthound]

Mark, that is optical bliss. Very deserving of it's home in the observatory. NICE!!

[markjpcs]

Yes! The Observatory will be it's home most of the time but it will travel with me this year for sure.

I cannot get Cherry Springs out of my mind! The skies there are simply amazing.

And Chiefland is THE star party to be at IMO. What a great site and skies to boot.