Telescope question

[Sorarse]

There is an outside chance I may have the opportunity to purchase a Bresser Messier R102 refractor for a reasonable price.

I know that others have used this scope as a guide, so it obviously suits that role, but I was wondering what it is like for viewing or imaging in it's own right?

I am currently using a Celestron 9 1/4" SCT, so it's feasible I could use the Bresser as a guiding scope, but that wouldn't be my original intention if I did actually buy.

I would appreciate hearing of anyone's experience of this particular 4" refractor, as the only experience I have of refractors is the little ones usually sold as ideal Christmas presents, or as starter kits.

[Jeff]

I guess the only thing I could say is that it seems based on the specs that it'd be good for double stars and clusters; small open or globs. Probably not enough aperture for faint stuff and too long for widefield.

Diameter 102mm
Focal length 1000mm
Total Weight 18.10KG <--- EDIT: see next post

[Adrena1in]

Diameter 102mm
Focal length 1000mm
Total Weight 18.10KG

Really?! That's seems excessive!! My C11's lighter than that!!

I think that weight you quoted must include the mount as well.

[Sorarse]

Thanks for that Jeff. The only reason I was asking is that I don't have a refractor at the moment, all my stargazing being done with a Celestron 9 1/4" SC. I just thought the Bresser might be a cheap way in to complement what I already have.

[Jeff]

Really?! That's seems excessive!! My C11's lighter than that!!

I think that weight you quoted must include the mount as well.

Yea, you must be right. I just copied and pasted the specs from some site I found it on. Sorry about the confusion. :oops:

Thanks for that Jeff. The only reason I was asking is that I don't have a refractor at the moment, all my stargazing being done with a Celestron 9 1/4" SC. I just thought the Bresser might be a cheap way in to complement what I already have.

The 9 1/4" is a REALLY nice all round scope. An observing buddy has one. It does even better on the things the 4" would be good at.

Have you thought about widefield? I just sold my 6" refractor (1200mm focal length) and got an 80mm f/5 (400mm focal length) and love it! No other scope I own, event that 6" was wide enough to get things like the Pleides in the FOV.

[Sorarse]

That's a possibility. Think a bit more research is in order! ;)

[PM01]

I've never known a 100mm tube assembly to weigh that much. It's close to an f/10, so it's kinda slow for astrophotography.