Looking for some opinions guys...Looking for which of these would be best all around scope for visual deep sky and planets mounted on something like the SV MG2 mount with encoders. I like really sharp images and high contrast...Any help is appreciated. Price range no more then 3-4,000.
130mm APO Triplet or Mewlon 210 or Vixen VMC260L
Started by pneesam, 12/28/2010 12:08AM
Posted 12/28/2010 12:08AM
Opening Post
Posted 12/31/2010 09:54PM
#1
Paul,
My feedback (if I had to spend 3 - 4 grand on a visual set-up).
1. Get a non-alt az mount with tracking...you will need this for planets and lunar especially if you are visual. I would get a G-11 with "push-to" like argo-navis (In My HUMBLE Opinion....push to is superior to go-to and a whole lot cheaper). This will cost you 1500 on Astromart.
2. Get a used C9.25 for 1000, AND get a used 110 - 130ish fast doublet and mount them in tandem on the G11.
Now, you have nice planitary / lunar views and a good fast wide field, and you can sit down and enjoy while on a chair.
ALTERNATIVELY
1. Get that G11 and Argo Navis
2. Get an Intes Mak Newt, like the MN71. That does wide field, planets, and lunar very well. But you have to stand while viewing.
Ed Ting once said sitting comfortably adds 1 inch to your aperature....I agree with him and your visual viewing position should be factored in here.
My feedback (if I had to spend 3 - 4 grand on a visual set-up).
1. Get a non-alt az mount with tracking...you will need this for planets and lunar especially if you are visual. I would get a G-11 with "push-to" like argo-navis (In My HUMBLE Opinion....push to is superior to go-to and a whole lot cheaper). This will cost you 1500 on Astromart.
2. Get a used C9.25 for 1000, AND get a used 110 - 130ish fast doublet and mount them in tandem on the G11.
Now, you have nice planitary / lunar views and a good fast wide field, and you can sit down and enjoy while on a chair.
ALTERNATIVELY
1. Get that G11 and Argo Navis
2. Get an Intes Mak Newt, like the MN71. That does wide field, planets, and lunar very well. But you have to stand while viewing.
Ed Ting once said sitting comfortably adds 1 inch to your aperature....I agree with him and your visual viewing position should be factored in here.
Posted 01/01/2011 02:54PM
#3
If you're talking scope ONLY:
Recognizing that no single scope in your price range is perfect for both deep sky and planetary, I'd go with either the Tak 210 or the Vixen. I've owned 6 SCTs and a couple of Vixen 200s, and the Vixen easily wins for visual use, although it doesn't handle all the accessories that are available for an SCT. The Vixen VC200L has a flatter field and is crisp far closer to the edge than an SCT. The 260 is a slightly different optical design but should perform quite well, and it is a 10 1/4" scope.
OTOH, if you're looking for primo image quality, nothing beats a good refractor, and there are several in the $3,000-4,000 price range that fit your requirements. I'm partial to the TMB 130, but there are others just as good.
Bob
Recognizing that no single scope in your price range is perfect for both deep sky and planetary, I'd go with either the Tak 210 or the Vixen. I've owned 6 SCTs and a couple of Vixen 200s, and the Vixen easily wins for visual use, although it doesn't handle all the accessories that are available for an SCT. The Vixen VC200L has a flatter field and is crisp far closer to the edge than an SCT. The 260 is a slightly different optical design but should perform quite well, and it is a 10 1/4" scope.
OTOH, if you're looking for primo image quality, nothing beats a good refractor, and there are several in the $3,000-4,000 price range that fit your requirements. I'm partial to the TMB 130, but there are others just as good.
Bob
Funding Member
