Good refractor for under $2000.00

I own a C-11 and was thinking of getting a refractor. What are some good choices for one under $2000.00? I will probably be looking at both new and used. Right ow I am just thinking OTA.

I would have to agree
depends on what you want to do with it though
Viewing? CCD?
Tak FS-102 or the Sky 90 depending on your application

You can get a D&G 6" f/12 or f/15 OTA for $1695. Being a planetary guy that'd be my first choice for a refractor.

The jump from 11" to 4" is a big step, especially for deep sky. I would at least consider something like the D&G achromats. The views that I have seen through a 5" f/12 are impressive. You do need a hefty mount though. If you are sure to keep the C 11 then it's hard to go wrong with a smaller APO.

Well, you're thinking very finely Michael ;-). I think here
are some good choices in your price range. Also, might as
well go whole APO hog at $2K budget ;-).

o Tak FS102 - right now the sale price is highway robbery!
o Vixen 102ED f/9 - now available again in the US
o Vixen 102ED f/6.5
(TV-102 of course ;-) for a wee bit more than $2000)

For more portability
o TV-85 - seems like the little APO everyone regrets selling

Happy X'mas shopping and please let us which which one Santa
fills your stocking with ;-).

Ron B[ee]

A light weight 4" refractor f/6 or thereabouts is very easily mounted on a C-11 and allows you to compare wide angle, low power views with the view through the 11" -- I have a Borg 100 (non-ED) f/6.4 that I mount piggy back on my C-11 NexStar and I'm very happy with the color correction and crisp images that the Borg scope provides. Hutech sells the OTA for $777 - the finder is another $116 but is worth the money as it is an excellect optic. If you want to spend more they have an ED 100mm for just under $2,000.

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