Hey guys, you know more about this than I do so I have a couple of questions: First, I own 5" and 10" sct's. and am interested in selling both and purchasing a 4" APO. Let me know the advantages. (I know the disadvantages - less light collection than my 10") I live in a fairly light polluted suburb (mag. 5.0 zenith on good nights and was going to build an observatory for the 10" since I hardly ever use it now since it's a pain to haul out and set up. Thanks for the input. Oh, I don't mean to offend any ladies out there so your input is also more than welcome. Thanks. 8O
Need advice on apo refractors
Started by milaniman, 08/17/2004 02:06AM
Posted 08/17/2004 02:06AM
Opening Post
Posted 08/17/2004 02:32AM
#2
if you are dealing with light polluted skies then you need all the aperture you can get.
Solution: Get yourself an 8inch, 10 inch or even larger scope that is easy to setup.
Suggestion:
Consider a basic 10 inch DOB. If you feel you need GOTO, try the Orion Intelliscope..
Jon
Solution: Get yourself an 8inch, 10 inch or even larger scope that is easy to setup.
Suggestion:
Consider a basic 10 inch DOB. If you feel you need GOTO, try the Orion Intelliscope..
Jon
Posted 08/17/2004 02:34AM
| Edited 08/17/2004 02:35AM
#3
Jason,
I have a NX11 and 4" apo. The advantages the apo has over the NX11 as far as my concerns are:
1) Apo does better in splitting really close doubles (less than 2" separation) when the seeing conditions are not optimal for the NX11.
2) The apo has better contrast which makes planetary viewing a pleasure. It does not beat the NX11 on planetary detail.
3) Apo more portable - I can take the apo mounted on GM-8 out the door in one trip, plop it down, connect battery and be observing in 3 minutes. The NX11 requires setup, cooldown and alignment. Portability is only important when time is of essence.
Both scopes serve different purposes and I would only give one in a dire situation.
Good luck,
I have a NX11 and 4" apo. The advantages the apo has over the NX11 as far as my concerns are:
1) Apo does better in splitting really close doubles (less than 2" separation) when the seeing conditions are not optimal for the NX11.
2) The apo has better contrast which makes planetary viewing a pleasure. It does not beat the NX11 on planetary detail.
3) Apo more portable - I can take the apo mounted on GM-8 out the door in one trip, plop it down, connect battery and be observing in 3 minutes. The NX11 requires setup, cooldown and alignment. Portability is only important when time is of essence.
Both scopes serve different purposes and I would only give one in a dire situation.
Good luck,
Posted 08/17/2004 04:35AM
| Edited 08/17/2004 04:36AM
#4
Hi Jason,
If you are interested in pulling out planetary detail go with a 5" or larger APO. After two truly excellent 4" APOs (Tak FC100 and 4" Showa) I found that the jump to a 5" was a vast improvement. I currently own a TEC 140 and it is a great performer. A Tak FC125 or FS128 would be excellent choices and less than the TAO130. A few years ago I owned a truly excellent Meade 127ED that would give most high end scopes a run for their money visually. Currently the two Taks mentioned, TMB 130 F/8 and the TEC 140 would be excellent choices.
If you are interested in pulling out planetary detail go with a 5" or larger APO. After two truly excellent 4" APOs (Tak FC100 and 4" Showa) I found that the jump to a 5" was a vast improvement. I currently own a TEC 140 and it is a great performer. A Tak FC125 or FS128 would be excellent choices and less than the TAO130. A few years ago I owned a truly excellent Meade 127ED that would give most high end scopes a run for their money visually. Currently the two Taks mentioned, TMB 130 F/8 and the TEC 140 would be excellent choices.
