Does anyone know anything about Parks reflectors? I was looking through their Precision 8" f/6 the other day and it seemed pretty good, but a little pricey.
parks newtonians
Started by duvoisin, 01/04/2003 07:11AM
Posted 01/04/2003 07:11AM
Opening Post
Posted 01/04/2003 08:37AM
#1
A long time ago, in our galaxy, Parks was a supplier of quality ATM parts, including their famed fiberglass tubes that they also supplied to Cave Optical (the best!). I purchased eyepieces from them and drooled for one of their tubes. When Cave folded (mostly due to it's owner's ill health) Parks took up the flame and marketed what appeared to be identical Astrola's; Parks mirrors held up as high quality. I would assume this remains so today, the scopes look the same. Ron
Posted 01/04/2003 05:31PM
#2
Jacques,
I have a Parks 10" F6 Newtonian that I got off of Astromart with an older Parks1.5" shaft mount (both date from the 80's) - I paid about half of what the new 10" F5 Superior OTA sells for by itself. I can honestly say that it has the best optics of any 10" scope I've ever looked through (haven't looked through a 10" APO though :-). I agree that the pricing on the new 8" F6 Precision is way out of line though - the only way to get Parks scopes at a reasonable price is used. For the best bang for your buck, I would try and find a used Meade 8" F6 equatorial in good condition for about 2.5 times less than the Parks scope. Believe it or not, the mounting is probably better on the Meade scope and as a bonus it actually includes a clock drive (which is crucial, in my opinion). With the loads of cash you would save you could get some great eyepices and still have more than enough money left over to have the primary mirror replaced/ refigured with one of exquisite quality.
Joplin
I have a Parks 10" F6 Newtonian that I got off of Astromart with an older Parks1.5" shaft mount (both date from the 80's) - I paid about half of what the new 10" F5 Superior OTA sells for by itself. I can honestly say that it has the best optics of any 10" scope I've ever looked through (haven't looked through a 10" APO though :-). I agree that the pricing on the new 8" F6 Precision is way out of line though - the only way to get Parks scopes at a reasonable price is used. For the best bang for your buck, I would try and find a used Meade 8" F6 equatorial in good condition for about 2.5 times less than the Parks scope. Believe it or not, the mounting is probably better on the Meade scope and as a bonus it actually includes a clock drive (which is crucial, in my opinion). With the loads of cash you would save you could get some great eyepices and still have more than enough money left over to have the primary mirror replaced/ refigured with one of exquisite quality.
Joplin
Funding Member
