TAK or TMB??

O.K. I've narrowed it to the TAK FS 102 the TMB 100/800 or the TMB 105/650. I'm looking for a good all around scope to take places, I already have a C-11. The TAK has a really great price. it is about $500.00 cheaper than the other two. I would like your opinions about these scopes. Pros and cons (if there are any).

Michael,
When I went shopping for a 4" APO, I narrowed it down to the Tak FS102 TV 102 and the CNC TMB. Sight unseen, I poured over Ed Ting's, Excelesis, Cloudy Nights reviews and archived over the Tak and TMB Yahoo groups. I imagine you have done the same so I will defer to them for a detailed analysis. At the time, outfitted, the Tak came close in price to the TMB which included rings, finder bracket and case. I was drawn to the uncompromised build and design of the TMB, that it was a triplet over a doublet, and could work with a binoviewer sans a barlow/corrector. I decided to take the plunge for the TMB but wasn't sure if I wanted a 100/800 over the 105. Thomas Back emailed me that for lunar/planetary the 100 will have the edge over the 105, which will have slightly more light grasp and a widerfield for DSOs. I choose the 100 and after comparing it against a 105, I would do it again (repost if you are interested why). S&T, and many have criticised the weight of the CNC tube, (outfitted in a 2" format with Naglers it pushes 20lbs or so) but for viewing it works great on my GM-8 and Giro GR-2DX. The weight doesn't bother me, in the case, it is compact and the views, as far as a 4" APO goes. are to die for. Have since compared to a TV102..no regrets. Have yet looked thru a Tak102, but I probably wouldn't change my mind. BTW, I do own a Tak and they are great scopes, I just think the TMB was the right choice for me. You may be leaning toward the lighter Vixen tube but the used prices on the CNC OTA since the S&T article regarding the weight, I think, have fallen to an artifically low price for what you get. (much of the added weight is in the massive 3" rotating focuser and finder bracket.)
Cognitive dissonance in the amateur astronomy equipment acquistion decision making process isn't a job..., it's an affliction.
Good Luck, Owen

I'v owned both the TMB 100/800 (CNC version)and a Tak FS 102. Both were superb optically. The TMB is a no compromise triplet design that qualifies as a piece of industrial art. It's heavy and you need to be aware that alt az mounts that work well with the Tak FS 102 like the TV Gibraltar will be overwhelmed by the CNC TMB. I used my TMB on a Giro 2 alt az and a GM8 GEM. The FS 102 will work just fine when paired with a lighter GEM like a Super Polaris.

The TMB rotating focuser is superb, and the ability to shorten the TMB OTA for use with a binoviewer is an outstanding feature that I didn't fully appreciate at the time because I hadn't yet started using a binoviewer. The TMB tube rings and finder holder are built to survive WW3. They're beautiful but very heavy.

At first glance the Tak FS 102 @ $1,895 for the OTA is a great deal. But be aware that TAK sells everything ala carte. You'll have to add a 2" visual back ($110), clamshell tube holder ($180), finder bracket and finder ($250?), case (?) etc. You can reduce these additional costs by making do with a Rigel and using Parallax tube rings. CNC TMB 100/800 scopes have sold recently on Astromart for as low as $2,200 and that included everything...aluminum suitcase, tube extensions, rings, finder bracket and finder. Fantastic deal IF the TMB's weight is not an issue for you. The TMB requires more mount than the Tak whether you use an Alt-Az or GEM.

As a quick look grab and go scope I preferred the Tak. It mated perfectly with the TV Gibraltar. Especially during the winter when I'm not able to get to my dark sky site with my 16" dob, I do a lot of planetary viewing from my suburban home. Quick, no hassle set up with a light rig really matters in these circumstances.

TMB now offers their 100/800 in a lighter OTA with Feathertouch focuser @ $2,595. This might be the way to go. You'll miss out on the "industrial art" aspect of the CNC tube, but you'll have a much lighter rig with fantastic optics, best focuser in the industry, and extension tubes to facilitate binoviewing. TMB also offers this setup for their 105/650 version.

I'm not one to split hairs over optics. All of these high end apos (Tak, TMB, AP, TV) have superb optics for visual use. Differences in construction approach, "look and feel", cost and availability have...for me at least...been the deciding factors in my choice of apo.

Rob Mackie