Looking for feedback, which would you purchase and why? Looking for all opinions. Thanks
Mewlon 300 VS 14.5 Dob
Started by pneesam, 12/15/2006 02:17AM
Posted 12/15/2006 02:17AM
Opening Post
Posted 12/17/2006 10:22AM
| Edited 12/17/2006 11:37AM
#1
I've used both the Mewlon 300 and StarMaster 14.5 at different times
for multiple nights (but no side-by-side comparisons, sorry). Planetary
views in the 14.5 were incredible in good seeing. Very user-friendly
also. Mewlon views were unimpressive; it had significant spherical error
and collimation problems. Owner had problems collimating it -- one of the
mirrors had been improperly mounted at the factory. Stock electric focusser
(in my opinion) was nearly unusable -- moved too fast to get any sort of
accurate focus (could probably be fixed with some after-market focusser).
I do like the fact you can look in the back of the Mewlon and view while seated.
You can also take the rear mirror cover off for fast cooling (though
the observers 98.6 degree F head is then right below the light path).
I really wanted to like the Mewlon, but came away somewhat disappointed.
Maybe a different Mewlon on a different night would have been more
impressive. The 14.5 Dob was just a really nice scope. My point
of view is strictly visual observing.
I think if you were mainly an imaging person, it might have turned out
differently. A CCD camera would not bother much about a little spherical,
though the focussing might still be too fast. Ability to mount on
equatorial would be a huge advantage over the Dob.
How about a Celestron C14? IMHO images were comparable to the Mewlon at a
small fraction of the cost. Could be mounted on your G11 go-to for visual use.
I used one a lot in this configuation over the summer and had a blast with
it. Might be a low-$ solution, especially if you get a used one.
for multiple nights (but no side-by-side comparisons, sorry). Planetary
views in the 14.5 were incredible in good seeing. Very user-friendly
also. Mewlon views were unimpressive; it had significant spherical error
and collimation problems. Owner had problems collimating it -- one of the
mirrors had been improperly mounted at the factory. Stock electric focusser
(in my opinion) was nearly unusable -- moved too fast to get any sort of
accurate focus (could probably be fixed with some after-market focusser).
I do like the fact you can look in the back of the Mewlon and view while seated.
You can also take the rear mirror cover off for fast cooling (though
the observers 98.6 degree F head is then right below the light path).
I really wanted to like the Mewlon, but came away somewhat disappointed.
Maybe a different Mewlon on a different night would have been more
impressive. The 14.5 Dob was just a really nice scope. My point
of view is strictly visual observing.
I think if you were mainly an imaging person, it might have turned out
differently. A CCD camera would not bother much about a little spherical,
though the focussing might still be too fast. Ability to mount on
equatorial would be a huge advantage over the Dob.
How about a Celestron C14? IMHO images were comparable to the Mewlon at a
small fraction of the cost. Could be mounted on your G11 go-to for visual use.
I used one a lot in this configuation over the summer and had a blast with
it. Might be a low-$ solution, especially if you get a used one.
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