An 8" f6 achromat is a somewhat unique scope. Dark skies and large fields of view are it's main claim to fame.
I built mine in a bit of a hurry more as a test of the lens. However it has worked so well, that I have never got around to doing a proper flocking and baffling job which I am sure would increase contrast.
Open clusters and large extended objects that most scopes just "see through" are it's main targets. Subtle low-contrast details seem to show better in these type of specialty scope.
Dark nebula around M11 and associated Scutum Star clouds, scanning the whole Sagittarius region at a dark sky location is a real treat. Galaxy hopping in Virgo is also great fun, when you can see groups of galaxies at a time.
I would not recommend this as anyone's first scope, and they are pretty expensive to buy new. But for an ATM like me, it has been a worthwhile journey.
If small galaxies and little globular clusters are your main targets, then it sounds like you will need more aperture and magnification than the 8" achromat can provide.
[COLOR="Blue"]James Broussard said:
Hi Everybody, Iv'e read that a 8" F6 refractor on DSO and planets is mediocre. If someone here could confirm this {or not} I would
really appreciate it. As I'm desprate for a large refractor and
a 8" F/9 would not work on my CGEM. My main interest are GC and GX. How would the Moon,Sun and Jupiter fair. Thanks for your help.
De Lorme
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