Tough Decision - Keep FS128 or SV115-APO?

Started by SJJindra, 04/07/2011 09:01PM
Posted 04/07/2011 09:01PM | Edited 04/07/2011 09:03PM Opening Post
I have a tough decision to make. I have two very nice APO refractors, an FS-128 and an SV-115 APO. Both are excellent, but I find I no longer have the stamina to regularly stay up late night astroimaging and/or viewing these days; by 9pm I'm usually out like a light. So one needs to go.

Recently, I've become interested more in nature photography with a recently acquired Canon DSLR. So the scope I keep will be used for long distance nature photography and for those nights when I'm up to viewing the planets (I'm primarilly a planetary viewer) and other more distant objects. .

The FS-128 gives me a full 5" APO as a fluorite doublet in a large, but relatively light package. The SV-115 APO is an ED triplet, is a little more color free, is smaller, but a little heavier. The SV-115 will work on a TV Gibraltar mount. I've been considering the Gibraltar 5 for the FS-128, but don't have one to check this combo.

I'm going to compare both for terrestrial photography and if one shows a distinct advantage, that will sway my decision.

I know there will be sellers regret either way, but I've taken cash from our bank account for DSLR lenses, so I've got to balance the books.

Appreciate any thoughts.
Posted 04/08/2011 12:05AM #1
Posted 04/09/2011 04:14PM | Edited 04/18/2011 03:44PM #2
I would just add that I keep my SV115 on a DM-4 mount and it the perfect alt-az mount for the 4.5" triplet Apo. They are pricey, but way more stable than the Gibraltar 5.

Randy Roy
Posted 04/12/2011 12:28PM #3
If you truly cannot decide, sell the one that will bring more money.
Bob
Posted 06/18/2011 08:18PM #4
It looks like my FS-128 will be finding a new home. My head said that the SV115 made the better OTA for terrestrial photography, based on size, focal length, etc., but it took my heart a few months to become accustomed to the idea enough to let it go.

It's going to a good home though, the buyer is having me drop it off locally at LSS-TNR for a good cleaning and a 30,000 mile checkup.

Of course the SV115 is no slouch for astronomy, visual or imaging.

I picked up an SV field flattener (here on AM) wih the adaptors to thread directly to the SV115 3" FT focuser for shooting at F7 800mm. I also have a TAK FS102/128 .75X FF/FR with the adaptors required to get to about F5.25 600mm. With the 1.4X camera extender for F10 1100mm and a 2X extender for F14 1600mm, I can range from F5.25 600MM up to F14 1600mm. I've already tried out the 2X at F16 1600mm on a sunny day and it worked remarkably well for nesting eagles in HD Video (1080P).

Thanks for the comments.

Steven Jindra
Posted 06/20/2011 01:33AM #5