I'm completely unfamiliar with Maks or any knind of Catadioptric scope. I've always owned either newtonians or refractors. I got into imaging a couple years ago, and am currently using an 80mm F/6 APO refractor. I want more focal length, but 6" and larger APO's are beyond my finantial reach. I've given into the idea of trying some other types of scope and am looking for something that will match or beat a 6" APO, as a photographic instrument. It will be mounted on a Takahashi EM200 Temma mount and an older Parallel ST8 camera. The 80mm f/6 refractor will likely be riding piggy back. Have heard good things about the Tak CN212, but it's a little pricy for me too. Was also looking at the Vixen VC200L. Any advice is appreciated.
Imaging Scopes?
Started by Boxlock, 07/30/2007 01:22AM
Posted 07/30/2007 01:22AM
Opening Post
Posted 07/30/2007 02:12AM
#1
Hi James,
Decisions,decisions
I was facing the same choice not long ago after owning few real nice apo's,I wanted more focal length too.
I only have experience with the VC200L so will only comment on it.I have had it a few monthes now and like it very much.I went with it instead of a SCT or Mak mostly to avoid mirror flop issues and also for the built in rack and pinion focuser.
It also covers the chip in an STL11000 very well!
The scope is light,cools down fairly quick, the optics look to be very good in mine and collimation has not moved since I recieved it,holds focus well through the night too
The focuser could be a bit smoother but it is pretty stout and seems to take my STL easy enough.I used a ST2000xm with it as well with an Astro Physics 0.67x reducer with good results.
One downside is the thick spider vanes cause some pretty big diffraction spikes on bright stars.
The central obstruction is also large.
My decision came down to the Vixen or a 8"LX200r,I am happy with my choice
Best of luck in your decision,
Jason
Decisions,decisions
I was facing the same choice not long ago after owning few real nice apo's,I wanted more focal length too.
I only have experience with the VC200L so will only comment on it.I have had it a few monthes now and like it very much.I went with it instead of a SCT or Mak mostly to avoid mirror flop issues and also for the built in rack and pinion focuser.
It also covers the chip in an STL11000 very well!
The scope is light,cools down fairly quick, the optics look to be very good in mine and collimation has not moved since I recieved it,holds focus well through the night too
The focuser could be a bit smoother but it is pretty stout and seems to take my STL easy enough.I used a ST2000xm with it as well with an Astro Physics 0.67x reducer with good results.
One downside is the thick spider vanes cause some pretty big diffraction spikes on bright stars.
The central obstruction is also large.
My decision came down to the Vixen or a 8"LX200r,I am happy with my choice
Best of luck in your decision,
Jason
Posted 07/30/2007 03:55PM
#2
>>I've given into the idea of trying some other types of scope and am looking for something that will match or beat a 6" APO, as a photographic instrument.>>
Match or beat? You will not do either with any other kind of instrument. You will not match the field of view or the resolution or the signal/noise that you can get with a good 6" refractor UNLESS you spend about the same amount on another type of instrument.
A 6" refractor (F7 to F9) is pretty much a universal imaging machine. It can be telecompressed for wide field views, at prime focus it has excellent pixel scale that matches pretty much the limitations of the atmosphere, and it can pull in small objects like galaxies at prime focus or with a Barlow. It is an instrument which you will use for years and years and not run out of capability. When you are ready to move on to another size, you can almost always recoup 100% of your investment.
You might also consider some of the lower cost scopes - a bit smaller, say 4.5 to 5.5 inches aperture, some of which can also produce extremely good results. Also, don't forget the used market - you may find a bargain or two that will do what you want.
Rolando
Match or beat? You will not do either with any other kind of instrument. You will not match the field of view or the resolution or the signal/noise that you can get with a good 6" refractor UNLESS you spend about the same amount on another type of instrument.
A 6" refractor (F7 to F9) is pretty much a universal imaging machine. It can be telecompressed for wide field views, at prime focus it has excellent pixel scale that matches pretty much the limitations of the atmosphere, and it can pull in small objects like galaxies at prime focus or with a Barlow. It is an instrument which you will use for years and years and not run out of capability. When you are ready to move on to another size, you can almost always recoup 100% of your investment.
You might also consider some of the lower cost scopes - a bit smaller, say 4.5 to 5.5 inches aperture, some of which can also produce extremely good results. Also, don't forget the used market - you may find a bargain or two that will do what you want.
Rolando
Funding Member
