Astromart

November 5, 2009 12:21 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Scope downsize

I just put together a C8/CG-5 setup that is surprizing light and portable for what you get. I leave it set up in the garage and move the whole thing to my front yard for home use, but broken down it all fits into the back seat of my Corolla for travel to star parties.

November 28, 2009 12:21 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Meade 102ED / TV 8mm Radian

Posted By Michael Tencza

Before you settle on Radians I have one suggestion. There are many good deals that come up frequently on Amart for pre-owned Pentax XLs. I went through the ortho, TMB planetary, Radian progression before trying the XLs but I have now stuck with them. I find the 10.5, 7, and 5.2mm models most useful to me. Some say to avoid the 14mm but I haven't tried it yet as I use a 13mm Nagler. Others find the newer XW line better, but those eyepieces are also more expensive. Your call and enjoy. BTW, I am not trashing the Radians, they are fine eyepieces, I just like the Pentax' better.

December 16, 2009 02:59 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Zhumell 100 9mm Review Part 2

Posted By Michael Tencza

So...not a bad eyepiece but not up to the standards of the premium eyepieces we know and love. Probably what should have been expected, but I guess all of us have a right to hope for more from less.

December 16, 2009 03:09 PM Forum: Eyepieces

40mm for C8

Posted By Michael Tencza

I have been waiting for a clear night here in NC to report on my choice for my c8 which is yet to come. However, I have used the 35mm Panoptic I bought in daylight and while there is some noticeable vignetting at the edge of the FOV, it is minimal and not objectionable at all. At night in darkness it would probably not be noticed much at all.

December 22, 2009 12:16 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

SCT Collimation eyepiece?

Posted By Michael Tencza

I am certainly no expert, but I recently set up my first SCT, a c8 Classic. While the collimation was close when I received it, adjustment was necessary and I found it relatively easy to do. One thing I found indispensible was Bob's knobs (or their equivalent from another manufacturer). They are easy to install and easier to use than an allen wrench in the dark. Since your scope is not collimated now it is a perfect time to get them as you would have to adjust the secondary anyway after putting them on.

July 25, 2010 03:09 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

"C14 is a Small Scope" (The Movie)

Posted By Michael Tencza

Great video Gregg. I use a C8 mounted on a CG5, but your video encourages me to look into a C11. Thanks for the effort.

March 29, 2011 11:08 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Considering starting with a Celestron 8

Posted By Michael Tencza

I am not nearly as experienced as the other responders but have found the C8/CG5 combination very easy to work with. One accessory I would recommend though is either a Starizona rotatable visual back or focuser with the same feature. Having the eyepiece in a comfortable viewing position is critical to me.

June 19, 2011 03:17 PM Forum: Eyepieces

maximum power eyepiece

Posted By Michael Tencza

For me high magnification viewing has comfort concerns as well as optical. Barlowing lower mag. eyepieces to get greater magnification is one way to go. Alternatively there are TMB planetaries that offer a generous field of view and comfortable eye relief for a very reasonable price. Also Televue Radians are excellent for the same reasons as well as other brands. If you check the preowned offerings on this site these may be had for bargain prices when you are ready to invest a bit more into your collection. As always try to sample anything you might be interested in obtaining at a star party as personal preferences vary and some eyepieces work well with some scopes but not others. Enjoy your eyepiece safari, it is part of the fun.

July 4, 2011 01:00 PM Forum: Eyepieces