Posts Made By: Steven Keaton

If you had to choose one Takahashi, whether it be refractor, reflector, cassegrain, what would you prefer to have and why? But I wish to throw in one stipulation. The scope must be portable. Lets say, under 35-40 lbs.

Thanks,

Steve

I know this sound random, but I am beginning to study this scope. I have talked to our sponsor and looked for some reviews. Anacortes suggested asking for user/owner comments. So, if there is a fortunate owner, How does this little gem stack up? I am strickly a visual observer, no Astrophotography or CCD in my immediate or long term future. I have owned two exceptional APO's, a 4" and 5". I sold out looking for Apeture, and now am saving for a combo of apeture, focal length, and top notch quality. I have a good size CAT for now to get me by, but I can see a scope like the TEC 200 in my future. I would also like to know if this is a scope that always holds collimation from the factory?

I would love to hear some comments, especially from Yuri if possible.

If there happens to be other scopes that some might suggest, please let me know.

Thanks to all,

Steve

I'm not sure if this is the best forum for this question, but after reviewing all the forums twice, it looks like it fits here. Anyway, here it goes . . .

Apeture and Focal Length. It seems I'm striving for both. I live in a very light polluted area. Each year, it seems to grow worse. In 2-3 yrs. I will remedy that by buying a new house a bit more in the country. Until then . . . For now, I'm battling with this issue. What is the biggest and easiest, etc.

It seems I'm settling into the 3000 mm F/L. I really like the sounds of two scopes.

1. Tak Mewlon 250. 3000 mm F/L.
2. TEC MC200. 3150 mm F/L.

I'm very interested in the TEC because it is lighter, easier to handle, has a tad bit more F/L, but 2" smaller apeture. It is also $1,200.00 cheaper. Minus a couple of necessities.

Is apeture in this quality of scope going to make up for the 150mm less of F/L, or will F/L make up substancially for the difference.

My knowledge of scopes is rather limited, although I have had two CAT's, two very small MAK's and two APO refractors.

Any input would be appreciated,

Steve

I use four different Naglers for my Meade Mak-Cass 7". I love Naglers for the wide view and crisp image. And since, where I live, it is so light polluted and Polaris is not at all convenient to align with, I just point my Losmandy in the general north direction and go so, I'm never polar aligned. Therefore I have concluded that wide field is best for me.

With that said, I'm wondering how the new 5000 Ultrawides are stacking up. Especially with Meade products. I once had a 4000 series 8.8 Ultra that I regret parting with.

Any comments?

Thanks,

Steve

I use four different Naglers for my Meade Mak-Cass 7". I love Naglers for the wide view and crisp image. And since, where I live, it is so light polluted and Polaris is not at all convenient to align with, I just point my Losmandy in the general north direction and go so, I'm never polar aligned. Therefore I have concluded that wide field is best for me.

With that said, I'm wondering how the new 5000 Ultrawides are stacking up. Especially with Meade products. I once had a 4000 series 8.8 Ultra that I regret parting with.

Any comments?

Thanks,

Steve

I just agreed to purchase a Tak 5mm LE. I had one in the past that worked great with my FS102 and 128, but I let it go when I went through a couple of long focal length cassegrains. Although the other two schmidt-cassegrains that I owned were reputable, they are no comparison to my TEC 6. (Again thanks goes out to Joe Daukantas for gracing me with the purchase of the TEC 6). So the quality and capability of the TEC may make a substantial difference in Magnification abilities and even answer the upcoming question.

My question that I want to throw around while I wait for the 5mm LE to arrive is:

Since I live under turbulent skies with only 110 evenings called clear, of which 40 or 50 are really transparent, how well do you think this eyepiece will work with my TEC6 with an 1800mm fl at 360X?

Of an early evening during warmer weather, most of my scopes have had a hard time getting close to or exceeding 250X.

I've mainly bought the 5mm LE for rare good evenings and early mornings when the seeing is tremendous, especially with Mars getting better everyday.

Thanks,

Steve

How do I even ask this question?

Background: I have a magnificent TEC 6. This is a great all around scope. Lightweight, enough Aperture, great build quality, and cosmetically, looks awesome on my GM-8.
Downside is cooldown, and possibly 6" is a bit much to reach ambient temperature quickly in Northern, KY. Coupled with an almost constant haze. I believe these are factors that take away from performance that this scope is capable of...

I have been thinking a lot lately about an FS102 that I had which performed marvelously regardless of seeing conditions. It seemed to cut through any reasonable amount of haze. Cooldown was never more that a half hour.

However, I would like more than 4".

To add to my dilema, I had a Tak FS128 for about 6 months. It was a beautiful performer, but it seemed to be hindered by haze and heavy light pollution that I am subjected to in my area.

Question: What APO might fit my needs? Something in the 4.5" range? The TMB115 Lightweight seems attractive. Perhaps the very similar SV115 or even a Vixen.

I am strictly a visual observer. No CCD imaging in the forseeable future.

Any opinions on a very familiar question?

Steve

After many hours of intensive research, reading everything I could find on these two scopes, and considering many others, I feel that these two are my ultimate best options. I know that we are talking about the same optics, and that Thomas Back and Vic Maris are magnificient designers. And the fact that both are completely involved in their respective companies and each individual scope assembled and tested, makes these two scopes rise to the top. Adding to that Marcus Ludes incredible craftsmanship of the APM TMBs are nothing short of a work of art.

The difficulty is finding a lot of consumer opinion about these scopes. I have read several reviews, but I would like to inquire of those who actually own a TMB115. I know this is a very open ended inquiry, but I leave it that way so that I can get as much feedback as possible. I have posted a similar question on the Stellarvue forum.

Thanks,

Steve

Does anyone know if the G-11 Saddle Plate that Anacortes sells for $105.00 will fit the TMB 115. I would imagine that the rings supplied with the TMB would mate to this Dovetail Plate since it is universal. Can anyone confirm? I have agreed to purchase a 2004 model TMB and want to make sure I can be ready to go when the scope arrives.

Thanks,

Steve

To the more experienced:

The old familiar can you offer an unbiased opinion on - The Konigs. I have my beloved Nagler 26mm T5. A beauty, but heavy and costly. I would like to replace it with an obvious equal since its no fun moving down the rung.

Will the Konig II 32mm fit the bill or must it be the New Konig 32mm MK80, and how will either perform?

I know that these two sell like hotcakes on the Classifieds, so that alone says they are good.

Any comments,

Steve