Posts Made By: David Kiefner

Hi Gang,
man I,m full of questions today,but thats what this forum is for.I have a chance to get a new LX 10 brand new @ $799.00 with the UHTC coatings.Anyone had any experience with one and what detail is seen on the moon and planets.Worth the $799.00 price.




As always,thanks a ton,Dave

Hi Gang,
Anyone know who sells the EZ mounting plate that makes it easier to mount the LX90 to its tripod.




Thanks, Dave

Hi Gang,
does anyone know who makes the easymount plates for the LX90 to make mounting on the tripod easier.




Thanks, Dave

Hi Gang,
First a big thanks to Joplin for the information.I,m looking for another goto 8 inch, I,ve had the Nexstar 8 but am considering a LX90 also.Anybody have one or had one.How are the optics.


Thanks, Dave

Hi Gang,
I was just recently able to get hold of a mid ninties Celestron First scope 80 by Vixen w/ wooden tripod ect in LNIB condition.Anybody had one and what are the optics like ?


Thanks, Dave

Hi Gang,
I,ve recently aquired another ED80 to do some side by sides with my FS78.As some of you may know the stock plastic lense cover is so tight as to mar the lens shield.So I don,t use it, I just put a plastic bag over the front.I remember seeing an ad somewhere for the rubber lense caps, can anyone direct me to them.Any other ideas?


Thanks, Dave

Hi Gang,
Just wondering how good are these for build quality and optics on the Moon and planets.




Thanks, Dave

Hi Gang,
Over the years I,ve had too many scopes to count including some fine high end stuff.In the past year I,ve had a couple of the ED80,s to try.I,m a fanatic and just wasn,t satisfied.After doing a little research (not much) I thought I,d give Vic,s 80/9D a try.Just got it this week, case and all.Had it out a few times on Saturn ect.The images are razor sharp and color is almost nil.The build quality in my opinion is much better than the 80ED. Just a beautifully built scope for under $400.00.I mounted mine on a new Orion Astrovew mount and its a perfect carry out scope.Highly recommended.




Dave

Hi Gang,
I recently posted an ad for a LNIB Orion Argonaut.One of our fine Astromarters had one and after sending me tons of pictures ( I,m a fanatic )I sent the funds.Upon arrival I noticed the telltale crunch on the corner of the box.Upon inspection I was pleased to find a like new Argonaut packed in the black bag.But I popped the front lense cover and noticed the corrector lens was actually loose and shifted about 1/4 inch inside the cell.I also saw what I thought was a chip.Leni wiped the tears from my eyes and I regained my composure.I immediately called Mike at ITE and as usual he was a great help.I was already to ship it to him and he actually discouraged me and walked me thru taking the the front lense cell off and checking the spacers and the clips.Long story short,no chips, 2 of the clips had come loose.All the spacing was fine.Set the lens back in the cell and gently tightened the clips down and believe it or not the collimation was dead on.Best views of Saturn I,ve had.If you get a chance to deal with Mike at ITE, please do, he,s a great guy.




Dave

Hi Gang,
I,ve been doing this astronomy thing for over 40 years and after lots of scopes (and lots of moola)I,m beginning to see the light.The viewing here in Minnesota is,well lets just say not the best and leave it at that.Last week one of my astronomy buds and I were complaining about the overcast ect and he came up with a novel solution just in gest.Lets sell all our gear and run to the nearest Toys are us and get us a toy planetarium, you know the ones.My wife Leni and I made the trip, $29.99 and you even get a neat light pointer to point all the neat stuff on the ceiling.Now everynight is a viewing night,heck last night we even popped popcorn.Will I sell all my mint equipment,maybe if I keep having this much fun!!!Now everynight is a clear night (on our family room ceiling).




Dave