Posts Made By: Paul Mouritsen

Hi,

Anyone out there feel like comparing these three scopes from experience? I used to own a Pronto but unfortunately sold it. I am looking for a small high quality portable refractor again. Which would you choose if this was to be your only scope?

Thanks a lot,

Paul

Hi,

I am trying to find a high quality, somewhat reasonably priced, airline portable scope/ Holy Grail. I realize that this is a well worn path. I have hit all of the scope review sites but am looking for some biased opinions. Any out there :-)

I used to have a Pronto but unfortunately sold it , so for comparison I am aware of it's qualities. I am trying to decide between the Williams 80 and the Tak 60. Both are really well made. The Tak probably has better optics but is more expensive and has a small aperture. The Williams is larger, comes with many more accessories but mostly I hear glowing reports of it's build quality and not it's optics... sort of damming by faint praise.

Anyone have input here? BTW. This is my only scope, I live in a light poluted area when not traveling,and I enjoy wide views.

Best,

Paul

Hi,

Is there a red dot finder that mounts easily on a FS60C or on a Sky90?

Thanks,

Paul

Hi,

I used to have a Pronto with Skytour. I liked the help from the computer and did not mind manual slewing. I am putting together a new scope after being without one for a couple of years. This time I am getting a Tak Sky 90 and will possibly put it on a TelePod head. It crossed my mind that I might want to set it up with DSC's again. TeleVue charges about 300$ for the computer alone. Is there a way of using software on my laptop with the DSC's via some sort of breakoutbox to accomplish this same task?

Maybe it would not save me much money but I am curious. I did try looking on the web but came up short.

Best,

Paul

Hi,

I am looking for a 2" diagonal for my newly acquired Tak Sky90. I would like to find one that will not be the limiting factor in the system but do not feel that I can afford an AP or the TV Everbrite level. I have heard good things about the Williams diagonals. Would the less expensive "New Generation" 97% refelectivity diagonal suit my needs? It seems like a good value. Any other recommendations?

Best,

Paul

Hi,

I bought a Tak Sky90 last week and hope to receive my 2" diagonal tonight. Yeehaa! I used to have a Pronto and enjoyed the views with a 27mm Panoptic which I unfortunately sold. Does anyone have a favorite wide field EP to recommend. Currently I am considering either the 24 or 27 Panoptic.

Best,

Paul

Hi,

I just received my "New generation" Williams Optics "2 inch diagonal. It is a work of art but boy is it huge. It makes the 2" TV that I had on my old Pronto look like a toy. My problem now is that the scope is getting too heavy for my original purpose which was travel/easy setup using a photo tripod with some type of Alt/Az head. I think that I may back off and go with a 1.25" diag. I am also looking for a lighter weight alternative to the stock Tak clamshell which is way over-built, and heavy for my purpose. Anyone know of a light weight alternative?

Thanks,

Paul

Hi,

I am working out my mount for my new Sky90. I have a Lapides Teegul mount for viewing at home. I also picked up a TeleVue Telepod head for airline travel. My question is will I need an adaptor/plate or to do drilling to use my Tak clamshell on the telepod? I have not received the mount yet but if I need an additional plate, adaptor, or new rings I would like to plan for it...

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Best,

Paul

Hi,

It seems like there are a lot more filters than there used to be. I guess that free enterprise loves a void!

Are any of you using filters for casual viewing? If so, what do you favor? Are you mounting the filters before or after the diagonal? I guess I am mainly interested in nebula filters or contrast enhancing filters. I view in two extreme situations. I am either in a city environment with miserable light polution or I am on vacation and in a dark sky area... not much in between for me.

Any tips or pointers to web site links appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

Hi,

I am getting back into astronomy after foolishly selling my stuff a couple years ago. I want to get a moon filter but thought that I might well benefit from the experience of others. I saw an Antares filter on Scope Stuff that actually used two polarizing filters in tandem to vary the brightness/contrast of the view. Seemed like a nice idea but I was concerned about putting too much extra glass in the light path. Any recommendations for a good filter?

Best,

Paul