Hi, I'm considering getting a C5 OTA primarily as a high power daytime spotting scope. I'll probably look for one used. This scope has been around a while, is there any particular era that stands out, or alternatively is to be avoided? Are the latest model OTAs up to the standard of the earlier ones? Appreciate your insight.
Best era for C5?
Started by jtrobins, 12/20/2004 11:19PM
Posted 12/20/2004 11:19PM
| Edited 12/20/2004 11:38PM
Opening Post
Posted 12/21/2004 02:46PM
| Edited 12/21/2004 02:47PM
#1
I've owned several, from the orange tube '70s through a recent Nexstar. They were excellent optically. This confirms the word on the street that for some reason they have been consistently good.
They do have a relatively large central obstruction of nearly 40%, but within that limitation you get bang for the buck, roughly equal to a 3" refractor in planetary performance.
Also, the simple swing through fork mount of the older models can't be beat for quick look-sees in altaz mode, more convenient than the hand control recent models once you get over the novelty of goto.
As an OTA, it is much better than the C130 maksutov which in my experience is not as good optically, much heavier and longer.
They do have a relatively large central obstruction of nearly 40%, but within that limitation you get bang for the buck, roughly equal to a 3" refractor in planetary performance.
Also, the simple swing through fork mount of the older models can't be beat for quick look-sees in altaz mode, more convenient than the hand control recent models once you get over the novelty of goto.
As an OTA, it is much better than the C130 maksutov which in my experience is not as good optically, much heavier and longer.
"--Granted, that's a worse case scenario. The destruction might in fact be ... limited to our own galaxy."
Posted 12/21/2004 07:12PM
#2
....Hi, I'm considering getting a C5 OTA primarily as a high power daytime spotting scope.
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I have an Old Black C-5. I also have a TV Pronto. I like to watch birds and do a fair amount of digiscoping.
http://members.aol.com/jonisaacs/bikephotos/poglidsk.jpg
I normally use the Pronto, every so often I break out the C-5 but some how I just prefer the Pronto. I do have a focal reducer for the C-5 so I can get some reasonable low power stuff.
What sort of stuff are you hoping to look at with the C-5, what magnifications over what sort of distances?
jon
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I have an Old Black C-5. I also have a TV Pronto. I like to watch birds and do a fair amount of digiscoping.
http://members.aol.com/jonisaacs/bikephotos/poglidsk.jpg
I normally use the Pronto, every so often I break out the C-5 but some how I just prefer the Pronto. I do have a focal reducer for the C-5 so I can get some reasonable low power stuff.
What sort of stuff are you hoping to look at with the C-5, what magnifications over what sort of distances?
jon
Funding Member
