4" apo and Mewlon 210

I posed this question in another forum and didn't get much response. Maybe
it's already been discussed to death. I love my 4" apo, but have been
thinking about something a little larger for planetary and DSO, visual only.
I realize the Mewlon 250 would be a more dramatic improvement, and everyone
seems to like its electronic focuser, but the 210 would sit well on my current
GEM, and of course it would cost considerably less. Any thoughts about this
pairing of scopes from those of you who've had a chance to compare? Some day
I'd like to add a larger dobsonian to the mix, but in my present circumstances
this doesn't make a lot of sense.

Thanks in advance,
Jim

Just adding my endorsement to Gary's comments. I have a Mewlon 250, FS128, and AP Traveler (plus a few others...). I've also used the 4" Traveler side-by-side with a Mewlon 210 under fantastic skies in the Canary Islands, so I guess I've done the comparison you're looking for. Accepting the comment about star images, the Mewlons win virtually every time for both planetary and deep sky stuff, IMHO - greater resolution, more light-gathering etc etc. The refractors do offer the chance of nice wide field views and greater portability though - and not having to worry too much about collimation can also be a benefit, of course.

For me, a Mewlon 250 with your 4" apo would make a perfect pair. If you can't make that work out, though, I think you'd love the 210. A friend of mine just bought one and has been blown away by it.

Best

Martin Hopewell

Awesome no matter which way you look at it. The Mewlon takes some time to cool down. While doing so enjoy the 78. After it does the 78 doubles as a finder.

Kent

Attached Image:

Hi Jim,

In my opinion the Mewlon 210 is one of the best buys in the Tak line. There are some compromises but it's almost half the price of the M250 and only 40 mm smaller.

As for the views I will say "refracter like with spikes"

The construction is beautiful. It's also one of the nicest looking telescopes I have ever seen. At 8" its very light and does't require a major mount.

The focuser is my only complaint (well there is my major complaint regarding internet support from the manufacturer regarding all Takahashi products. You'll find a better site from the manufacturer of gumball machines) Opps sorry about the rant. Well back to the focuser. I see Kent has upgraded to a Tak focuser and I know Gary has also added an after market focuser. Mirror shift isn't really bad as far I can tell but it's just not sensitive enough especially for any kind of CCD work.

As far as the scope being condition sensitive I have also experienced this and have heard that this is common with 10" scopes (anyone seeing this with the 250). Maybe the M210 thinks it's 10" scope. Gary have you noticed this on your 180.

Cool down was a little longer then I had expected for an open system but I think that it's due to the Mirror mass. About an hour coming from inside my home.


I highly recommend these scopes and would like to hear from anyone who was ever disappointed by the views, quality, or value of these scopes. The lack of a decent site from the manufacturer is more then adequately handled by fellow Amarters, TNR, Anacortes staff, and the Yahoo users group. Thanks guys

John