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  • Latest Posts

    • Oh cool, it all adds to the frantic feeling of not having the time to sketch anything as it moves out of my untracked FOV 🤣
    • If you want a map, I'd echo suggestions for the Sky & Telescope correct image (binocular view) map. I like the Charles Wood atlas, but some people feel the errata list is too long.  It doesn't bother me, but YMMV.  
    • I think looking at the reviews Ed Tring is in an extreme minority with his opinion.
    • Three years! And you still haven't decided. If I were you I would narrow it down to the serious contenders, then list their pros and cons. Any reviews you read for the said telescopes try and ensure that they are from experienced observers. Even on this forum while I read every comment on equipment purchase and observing results etc, I only ingest and allow myself to be guided by those comments coming from experienced members whose many years at the eyepiece with different scopes forms the basis of their knowledge. I'll say it once again. If you can allow for the cool down time of an 180mm Maksutov then you will have the closest to apo refractor performance in my experience. They are sharper both for visual and planetary imaging than an SCT. They are also good for doubles. They are also compact and easy to transport. The other choice you mention is the ED120 or the SM125. Buying new then the 125 would be my choice simply for the extra 5mm aperture and the better 2.5" R&P focuser fitted as standard. When I'm personally deciding on buying a new telescope  it's on the particular model I'm purchasing, as I have decided on scope design and manufacturer some time prior. I also am a planetary enthusiast and have viewed and imaged the planets with refractors (both apo & achro), reflectors, SCT's as well as Maksutovs. The best views were from my 4" apo refractor with lovely colours and sharpness all round. The Maksutovs (once cooled) were snapping at the heels of the refractors along with the Newtonians. Slightly behind the Newts came the SCT's solely due to the views being softer. As you increase aperture the playing field changes in my opinion. Ideally we would just want to increase the size of our apo refractor scope but cost throws a proverbial spanner in the works. For planetary imaging then it's all about resolution to tease out the details on the planets surface which means aperture basically. For this reason it's large Newts and SCT's that are the scopes of choice. As you are already aware the seeing conditions here in the UK hinders the performance we can achieve with larger apertures. So I have found it to be something of a balancing act between conditions and equipment regarding the planets. I have captured images of the planets with a 180 Mak that I haven't beaten with a 300mm Newt. I know that this is solely due to the seeing conditions not being conducive to the larger scope.But I have started asking myself am I getting more enjoyment from several nice images with the smaller scope or perhaps the one excellent image (if any at all) from the larger scope. I am now in the smaller scope camp. I think I will settle on my existing 10" go to dobsonian and I will add a 180mm Maksutov onto my AZ-EQ6 for the nights of poorer seeing. Either that or a SM25 apo and I can then open the sky up to a multitude of amazing views and targets. The only thing that I do know for sure at this second is that it won't take me three years to decide. Good luck with whichever avenue you decide to venture down.
    • Ok, thanks. You have a good budget but like me you like sharp clean views, have early cataract development, a bad back and move all your kit in and out for astro sessions. Your first choice probably needs to be the mount as that dictates what weight of scope you can use, You have mentioned an EQ6 in the past but they are heavy so would suggest you pay a visit to Rother Valley Optics and or your local astro club to see if you can manage one.  Possibly the easiest choice for planetary and double star observing is a refractor but the OTA size depends on the mount. Refractors are less affected by the poor seeing we can get in the UK. Binoviewers are highly recommended for this. I don’t do Planetary AP but would suggest a Newtonian with a rear mounted fan for quicker cool down, again the size is mount dependant. Suggestion 1 : Heavy option (new prices) SW EQ6 PRO: £1500 Askar 120 APO triplet: £1500 SW 10” F/5 Newtonian: £530   Suggestion 2 : Lighter option (new prices) SW EQ5 PRO: £699 Starfield ED102: £899 SW 8” F/5 Newtonian: £349   Hope that helps.      
  • Recent Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • andre2  »  Zakalwe

      Hi, zakalwe .  How about the  proms with Lunt 60 and The DS 50 etalon? Assume they look better with single etalon?  Thanks.    Miertje. 
      · 0 replies
    • Earl

      grey wet and hail....
      · 0 replies
    • Hawksmoor

      The sky has ben briefly clear for a change so captured some data. A spectrum from the carbon star La Superba and some video clips of the Full Moon. The Lunar data gave me the opportunity to try James Ritson's latest lunar disc macro for AFFP02 which was in his last update. Excellent for high definition, even when using my mini rig and 66mm Altair Lightwave scope. Have put image of Full Moon in my Moon Album. Still working on processing the spectrum.🧐
      · 0 replies
    • Earl

      Grey and wet, how suprisng.....
      · 0 replies
    • Earl

      64GB CF card arrived. only had a 512mb with the camera with the space for 30 photos LOL. 350 photos took up 30GB Raw and JPG max res... thats better!
      · 0 replies
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