Moonlit Night

The ED150 had lots of mixed reviews when it was released first. I was very tempted until then. Didn’t John have one on loan from FLO for a bit?

Anyway… Whatever you decide you are going to have an excellent scope. As long as you can mount it on a stable mount you are going to have a lot of fun.

As one might expect. Anyway, boring scope wars aside, and to return to topic, have you made a decision yet.

Some of the claims about various brands of telescopes from various companies and parts of the world and supposed magnification need taking with a pinch of salt btw. Consider your seeing conditions and the laws of physics. It will stand you in good stead.

On this occasion I would side with the ED120. The extra light grab would be most useful indeed and truth be told you kinda need to use your imagination to see a difference in optical quality beyond a noticeable jump in resolution.

Yes, it’s fl8.6, a Tele Vue 102 refractor. The 13mm gives me an exit pupil of 1.5 and the 32mm 3.7. Planetary and lunar observation are where my interests lie, hence the 4mm, 5mm, 7mm, 9mm spacing with the 13 mm and 32mm as fill ins for times of poor planetary position or white light solar. I plan my ocular choices based upon my personal interests, which I think is probably the way to go.

I would think so, I found obtaining the right ones a bit of a pain. Same is true with Tele Vue mounts in my experience. I love my HD4, best mount I ever owned, although I did mod it with a AMD clamp which I prefer as a mounting option.

I recently cleaned my Tele Vue 102 using the bulb blower and Baader wonderfluid and a brand new micropore cloth method (absolutely no lense pens) I didn’t need to remove the objective and quite frankly find the prospect terrifying. However that doesn’t sound too bad so if I am ever in that position (whisper it, fungus) then perhaps I will give it a try.

Cheers Don. It is 102mm and that was kinda what I thought. Just checking in really. Thanks for your time, appreciated.

My 32 mm plossl gives me x27 (ish) and my 13 mm gives me x67. How many of you would bisect these with an 18 mm (ish).

I couldn’t begin to imagine…

Hello there, you are most very welcome.

I got started with the Observers book of astronomy. This was some time ago…

I rest my case m’lord

Perhaps, not the same as being tested in the field by loads of other more impartial users really.

Priddy up in the Mendips?

I think you have made the right decision. As has been previously stated: A) The price is right b) These are not going to be imported back into the UK any time soon/ever (The last big import of TAL (Russian) refractors must be getting on for 15 years ago) c) There is just something wonderfully reassuring about buying a premium refractor. Yes some of the reasons we buy these things is a little, dare I say… irrational, but you are no longer wondering if the glass is greener (or a nice purple or blue) on ABS. You could even argue (I’ve actually tested this out with Mrs Moonit) that it’s cheaper in the long run. The chances are you’re going to keep it forever if it ticks all your quality boxes. You’re not just buying a telescope, you’re peace of mind. Well done and congratulations. One another note, thanks for the appalling weather you are undoubtedly going to inflict on us all the moment you part with your cash! May include clouds, may nothing, it’s a given!

LZOS

https://gostargazing.co.uk/

You should download the Go Stargazing App. It lists most of the activities of most astronomy clubs and lists day by day when they meet and can be set to just list your local astronomy clubs

My patience, honesty some people…

Anyway, back on topic

Perhaps, I remember those candy red and brass scopes. I didn’t think they make the glass themselves. I remember they used TV achro glass in some of them. The others were steam punk numbers I seem to remember. They still come up for sale now and then.

I used to get loads of stuff from them before the event we don’t talk about on here. It got far too expensive afterwards. I got hit for a tax bill I didn’t expect, so that was the end of that.

Oh well we have The Thames, Mersey, Ouse, Trent and Humber rivers and the Manchester Ship Canal for big wide beam barges