F15Rules

On 07/05/2020 at 21:27, John said:

The SW zooms have a great reputation. There have been a number of versions but yours looks like one of the more recent ones ?

I'll be very interested to hear how this one performs Dave. I've only used some of the fixed length SW's which were a mixed bunch I have to say.

 

Sorry John, I forgot to reply to your question..mine is a MkII version, which apparently is less prone to dust ingress from outside via the zooming mechanism..certainly the optics on this one (9 elements I believe!) look pristine.

Dave

Thanks John 👍.

I hope to get a session maybe early next week, once the moon is out of the way, to try some tightish (sub 5") pairs. 

I'm also keen to take a look at M13 and M92 globulars as I usually find these respond quite well to high magnifications as well.

I must say, the SW is a big beast at 5mm though!..probably nearly 7 inches or so in height/length!

Dave

A rather large shoe box arrived today..that's funny, I had my new walking shoes delivered just yesterday??

Hang on, it's not a new box, it's an old one, and it contained a rather large eyepiece...

I've shown it next to two of my Carton Japan "normal" eyepieces..it's a Large Unit!!😱😱

I've almost stopped buying eyepieces in the past 12 months, but once in a while something pops up that is hard to resist -and this was one of those things!

I've read very good things about these Speers Waler variable power EPs..not a zoom in the strict sense of the word, but certainly offers large (80 deg+) fov at each magnification (7 steps from 5mm to 8mm in half mm increments), but some refocusing is needed between steps. The photos show it "closed" at 8mm and "open" at 5mm!

Its a 1.25" eyepiece and looks to be well made and in excellent used condition. I believe it's around 14 years old and I bought it from the original owner.

There are a number of reviews and discussions on the net, mostly on Cloudy Nights. This one, by David Kniseley is quite interesting: https://www.cloudynights.com/articles/cat/user-reviews/eyepieces/zooms/antares-5-8mm-speers-waler-eyepiece-r326

One of my favourite astro pastimes is observing double stars. Lately I've been using a very good Baader Hyperion 2.25x barlow with my Carton 7-21mm zoom and my Carton Gen 10.5mm plossl.

These eyepieces  combine really well together, but the maximum power I can get in my FS128 is about 333x, using the 7mm setting on the Carton zoom with the Baader Barlow. Last night, using this very combination in very steady skies, I had a wonderful view of Izar in Bootes at x333. A lot of black sky between the primary and it's fainter companion, and sharp as a razor.

My scope can definitely take more power, it just needs the right skies, so I felt that the Speers Waler could fit the bill, based on some very good reviews. In conjunction with the Baader Barlow, the SW 5-8mm will deliver x290 to x468 magnifications, so should complement the Carton 7-21mm zoom nicely. Also, my scope's 2.7" focuser is quite robust, and can handle the size of the big SW without issues.                                            I'll post more after first light 😉

Dave

18 minutes ago, AdeKing said:

OMG Dave, I've just looked these up and they are enormous.

I've just read that the 8.5 - 12mm is 200mm long when zoomed out to 8.5mm.

Will you need an adjustable offset counterweight to balance your OTA when it's fitted?

Ade

Hi Ade,

Yes, it's a lump all right!

I haven't tried it in the scope yet but I think it will be fine..I regularly use binoviewers with a diagonal and two eyepieces which must weigh as much together as this ep. I'll check it out and post a photo tomorrow all being well (I'm going to do an eyepiece thread so as not to hijack this thread..)

Dave

13 minutes ago, markse68 said:

Well spotted Dave. Trouble is it’s an RS with short tube and it lost its og focuser so I’m going to have to figure out a way to extend it I think...or new tube 🤔

Mark at Moonraker scopes used to do bespoke small jobs like this Mark..he chopped 5" off a 5" F15 tube about 5 years ago and did a lovely job. Might be worth dropping him a line to ask the question?🙂

Dave

A rather large shoe box arrived today..that's funny, I had my new walking shoes delivered just yesterday??

Hang on, it's not a new box, it's an old one, and it contained a rather large eyepiece...

I've shown it next to two of my Carton Japan "normal" eyepieces😱😱..it's a Large Unit!!

I've almost stopped buying eyepieces in the past 12 months, but once in a while something pops up that is hard to resist -and this was one of those things!

I've read very good things about these Speers Waler variable power EPs..not a zoom in the strict sense of the word, but certainly offers large (80 deg+) fov at each magnification (7 steps from 5mm to 8mm in half mm increments), but some refocusing is needed between steps. The photos show it "closed" at 8mm and "open" at 5mm!

I'm really looking forward to trying this big fella out soon!

Dave

5 hours ago, Solar B said:

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/baader-maxbrightii-set.htmlsid=913

 

Yes I'm a fan to of the maxbrights .... How long has the MKII been overdue ?

about 5 yrs 😅

Well, Brian, as the Morpheus 17.5mm was 3 years late, but was worth the wait and is an excellent performer, does this mean that the Maxbrights, being 5 years late will be 40% even better than the Morph 17.5mm is?? 🤣

Dave

1 hour ago, JeremyS said:

That's sounds like it was a good evening Dave @F15Rules!

Thanks Jeremy.

Yes, I'm not normally a fan of full moon due to the glare, and usually give observing a miss til a few days after full phase: but reading Doug's post, plus lack of much observing lately prompted me to get out for a session.

And I'm glad I did, a lovely calm night with steady skies

Dave

I got the FS128 out last night between about 10pm and 11.30pm with a break in between for a domestic task.

Not a cloud in the sky, and a very bright super-full-moon. Unfortunately the moon was very close to Bootes last night and it made it very difficult to make out the main shape of the constellation, never mind the fainter naked eye targets! However, using my 9x50 Raci finder to locate fainter stars I was able to view the following: 

(Seeing was very good last night).

- Arcturus.. not a double (as far as I know!), but just a beautiful golden-orange scintillating point of light.. I always think that Arcturus looks great in a twilit blue sky too, it seems to enhance the colour contrast even more. Interesting fact: in 1933, the starlight from Arcturus was used to trigger off the lights of the Chicago Worlds' Fair... http://wendycitychicago.com/a-worlds-fair-moment-the-star-that-connected-1893-and-1933/

- Xi Bootis: mags 4 & 7, distance 6.9" an attractive fairly closely separated pair which is only 22 light years away.

- Zeta Bootis..a triple, main pair 0.9". separation, with a faint mag 10.5" companion 99" distant. I couldn't be sure I located this system at all, due to the overwhelming brightness of the moon..If indeed I had located the right star, I couldn't see any sign of a split of the close pair, and couldn't see the mag 10.5 component - normally easy to see stars of this magnitude with direct vision in the FS128. I'll save this system for a moonless night, it will be a real test for my Tak. 

- Izar Epsilon Bootis (Pulcherrima) superb colour mix of orange/yellow primary with a delicate pastel blue fainter companion - mags 2.5 & 4.9, long period double, close pair at 2.9" separation. Stunning.

- Kappa Bootis very nice, easy pair at 13.4"separation.

- Iota Bootis - a nice, wide easy pair of mags 4.9 and 7.5 at 38.5" separation. Looks very like a higher magnification version of Kappa, with similar position angle and presentation. Also in the same finder field as Kappa.

These two stars are both located at the northern end of Bootes and Alkaid ( ETA Ursa Majoris, mag 1.84) makes a good nearby guide star.

Eyepieces used: Carton 7-21mm zoom, Carton Gen 10.5mm, both with and without Baader Hyperion Barlow 2.25x.

A very enjoyable session with calm steady skies. I saw no less than 8 various satellites crossing my field of view, plus one naked eye one!

Thanks to Doug for promoting this target area! 👍

Dave

5 hours ago, Telescope40 said:

Doubles are not my usual targets to be honest.

John, really? With a 6" refractor??😱🤣

Your scope is MADE for doubles, same scope type as used by "Old Nick" (Cotterless), our resident Doubles Guru..you have some future treats in store my friend!

Dave

4 hours ago, paulastro said:

I'm a big fan of Baader, everything I've ever brought from them has been excellent.  From Peter's position it is understandable he would want to be able to collimate his binoviewer.

I'm also delighted that Peter is not very far away from me, if I have any difficulties I can't sort out, he's a top man to know - if Peter can't fix it, then it's toast! 

Agreed Paul..Peter probably wouldn't remember now, but he kindly took a look for me some years ago at an Intes Mak I had problems with: he was very generous with his time and showed me some of the lovely large scopes he has at the Astronomy Centre - a true gent!

Dave

Nice report, Doug.

It sounds as though your 5" Bresser is delivering the goods nicely!👍

Dave

14 hours ago, Peter Drew said:

I have a slight visual defect that drops my right eye marginally below a horizontal line, I can accommodate it without undue strain but it's better if I can collimate a binoviewer to compensate.   🙂

Peter, I think you are in a  (blessed) minority, in that you are a skilled user/builder/ developer of quality optics, so I understand why you don't like fixed collimation,.as you can do it yourself, with confidence.

For ordinary mortals like me, though, I do NOT want to get drawn into having to try to collimate something like a binoviewer: I'd much prefer that the manufacturer does the job (properly!) at the factory.

And this is the key point for me - I personally would tend to trust Baader to supply a properly set up and fixed collimation product more than some of the other popular brands.

Based on Bills' recent review of the new MkII Maxbrights, and the obvious time and thought that has gone into their design, I'd be happy to buy a pair of none user-collimatable Maxbrights.

Another good example from Baader was the Morpheus 17.5mm..it took them fully 3 years to launch this last variant in the Morpheus line, and many people said it would never actually be launched. But, when the eyepiece was finally ready, we ended up with one of the finest performing eyepieces ever made! And it was to Baaders' credit, IMHO, that they refused to launch a product u til they were absolutely sure it was ready. That sort of approach builds confidence.

Dave

I have been in both camps..waxing lyrical about jaw dropping views and almost giving up on them. I therefore can identify with both Doug's and Mike's infectious enthusiasm (thanks, Doug and Mike!), and John's genuine desire to like them but just not quite "getting them"..(I have felt that more than once, John).

I've thought a lot about this, and here are a few conclusions that might just be helpful. Bear with me...

1. I like viewing to be simple (whether cyclops or with both eyes). I've spent far too much time (and money!) in the past, buying and trying umpteen eyepieces, often based on other, respected observers' reviews and opinions. But often, if I'm honest, I have struggled to see ANY meaningful difference or benefit between my then existing eyepieces, and newer and/or "better" ones. But I used to feel that because all these other people were raving about eyepiece "a" as compared to eyepiece "b", then I needed to try them out to improve my views. All too often I ended up disappointed, frustrated and, often, a good deal poorer! And so, observing sessions of 2 hours ended up with me only really observing (ie really studying) objects for maybe 20 minutes - the rest of the time faffing about swapping out eyepieces, ruining my night vision with a torch in the process, and generally getting more and more frustrated.

So nowadays I have far fewer eyepieces, of very modest cash value, but I am enjoying my observing more, and getting more proper viewing done, for longer, in each session.

2. With binoviewing, much of the above is also true. However, I believe that the mechanicals are also a big factor. First among these is correct collimation: two eyes are only better than one if the binoviewer can show properly aligned images. Some people have genuine problems merging images, but I believe that in many cases this is made worse by poorly adjusted equipment. Maybe this isn't too surprising, given that most of us use binoviewers that cost us between £100 and £200: compare the complexity of such a binoviewer with a single eyepiece of a similar cost, which is usually so much simpler in terms of components.

Most of the entry level bvs in use come from a very few factories with the same basic design, and are "built to a budget". I would dare to guess, with the benefit of hindsight, that probably 5 of the 7 or so pairs of bvs I have owned were not perfectly collimated: useable (especially at lower powers), but not so at higher powers. Ironically, I think my current, later model Revelation set, are one of the two sets I have owned that seem pretty much spot on.

But I feel it's very common for people's expectations to be disappointed when they first try binoviewing.

3. Too much "faffing about". I have always found the sheer number of adjustments that seem to be needed when using bvs to be really off-putting. Eg Tiny screws on each eyepiece holder, different types, most scopes needing an OCS/ Barlow lens to bring them to focus, too high magnification by using a Barlow, too narrow a field of view compared to a single wide angle eyepiece, etc. And on top of that, you can end up with a large, weighty, complicated assembly of component parts hanging out of your eyepiece tube or focuser, with the real likelihood of inadvertently unscrewing or adjusting the wrong screw in the dark and then getting that sickening  pit-of-the-stomach feeling as your big stack of parts including a pair of costly eyepieces almost fall the the ground as they unthread themselves!😱..

...and then, when you want to change the magnification up or down, it can seem as though you have to spend ages disassembling and reassembling the whole wretched edifice, making doubly sure this time that everything is secure (cos your poor old ticker can't take another fright like that, can it?!!).

And then, when you want to view something else in a different part of the sky, you have to move the scope and then realise that now this heavy edifice hanging off the back end of the scope is upside down, so you'd better rotate to scope in it's rings "PDQ," or the whole lot might fall out on the the concrete slabbing that you decided to set your rig up on tonight because "the grass was wet"!!

4. In the light of all the above, I now only view a few objects in a session when binoviewing. I have simple, cheap pairs of eyepieces which I don't need to fret about if there's a mishap, and I only view objects which are bright enough..eg, no DSOs, nebulae or tight doubles (as I personally feel a single eyepiece resolves a stellar point better). But the Moon, planets and some clusters, including globulars, can present really well in binoviewers. And I use absolutely the minimum number of components in the optical train that I have to.

5. Finally, having read  Bill Paolini's review of the new Baader Maxbrights, I really feel that at long last, a manufacturer has tried seriously to take on board the weaknesses of traditional bvs, and made some very worthwhile design changes which should enable binoviewing to be MUCH simpler, and therefore more satisfying.

If any of our friends from FLO read this, I would love it if they could commission two reviews of the new Maxbrights..one by our resident King of binoviewing, MikeDnight, a fully paid up fan of binoviewing, and the other by John, our resident King of single eyepiece reviewing, but a much more sceptical bv user based on previous experiences. 

We might then find out whether binoviewing is about to become much more attractive an observing option to many...or not?? Either way two such reviews would make fascinating reading!

Thanks for bearing with me thinking out loud😊

Dave

12 hours ago, Ags said:

completed my box. Added side handles, triple reinforced the base, double coat of varnish and I went 12 rounds with a enormous drill bit.

Great Job, Ags, looks really nice!

Dave

That's a very interesting and informative review Bill, thank you!

I always liked the older version of the Maxbright, except for the fiddly screws on the eyepiece holders: the new design seems to have had excellent ergonomics built in from the floor up, and this is how manufacturers should take on opinion and feedback from their users IMO.

I will seriously consider one of these instruments when funds allow.

Dave

2 hours ago, Doc said:

Yeah a little overkill 😁

One day I'll invest in a 6" F15 to make the mount sweat a bit.

Well, the lovely "Lady Andromeda" shown below would be a nice match!

I had the privilege of owning this lovely D&G USA 5" F15 until about 4 years ago, but only had  CG5 mount at the time. Her present owner, Steve, (@Saganite), now has her pier mounted on a nice EQ6, much better suited to her size!

Dave

On 01/05/2020 at 16:31, Ags said:

The box does have an "eggshell" feeling of fragility to it. 

I first felt like that too. However, after received two coats of stain both inside and out (ie 4 coats in total), the box feels much more "finished" and up to the job. Once I've fitted new hardware on the outside, it will be fine.

I've now added in my binoviewers, a pair of x1.6 Barlow nosepieces, and a red/white light torch. Oh, and my eye patch, for blocking out stray light when cyclops viewing.

Dave

On 02/05/2020 at 14:01, Doc said:

The first photo shows the Clave 80/1208 refractor on top of a Fullerscope IV mount.

What's the damping time on that set up?....minus 2 hours, perhaps??😅🤣

Seriously, that's a lovely vintage set up and eyepiece set..I imagine the scope is a superb double star splitter!

Dsvr

Hi Rob,

The Revelation is a nice eyepiece for low power views. I have one too and it's great just to cruise around the sky taking in the views.

A little later in the night, or in a month or so when Cygnus has risen a bit higher, take a look at the area around Gamma Cygni, or Sadr (sometimes called Sadir), the middle star of the Cross asterism..just stunning, with so many faint stars popping into view.. you're looking right into the Milky Way here!👍

Dave

I'd either send it back for a full refund (my preference), or offer him to keep it at a price of no more than £50-100 IF you have the time, will and inclination to give the scope the tlc it needs to get it into some sort of fit optical state.

A good Telementor is a fabulous scope.

If you could repair the mount and the tripod is ok, they would be worth at least £100 or more regardless of the OTA. If you can dissemble and clean the objective, the tube would be worth keeping for yourself as long as you knew the residual value might be low if your cleaning left marks visible (even though the marks might well not affect the views).

Good luck, whichever you decide) 🙂

Dave

3 hours ago, mikeDnight said:

You're probably right John.  In the user manual to the DZ,  Tak do say that 200X is the limit for this aperture. But then they go on to say that the DZ is a high power instrument that will go well beyond the generally accepted 200X when the seeing conditions allow. They steer clear of stating a high power limit. I remember my old FS128 user manual claimed 100X to 120X per inch on a good night. I suspect they got some flack from some owners when their local seeing wouldn't allow that power to be used. I once used mine at 800X while observing Uranus. It was empty magnification of course, but the image did remain nice and sharp. I think it must be magic!

The images below are from the user manual of my FS128.. they clearly advise that, given optimum sky conditions, the FS series (all of them, not just the larger apertures) can take up to x120 per inch of aperture, and up to x100 per inch on planetary observing.

I can't vouch for these figures myself, as a) my eyepieces won't go above about x335 (which is x67 per inch in my scope), and b) I haven't had any optimum planetary observing opportunities since I bought the scope!

From previous planetary observing sessions with an excellent 5" F15 D&G achromat and Vixen ED103s F7.7 Apo, I think it would depend on the individual planet as much as the sky conditions. For example, at the last really good Mars opposition I was able to ramp up the magnification significantly (and the same for Saturn): but on Jupiter I have never been able to go much above about x240-250 without feeling I lost more sharpness at higher powers than I gained in detail?

I'm absolutely sure, though, that all Tak 4" apos will take at least x75 per inch of aperture routinely, on most objects. I'm also sure that someone like Mike has eyes, which work so much better than mine, which very likely could go up to x100 or more per inch on the best nights😀

Dave

Congratulations on your Morpheus purchases, they are superb eyepieces👍.

I personally don't think the Aspherics (they offer 2 focal lengths) are in the same league as the Morphs, but the performance will depend on your scope and it's focal length. If your scope is F8 or slower the Aspherics will be ok, a little soft at the edges, but if you have a shorter Dob F5 etc for instance, the view will likely break up more the further from the centre of the field you get.

I have a Revelation 42mm Superview which is quite cheap and works quite well in my Tak FS128, and IMO offers better value than the Aspherics. The Aero range are also very good value. If you have a bigger budget you have a good choice including APM, Televue, and Pentax (their 30mm and 40mm XWs 70 deg have been reissued).

I'm sure other members will chip in with additional suggestions 😉

Dave

9 hours ago, John said:

And the FC-125 from 1981:

That is just a perfect looking refractor on a superb looking mount and pier!

I shudder to think what that cost in 1991, never mind what it would cost now😱🤑!

It would indeed be great if Takashashi would introduce a new FS125 scope - here's hoping..

Thanks for posting John

2 hours ago, parallaxerr said:

Sorry it's the wrong kind of blue, but at least I removed the made in China sticker from the OTA as not to offend anyone's eyes!

 

That's a lovely looking scope Parallaxerr, in my opinion far more attractive than the Skywatcher version.

I had the 102mm version F9.8 some years ago which I bought from FLO complete with CG4 (EQ3) mount. It really was a very nice achromat, and at almost F10, put up some lovely views. 

Thanks for sharing.