JP-Astro

Thanks to all of you for a bunch of thoughts so far. I'm in the Eastern Europe. German retailers have those scopes in different brands.

Yes, I know of the mount requirements for a long frac. My EQ5 would be at the edge of its stability. While 5" F11 gets good reviews I know that the GSO CC alternatively has a following within the CATs camp!

Hello gentlemen,

I've narrowed down my choice to one of the 2 telescopes and have hard time deciding between the two. They are both within my budget and I don't consider any other options. Only these two. Either one or another. None otherwise. (Would get them both but if I had money my choice of the scope would widen instead.)

- One is a (relatively) long focus 4" ED refractor (~FPL51 equivalent)  Starwave ASCENT 102ED F11

https://www.altairastro.com/starwave-ascent-102ed-f11-refractor-telescope-geared-focuser-467-p.asp

Another is a 6" GSO Classic Cassegrain (with a F12  focal ratio); A kind of reflector telescope that is.

https://agenaastro.com/gso-6in-f12-classical-cassegrian-reflector-ota-black.html

My primary interest are planets hence the focal ratio choice. 6" CC will give me more light gathering ability but I find something fascinating in refractors.

Please add any thoughts on the subject you might have. Of course think of it as if you were facing this dilemma.

Excuse me please if I ask a silly question.

Why did you have to file that cross bar down if it can be easily removed? Won't it alone allow the tab to go past the bar that restricts the tab's movement further forward?

Does it make much sense to upgrade such an inexpensive device as SW ST-120 with rather expensive parts such as GSO DS focuser?