HollyHound

3 minutes ago, IB20 said:

Wow, that’s great to know. Don’t get me wrong I know it’s the Tak that’s at fault here but every other eyepiece I have comes to focus in this configuration. So what gives?

You might just need a slight extension before (or after) the diagonal... there is limited focus travel on the FC-76 and FS-60CB, so getting all your eyepieces to focus can be tricky... it's on reason I've chosen to stick with XWs and Masuyamas (as they are all relatively parfocal). Having said that, I'm sure I can also use my Nagler 3-6 Zoom in that scope, but haven't done so for quite a while, so will need to check, as I know I put a 20mm extension ring in (to maximise focus flexibility) 🤔

The FC-100DZ and FOA-60 are much better in this respect, in that they have much greater focus travel 😬

1 hour ago, Graham Darke said:

I moved to long eye relief eyepieces so I could observe comfortably with my specs on.  All my eyepieces now have a minimum of 19mm eye relief and I get on fine. My rationale was that as the astigmatism gets worse with age I won’t need to keep changing the dioptrx just my specs which I would be doing anyway. 

This is also my rationale now too... it's why I'm favouring the XWs and (may) get rid of my remaining Ethos... I'm assuming that at some point I'll need prescription glasses for other than reading and so may choose to use those for astronomy too.... the 20mm eye relief on the XWs should help (of course Delos and DeLite also have the same too 👍) 

Do you find it just as easy (or almost so) to observe with glasses on 🤔

4 hours ago, josefk said:

I will be very keen to hear how you get on because i think after my next eye test i will be doing the same (it's also one of the reasons i'm buying into TV EPs - future proofing!).

4 hours ago, JeremyS said:

I knew there was a reason I was piling up TV eyepieces

Not so fast there... it's not just Tele Vue eyepieces that can take a Dioptrx... see my post from two years ago here.... 

As as already been pointed out, astigmatism worsens as the exit pupil increases, so it will be very obvious in long focal length eyepieces (particularly paired with faster scopes), finders and also larger binoculars. I last got my eyes tested about three years ago and had -0.5 dioptre astigmatism in both eyes... it's not a lot, but it I noticed it when I started using my XW40 and XW30 in my 10" dob.

I got hold off a 0.5 Dioptrx and it did indeed reduce the visible astigmatism in those eyepieces... I then also got a 0.75 a couple of years ago because it was even more perfect (likely my eyes are also getting a little worse too).

They are remarkably effective... just rotate them (they have a collar that can be rotated freely whilst firmly attached to the eyepiece) and there will be an optimum point where the astigmatism disappears or is minimised 🤞

As I usually only see astigmatism in the XW40 and XW30, I've got mine permanently mounted on those (as shown in the thread)... works well 👍

38 minutes ago, Coxy80 said:

I've ordered and received the following tripod from FLO Uni 28 for AZ-EQ5 as it was the only one they had in stock plus the following adapter https://www.firstlightoptics.com/tripods/astro-essentials-3-8-photo-adapter-for-heq5-az5-tripod.html is this a sensible way to do things?? 

I'm just about to unpack things and check everything works! 

This is exactly the configuration I’m using… Uni 28, AZ75 and that exact adaptor 👍

The only suggest, is to make sure that adaptor is screwed tightly… I worried it might unscrew itself, probably unfounded, but I’ve put I’ve put a bit of tape on to check that it hasn’t moved relative to the AZ75 base 🤔

39 minutes ago, JeremyS said:

Me too. Which did you go for?

Also interested, as I'm thinking of creating an ultra portable setup with the Scopetech and one of my small Taks 🤔😁

1 hour ago, Stu said:

The little Tak FC-76Q on the Moon and Jupiter last night.

Lovely setup and (as you know) I'm a big fan of the FC-76DCU(Q) setup for grab and go 😁

I need to consider getting one of these carbon fibre tripods for extra portability (currently using Berleback Report 472)... I guess they're significantly lighter 🤔

Finally, the missing piece for my AZ100 setup… the Nexus DSC Pro 😃

I’ve had encoders fitted since day one (and even bought the Nexus mounting tray), but never got round to using the functionality, so hoping this will be a game changer in providing super smooth, solid “push to” for my Mewlon and DZ 👍

15 minutes ago, MalcolmM said:

@JeremyS told me that the law's of physics were not applicable to Takahashi's. I believe him:)

It’s true… the FOA-60Q defies all know laws of the universe 🤣

35 minutes ago, Coxy80 said:

I've just taken the plunge and ordered an AZ75 anyone have any suggestions on a nice tripod for this? I did fancy a Berlebach but unsure on which one will fit? 

Mine came with a 3/8" base, but it can also be obtained with an M10 base, which will fit a lot of EQ5 tripods I think 🤔

I had an EQ5 to 3/8" adaptor anyway, so am just using that... mine is mounted on a Berlebach Uni 28, but also fits on my Berlebach Report 472.

9 minutes ago, JeremyS said:

Looks perfect. Glad you’ve gone with the proper Tak clamshells 👍🏻

Thanks… I have clam shells on all my Taks… not just to keep them “as intended”, but because they are super easy to adjust for balance and (arguably) safer 🤔

1 minute ago, JeremyS said:

Hah! Just commented on the other thread about the direct mounting of your saddle, Gary. Looks very neat!

Was about to reply on that, but here you go…

This mount is intended as a lightweight mount for DZ primarily, so as I have two clam shells (don’t ask 🤣), it made sense to use it directly (it’s lighter too). Also, I did try an AZ100 dual saddle, and the DZ finder prevented the OTA from being moved far enough forward for balancing 🤔

The Vixen saddle is there for using FS-60CB or FOA-60Q and also to mount the pan/tilt handle 👍

Great little mount and perfect for when I need more scope than the FC-76DCU (my grab and go) but don’t want to get the whole AZ100/iOptron Tri Pier setup out 😀

On 06/10/2022 at 09:09, Dek Rowan Astro said:

Also, the 35mm centres are standard on Takahashi, which allow their clam shell to fit both AZ100 and AZ75 without the use of saddles for example.

Finally got round to testing mine (briefly) and it works beautifully…. Very smooth movement and very controllable too 👍

Mounted  on a Berlebach Uni 28 and I’ve got FOA-60Q and FC-100DZ onboard tonight.

As it’s intended as a lightweight mount for the DZ primarily, I’ve followed Dereks advise and mounted the clam shell directly (I’ve got another attached to a Losmandy plate for my AZ100). Works well and keeps the weight down further.

Very impressive mount 😀

Just a very short session (small window before the cloud rolled in) testing out the AZ75 at long last… loaded up with FOA-60Q and FC-100DZ 😀

Very impressive little mount 👍

Great report, thank you 👍

I’m actually in Rhodes again this week, but didn’t bring the Canon IS (just the Nikon 8x30… also great for boat trips).

Had some great views… Jupiter and Mars are easy targets of course, but the moon is also now in view from our balcony 😃

We’re back next June for two weeks, so going to pack the 15x50 IS for that and try for some of the same targets you’ve located (I have the same book) 🤞

1 hour ago, JeremyS said:

We’ll soon be round to “T” in the FLO sale…….fingers crossed 

I’ve absolutely not been looking at the sale items either 😬🤣

37 minutes ago, JeremyS said:

Must brush up my Japanese.

Health warning (especially if you are called Malcolm or Gary) - this May seriously damage your wallet

https://www.takahashijapan.com/ct-products/new-catalog/202208_Catalog_web.pdf

 

I have absolutely totally not opened that link 😬🤣🤣

My Berlebach observing chair was the single best purchase I ever made…. The comfort and relaxation during observing sessions is worth the price many times over 😃

12 hours ago, MalcolmM said:

I'm going to have to stop frequenting this forum. I've got it bad (Takitis)! @JeremyS, your descriptions of this scope have gnawed away at me for a while. A recent email exchange with @HollyHound resulted in a bad itch. I think I lasted 2 days before I couldn't resist scratching! This scope is simply gorgeous looking and by all accounts it should perform as well as it looks. @HollyHound I really hope you decide to keep yours, I would imagine it is the sort of scope one would really regret getting rid of!

Thanks to you both for putting me over the edge 🙂 My partner also encouraged me but said, in no uncertain terms, that if the itch returns I have to seek help, not visit FLO  🙂

Malcolm

Hi Malcolm,

I’m very glad to see you’ve made the decision to get this beautiful scope… it’s a genuine gem and will provide exceptional views far in excess of its nominal aperture 👍

I know we discussed this very scope and almost sold you mine, but you may have seen now that I have decided to keep mine and rather than worry about it not getting used ad often as it should, instead I will relish using it when I can for specific purposes and enjoy the views it can provide 😃

2 hours ago, Zermelo said:

Mars opposition is December 8th.

Thank you for this, I wasn't aware.... hopefully some clear skies around that time, and if so will be good to get a chance to view it again with my new kit 🤞

2 hours ago, PeterC65 said:

This was the first time I had observed Mars with a telescope!

It was clearly visible with the naked eye. It was bright enough to take the ES82 4.7mm, but even at this magnification I could just see a bright disc with no detail. Lower magnifications didn’t help. The colour filters didn’t help bring out any detail and just turned the planet the colour of the filter. I’ve read that Mars is underwhelming and that is certainly the case.

Lovely observing report, thanks 👍

I felt the same way about Mars when I first observed it (also with a Mak127), however when it was at it's best around Sep/Oct 2020 (I recall) and using my StellaMira 80mm f/10 and the Mak127 this time, I was able to see a larger disc, dark (dust?) markings and also a very obvious polar cap 😮 This was a massively impressive view for me.

I think therefore the key is to observe when it's close again... not sure when that will be, but it's well worth it.... so certainly don't give up on Mars 🤞

1 hour ago, MalcolmM said:

Probably a stupid question @JeremyS but when leaving the Mewlon to cool, do you take the tube cover off? I had mine cooling outside in a box with it's tube cover on for about three hours last night before observing. It probably took about 45 minutes before it was performing better than the FS-60Q! It was just a bit blurry and lacking in contrast. I wasn't sure if this was tube currents or atmospheric effects.

I usually point my Mewlon up slightly and take the tube cover off. I only elevate a few degrees above the horizon, so as to (hopefully) not get tons of particles down the tube (although this may not even be an issue). I've seen posts about using fans to blow down the tube and get the air moving to more rapidly cool it... this does make a lot of sense 🤔

My Mewlon takes anywhere from 45mins to an hour before I consider it "really" ready to use... it is not very usable until at least 30mins, but then once fully cooled the difference is very obvious indeed.

1 hour ago, MalcolmM said:

The FS-60Q gave great views of Jupiter, the GRS instantly visible along with four cloud belts. Made me wonder how much better again a FOA-60Q would be

The FOA-60Q is simply stunning on Jupiter, and fully usable quite quickly (15mins or so max). The optical purity does also increase contrast and helps markings (Jupiter, Mars, Moon etc) stand out very strongly 👍

On 17/09/2022 at 12:46, JeremyS said:

The thread on the Q is quite fine and takes some care in putting on/taking off, so you might well end up leaving it on, especially if you like planets and doubles.

Exactly where I am… since popping the CQ Extender on mine, it hasn’t been removed and likely won’t be, as I just love the FC-76 in this configuration 👍

In fact, I use this scope a lot more than any other scope, and it’s almost rendered the FOA-60Q redundant (although this is still a cute and fun little scope 😀)

On 17/09/2022 at 12:46, JeremyS said:

If you do decide to go with the Q module, you may not actually need a fine focuser thereby saving yourself a few £.

I agree… the FT Pinion focuser fine focus capability is required less I’m this configuration, but I love the feel of this focuser and no way I’m removing it now 🤣

My FC-76DCU has had the FT Pinion fine focuser fitted for over a year now… I really like the improved focus feel this gives, but also retains a “Takahashi” look. I also have the MEF-3 fitted on my FS-60CB and FC-100DZ, and they work really well too.

I also fitted the CQ Extender earlier this year and it’s stayed put… it flattens the field and gives a more useful range of magnifications using my Pentax XW eyepiece set (20mm to 3.5mm) 

This scope is my grab and go scope and the most used and as @Stu says, it looks lovely too in extended configuration 😀

Thanks for heads up 👍

If we get clear skies, this might be a great (new) binocular opportunity🤞

1 hour ago, Space Hopper said:

In a lot of ways Jules, i actually prefer my 10x30is to my 15x50is simply because they are so much lighter on my 55 yr old arms.

I think they are an amazing bit of kit. Everyone should have a pair ! 😀

Good point... they are a little heavy (although lighter than my 16x70 and same weight as my 8x56 Monarch). If these work out as they seem to be doing so far, then a smaller pair may also be added to the arsenal at some stage 🤔