Mr Jones

For visual observations, I'd push for a 4". Go used if it nets you a better design with top quality glass.

Some fantastic advice; thanks folks. So it possibly boils down to this... Layers, pocket warmers and insoles. Order fur hat and wool gloves, dig out the dew heaters, charge all batteries, purchase Takahashi turret, buy second pair of wellies, realise I'm out of step with society and regret using the term 'man', check forecast and see Saturday evening is no longer set for clear skies, wonder why I even got excited.

So the curse hit with full effect. After purchasing some fine astro equipment, the skies went dark; and are holding onto cloud relentlessly above my head. But... the forecast by me looks to be clear this Saturday. Only snag is it's also forecasted to be -6. It's been so long since getting out, but I'm nervous. When is cold too cold?

There are many experienced folk here who will be able to offer a far greater level of insight than me (especially on the specific scopes you mention). The 4" refractor will be lighter, faster to cool, and less sensitive to poor seeing than the 180 SM. So you can nip out and get on with observations within short windows of time. But they are somewhat compromised vs your Skymax when solely considering planetary observation, especially the F7 scope, as the 180 SM is built for planetary work. As we are in a planetary 'dry period' right now, that refractor compromise might actually work in your favour, opening up other observing opportunities? If you want a great planetary refractor, go as long as large as you can. You'll be more content with 125 F11 than 100 F7, that's for sure. You could also consider a used Intes Micro 715 with cooling fans (but probably little more advantage than the 180 you currently have in reality). The image enclosed shows the compromise faced by the 100mm refractor vs your 180. Note eyepiece requiremets of f7 vs f11 to get a similar fov on Saturn. Your eyes may find long observation periods using a 4mm ortho tiring vs the 12.5mm you can get away with on the 180 SM.

Pretty exciting to hear the DL can handle those sort of mags. I think I'll plump for the 4mm as a stage one, and if my vision isn't like looking through a petra dish full of microbes, I'll get the 3.3mm too. Thanks again for all your help, John.

So; the Tak barlow is winging its way back to the retailer. I'm not content to run it post prism and cause damage while fumbling in the dark. So now the burning 🔥 question... which TOE would be best at delivering high mag views on the DL? I hear you can push these scopes hard, but will the 3.7mm exit pupil of the 3.3mm be going too far? Would it be a LOT better (more pleasant to use, and get to use more often) reducing to the 4mm? All thoughts appreciated... the TOE are expensive, and I'd rather not blindly make a mistake.

Nice! Congrats.

Thanks for the investigative work. Very interesting. I'm still not quite sure I truly understand why mag is affected so much dependant on pre or post diagonal. But at least now I have a clear choice to make... Purchase another Baader 40mm extension (I'm guessing that would be enough?) and cope with the strip down and rebuild in the dark scenario; or ditch the barlow and invest in TOE or similar hi po eyepiece/s.

Have not found it yet, but will search...

Thanks, John. Yes; thats the one. I struggle to understand why I can pull focus post diagonal but not pre diagonal. If it means having to pull the back end apart to fit extra spacers mid session, I think I might have to send it back and invest in a TOE to get that extra mag. I'd certainly not be happy shoving it into my prism. I fear that's asking for trouble.

Congratulations. I've recently joined the Tak club too, with an fc100dl. Managed to grab a first session with it last night...

Righto, people. Finally treated to clear skies last night, and managed to get a couple of shivery -2 degree hours under stars. Putting the issues I have with my iOptron AZPro to one side for now, I could do with some of your expert wisdom. So after the kind help of a couple of SGL members here, I managed to get the extender tube required to have all my eyepieces come into focus mid way through the available travel (was a 40mm Baader item). However, I could not get my 2x Tak barlow to come into focus when mounted pre diagonal (as most sources state is required to reach 2x). Running it post diagonal does make focus possible, but certainly doesn't look like 2x to me. Plus, I am not confident about inserting it fully as I feel the end of the barrel is going to contact the prism. So why would the above be happening? What am I not considering here?

Thanks, Jock. Orderded the parts I need now. 😉

That's amazing, thanks! With all that in mind I'll need the 40mm extension. Cheers. I owe you a beer... if they still sell beer after all this covid business is done.

Thanks, John. It doesn't have the Tak step-down or other original parts. Just the Baader M72/68 ring and 2" click lock. Looking at the length of yours up to the prism, I'm thinking a 20mm extension... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/baader-m68-extension-tubes-zeiss.html ...plus reducer... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/baader-clicklock-2-125-adapter-2956214.html Do you think that should work?

Hi folks. I am picking up a used Tak FC100-DL in the next week, but need some advice. It no longer has the extension tube kit that originally came as part of the package. And currently has a Baader M72-68 adapter on the draw tube, followed by a Baader 2" click lock. I am currently limited to my Tak 1.25 prism, Tak orthos (9, 12, 18, 25) and x2 barlow). As the barlow is designed for use pre diagonal, I'll need a Baader reducer in the current 2" click lock. But what I can't get my head around, is if I'll require a Baader m68 extension tube to enable me to reach focus. I know I could wait until its here to test and see what is required, but I'd really like to have everything here and ready to go when it arrives. I believe the M68 tubes come in 10mm, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100mm options. Any ideas what I require?

Studying the image you posted, its clear you have dropped your torch. Good grief, man; you're as bad as my bloomin' kids. You don't deserve a torch.

I guess thats why the stargazerslounge is here... 'cause we can't bloomin' get outside. 😅

Hi folks. After many years of dreaming, I finally managed to pull together a pukka planetary observing set up. Its been extremely exciting over the past 10 weeks. Looking at my new kit. Looking at the weather forecast. Looking at my kit. Looking at another forecast. Staring at the sky out of my windows. As a newbie, I am unsure of the scientific reality of whats going on. So your help would be appreciated. How long does this damn curse last after buying new equipment? When will the ☁️ clear? Will it ever stop 🌧? Urgh...