Ags

I came across this old thread while reading up on the Baader Mk IV Zoom. Aside from Ernst's somewhat critical review, perhaps I should add this counterpoint:

https://astronomyconnect.com/forums/articles/the-baader-hyperion-mark-iv-zoom-eyepiece-a-performance-review-with-monoviewing-and-binoviewing.66/

I'm not comfortable above 350 grams (can of coke).

Looked again and it still seems plastic to me. I asked a friend and they said metal, so I am outvoted three to one so far.

As I have a Chemistry degree, surely I am an expert? 🤔

Yes because the secondary is like a barlow, and by moving the primary you are adjusting the spacing.

John I know you like to use the 7.2-21.5, but it doesn't have a home in either case?

A key "design principle" of my eyepiece case is that they all have to be 1.25". The size of my Speer WALER 10mm is already mind-bending, I don't need to add any 2" ballast to my case! 😀

The image link is broken for me at least...

Variable focal length OTAs are not that unusual actually. The focal length of a Mak or SCT changes depending on whether you are using a 1.25" or 2"diagonal, and whether it is a mirror or prism diagonal.

Not the back plate on mine. At first glance it is metal, but it aint. As the purpose of the back plate is to prevent touching the metal surface that takes the full solar force, it doesn't need to be metal and it actually makes sense it is not very thermally conductive. The rest is all metal of course.

I could only tell the backplate wasn't metal by tapping it and judging the sound. It also doesn't have the cold (thermally conductive) feel of metal.

- Agnes

It arrived yesterday and looks like a solid, well-built unit. I was surprised to see the back plate was made of plastic, but I guess it's not a bad thing it is not thermally conductive - that's what the heat vents are for. Looking down the eyepiece barrel I could immediately see the ND3 was not factory fitted but it only took a minute to fit it myself. Still, I think it should be fitted before shipping to help prevent any tragic accidents. It looks like I won't be able to try the unit out until Sunday at the earliest.

Spinning Mercury bath? ( But you've got to like looking straight up)

Looks like I'm being given a Baader Hyperion Zoom Mk IV as a present, so that's sorted then...

In the spirit of compromise, the skies are only light grey! And it doesn't rain continuously.

It's a solid lump of a thing.

Eine kleine TS Herschel Wedge 

1 hour ago, domstar said:

but if you owned a newt first then the CA would be bothersome

Actually the hairy stars of the 6" newt I used to own bothered me more than the CA on the ST80.

I do like the look of the little WOs.

CA is not usually an issue in the ST80. It's given me Best Ever views of objects like the Double Cluster (even comparing to big dobs). The only issue is the CA does affect the delicate color of doubles.

8 minutes ago, domstar said:

I'd be really interested to know what you think.

Well, I want both of course!

I think the ED 72 is the one I'll go for. It's more versatile and will see lots of air travel. 

According to UPS...

Still incoming!!!!

Too much money and too much focal length!

I have an ST80, but what next? I am thinking of either the Evostar 72 or an ST102. It would be nice to have a bigger refractor, but the ED scope is better for travel and doubles (less resolving power, but correct colors).

The ST102 gathers twice the light of the ED scope of course. And there seem to be some issues with focus travel with the ED 72?

On 01/06/2019 at 01:51, Alan64 said:

I had thought about this at the time, although not pertaining to this exercise: "Can a mis-collimated diagonal cause a mis-collimated telescope to appear collimated?"  

Two wrongs never make a right...

Still waiting for the AZ-Gti HD that can carry 8kgs... I am not saying there are rumors such a thing is in the pipeline, but I can dream...

7 hours ago, maw lod qan said:

Haven't you noticed how this planet is going to the dumps? And I won't mention the problem with light pollution!

Yes, I fell for the line about Mars being millions of miles from the nearest street light. I didn't realize my eyepieces didn't have enough eye relief for a pressure suit faceplate...

I dropped out of SGL for a few years a while back, but I don't think anybody noticed? 🤣

Everyone be careful. I flew here to Mars with InSight last year, but I have not been able to find a flight back.

Sounds great!