Which scope to let go....

[rob7]

Already own a Celestron C6sct which is going nowhere anytime soon..., but I've got another two scopes which I want to whittle down to just the one [need space in the home]... One's a Skywatcher 130m F7.9 reflector and the other is a Celestron startravel happy C102 F5 refractor. The EQ2 mount with RA motor I could keep and use with either of the 2 scopes, but wondering which would compliment my C6sct and more the point why?? Was eventually going to use one of these scopes for basic astro photograpy if much doable, so maybe this could be the deciding factor to which should stay??

Also, is the 'motorized' EQ2 worth keepin/using for basic photography? Camera wise, I've only got a Panasonic TZ10 with manaul controls, etc..., but imagine I can get some 'starter' results...?

Any help with the choice would help keep the Mrs happy.....

Thanks...

[CGolder]

the se mount on the c6 is fine for getting some tracking 30 sec exposures and will be better than the small eq for tracking, the c6 with a reducer will also be better than the fast uncorrected refractor, none are ideal but if u select your targets well you can get some good images with an alt az mount

[rob7]

Thanks for the advice... Forgot to say the C6 is only mounted on the steel tripod AZ4 mount... Sold the goto mount sometime back... So your say the EQ2 it up to it for tracking and neither of the smaller scopes would really suit photograpy and to use the C6 with a reducer in preference.... I do happen to have a Celestron 6.3 reducer, but have never really used it... Still want to lose a scope and now thinking the Skywatcher 130 might be the one to go....?

[great_bear]

I'd say the 130 isn't giving you anything you don't already have with the other two...

[sgazer]

I'd also agree that the 130 is not adding anything. The C6 is bigger aperture. In fact, unless the frac gives amazing views the C6 doesn't, I'd be tempted to sell that too. The C6 has the biggest aperture for visual, the longest focal length for planets and with a f6.3 reducer, a pretty good FOV and focal ratio (the frac will have poor aberations) for imaging. Sell those to and get a Celestron f6.3 reducer/corrector. Is the C6 on the SE mount or just the EQ2? Will need something better than the EQ2 for imaging, but an SE alt/az mount would be good for 30s-1min exposures.

[Moonshane]

keep the SCT of course. at a push you might get lucky and be able to sell your two other scopes and raise pretty much the value of an older used William Optics Megrez 72 or Zenithstar 66. Both of these would be decent imaging scopes (especially the Megrez) I think and give good crisp wide field views visually.

If imaging though, this is the start of a pretty long spending road so be prepared.

[russ]

That's an easy decision to make.....it has to be the 130. It adds nothing to the collection you have. Where as the 102 is a fine low power widefield specialist. It compliments nicely the slow F10 C6. And both scopes work a dream on the AZ4.

The driven EQ2 is fine as a camera platform for a DSLR and a short (28mm) to medium (135mm) lens. Get some widefield images. But i wouldn't put too much effort into using it as the basis of an imaging rig for a scope, not even a small SD66.

[swamp thing]

Hi

I know absolutely zip about photography so will offer no help on that aspect, but would agree with the others that the 130 is giving you nothing that the other scopes aren't.

Regards Steve

[rob7]

All good advice chaps and thanks... Think the 130 and EQ2 are going, but still dithering with the 102 to be fair. I always have a bit... I think I'm strangely attached to it for some daft reason. Believe it or not I sold the 102 some time back, but further down the line bought it back off the guy I originally sold it too...DOH!! Planning on buying a triopd of some kind for my 20x80 bino's, so might wait till to try the 102 on it, then decide then if it has a use, etc.

Cheers.

[pwalsh61]

Couldn't you use the 102 as a guidescope? You'd need to get a bigger mount though. EQ5 minimum or preferably HEQ5 or (N)EQ6

[Meademan]

I've faced this dilemma myself. I have an 8'' LX200 R which I'm about to put up for sale here on SGL.

I bought it as a 'scope to do all' thinking I would never need a better scope. I started out as a visual guy, but then bought the Meade 80mm APO to mount on top of the LX200 as a guidescope.

Trouble is, I found the views through the little 80mm so pleasing, it started a love affair for refractors with me, and now I own 4 on total...I have A Meade 80mm APO, a Meade 127mm APO, a WO FLT98 Special Edition in Aluminium and this month I managed to acquire what I am sure was the last Carbon Fibre FLT98 left new in box on the planet.

I have an EQ6 Pro mount which I can saddle my refractors onto and a couple of alt/az tripods for visual, grab and go use.

The thing is, using the LX200 for AP would mean buying a wedge. It's a heavy and cumbersome setup, for me at least, and as good as the LX200 is at pulling in the DSO's, it doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to the contrast and clarity a good refractor has to offer.

My point with what I'm saying is this.....refractors are beautiful instruments, simply by design and relatively easy to set up and use, and they generally afford much more pleasing reviews than any reflector I've ever looked through.

If I were you, I'd keep your refractor and sell your Skywatcher 130mm reflector. That refractor of yours will make a great guidescope but it will also give you the portability of a great grab and go setup.

[swamp thing]

I've faced this dilemma myself. I have an 8'' LX200 R which I'm about to put up for sale here on SGL.

I bought it as a 'scope to do all' thinking I would never need a better scope. I started out as a visual guy, but then bought the Meade 80mm APO to mount on top of the LX200 as a guidescope.

Trouble is, I found the views through the little 80mm so pleasing, it started a love affair for refractors with me, and now I own 4 on total...I have A Meade 80mm APO, a Meade 127mm APO, a WO FLT98 Special Edition in Aluminium and this month I managed to acquire what I am sure was the last Carbon Fibre FLT98 left new in box on the planet.

I have an EQ6 Pro mount which I can saddle my refractors onto and a couple of alt/az tripods for visual, grab and go use.

The thing is, using the LX200 for AP would mean buying a wedge. It's a heavy and cumbersome setup, for me at least, and as good as the LX200 is at pulling in the DSO's, it doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to the contrast and clarity a good refractor has to offer.

My point with what I'm saying is this.....refractors are beautiful instruments, simply by design and relatively easy to set up and use, and they generally afford much more pleasing reviews than any reflector I've ever looked through.

If I were you, I'd keep your refractor and sell your Skywatcher 130mm reflector. That refractor of yours will make a great guidescope but it will also give you the portability of a great grab and go setup.

I love looking through fracs too. Luckily I observe with other astronomers that are kind enough to let me have a gander through theirs.

So I don't feel the need to own one........yet:)

Plus I have bad aperture fever at the moment so anything other than a step up from 16" is a no-no

However you are pretty close to where we observe ( Ranmore Common ) so if you wanna compare views, Pop up one night.

You can find out when we are up there from the "Surrey observers" community link/ social groups. On the top of the page.

Regards Steve

[rob7]

Yep, going to keep my little refractor. You folk in favour have made me see the 'light'. Can't afford APO's for now or at least my wife says I can't!! lol. The 130 and mount will be sold as and when.....

Just been tinkering with my scopes which has just led me to another idea and poser?? Is there some sort of accessory that will allow me to mount my 102 refractor and my C6sct at the same time on my AZ4 tripod?? Strapped the 102 to the C6 and the scopes still seem very stable and controlled (love my AZ4). I know the C6 felt nicely within the limits of the AZ4 on its own... Be a bit of a weapon I reckon if there is such an accessory... Another reason to keep my refractor perhaps!! Anyone know?? I'll do a general search first me thinks....