Really slow refractors

[jkwhinfrey]

I've been observing for less than a year armed with my 130 reflector - many good, and occasionally cold times - and my interest in DSOs has increased. But lately I've become very interested in planets (with Jupiter looking that way who wouldn't) and especially double/variable stars.

For the former I realise there's little substitute for aperture, so eventually a 10/12 inch Dob will be mine. However I find myself drawn towards refractors, especially long slow ones. I don't know there's just something about them...

My question is whether this is "normal", and if there's anyone else similarly afflicted out there, what are you're favourites?

[dweller25]

This is normal.

Refractors are real scopes

But yourself an ED120

[nightfisher]

very normal, look out for a 100mm f13-f15.............if you can find one, a proper planet scope

[dweller25]

very normal, look out for a 100mm f13-f15.............if you can find one, a proper planet scope

Very nice but hard to mount.

[ronin]

Perfectly normal.

Galilieo got it right.

Get a nice little Tal 100RS, and work up from there.

[dobbie]

iv'e had every type of scope going at some point or the other and always go back to the refractor , and the ed100 is agreat scope thanks for urs dweller .

[dweller25]

iv'e had every type of scope going at some point or the other and always go back to the refractor , and the ed100 is agreat scope thanks for urs dweller .

Hello,

Glad your happy with it - very sharp scope that one.

[jkwhinfrey]

Hard to get a Tal at the moment

I've seen some good looking options from Lyra Optics, Vixen, oh and Skylight make some fantastic looking instruments... if the money's available.

The 100ed has been on my mind for sometime. It's at the speedy limit for me (f9 I think), but has a great reputation.

I like using a manual mount, and I've recently upgraded to an EQ5. It's overkill for my little 130P, solid as a rock though, but is it man enough for one of these refractors? Visual use only.

[philj]

Very normal, I have a 102mm F15, 80mm F15, 75mm F13 ish and Im quite normal :):p:icon_salut:

Philj

[jkwhinfrey]

Hah, that's quite a collection Philj! I feel better about myself already... might even start going out in daylight again

[MjrTom]

Yeah Tal refractors are very difficult hence a picked up a Vixen SP102M f10 refractor which optically is nearly identical to the 100RS

[johninderby]

Long focal length refractors do come out in the daytime.

Two Lyra Optics 102mm f/11s set up for solar white light and Ha observing.

John

PS

And yes you do sound normal to me

[MjrTom]

Mmm nice John!

I need to build a solar filter for the 102mm scope of mine

Managed it for the 80mm but can't find a plastic tub lid big enough

[nightfisher]

the tals have been coming up second hand a fair bit lately, a bit strange, the EQ5 will be spot on for a 100mm frac

[jkwhinfrey]

My wife's started calling my research telescope **** recently, and that picture falls right into that category John, it's a gorgeous setup

I hoped the EQ5 would be alright. There was a bit of an ulterior motive in its purchase: "I won't even need to buy a new mount dear"