OTA on a Celestron 127 MAK

[anuvid]

I was wondering whether the goto AZ mount that I have with my Celestron 127 MAK could take an alternative OTA, and if so upto which size/weight ?

[damnut]

Hi anuvid,

It would probably take a short tube refractor 80-100mm max.

[anuvid]

Thanks. is the limiting factor likely to be weight or size, and what sort of money should I be paying for one ?

[damnut]

Hi Anuvid,

Its a bit of both. As the tube becomes longer it mostly becomes heavier unless some exotic material used. So its double trouble the longer it is the more difficult it becomes to balance and keep steady and the heavier it gets.

As for cost depends on what you want an achromatic st102 will cost c£160, an apochromatic of same size add an extra 1 at the front. However there are smaller apos available such as the WO megrez 72 for £500.

So set your budget first and don't forget the buy sell on SGL.

Cheers

[Helen]

Another point to remember is that a long tube will hit the base and so you won't be able to see the whole sky.

Helen