Evostar 102 or Startravel 102 or something else

[iswise]

another firstscope question - sorry guys. Settled on 102mm manual scope with alt az mount. Cant decide between Evostar and startravel or something else I havent yet found (is there a celestron 102 with manual - non goto mount?)

Want an all rounder but feel evostar may be better as planets etc supposed to be best in it with longer f length whilst dso's will probably be relatively blobby in both??

Any comments welcome.

Cheers.

[Ags]

Forget planets with a startravel. The CA is very strong and wrecks the view of anything bright and at high mags.

[Catweazel]

Out of the 2, the Evostar is a more "all-round" scope, I have the 120 version, and think it's a really nice scope, very good on lunar & planets, and surprisingly good on DSO's so far, although I had to invest in a 32mm eye-piece to get the best out of them! CW

[SiriusB]

The evostar 102 is likely to provide more lasting all round satisfaction. I don't think it's available as anything other than a complete package with eq3 mount though.

So if you have your heart set on an alt-az mount.....

How about this one as an alternative:

http://stargazerslounge.com/sponsor-announcements-offers/167082-tal-100rs-ota-back-stock.html

DSO's in a 4",yeah, probably "relatively blobby" but if you have access to reasonably dark skies many an enjoyable hour can be had with DSO's.

[Caldwell 14]

The evostar 102 is likely to provide more lasting all round satisfaction. I don't think it's available as anything other than a complete package with eq3 mount though.

So if you have your heart set on an alt-az mount.....

How about this one as an alternative:

http://stargazerslounge.com/sponsor-announcements-offers/167082-tal-100rs-ota-back-stock.html

DSO's in a 4",yeah, probably "relatively blobby" but if you have access to reasonably dark skies many an enjoyable hour can be had with DSO's.

Second that, get a TAL 100 RS, they've got a cult following on here for a good reason. Check out Astro Baby's report. Oh and put it on an AZ4 mount if you want an AZ.

Mine looks like this:

http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/170440-tal-100rs-first-light-comrades.html

[garethmob]

you can get the star travel 102 as a scope on its own First Light Optics - Skywatcher Startravel 102T OTA i owned one, but i second an above posters view, it has terrable CA (the moon had a orange / purple tint for example) my megrez is much better and is a lot smaller. the evo star is better suited to planets and i would imagine clusters, but maybe not any other DSOs but iv never had one

[iswise]

Massive thanks to all for your helpful advice. I am rather taken by the TAL option and will be talking to FLO about them Monday - ansafone today suggests they arent open Saturdays. Only worry is that it may bequite a heavy OTA - if any owners can advise on weight/ease of portability that would be really kind. Will go for AZ4 mount (for ease of use this has been recommended over an EQ).

Thanks again guys, Ian

[Catweazel]

Hi Ian, I think FLO are open, however they usually don't get to the phone, but if you leave a message they should call you back. They are probably inundated after Stargazing Live

[kuro]

Cant speak for the evostar but i recently bought a startravel 102.

Its true its not brilliant on planets but it is acceptable. I had my first view of the moon through it the other night and it was pretty sharp. I have upgraded the eyepieces to orion highlights so that probably helps.

Where this scope excels is the stunning wide field views of clusters etc. I had it on an eq1 but bought a cheap eq3 which has made a big difference in stability and its still very portable.

[iswise]

Hi Ian, I think FLO are open, however they usually don't get to the phone, but if you leave a message they should call you back. They are probably inundated after Stargazing Live

\thanks - I sent them an email so am sure they will be in touch when they get a chance.