Huge 7.1" F14 refractor on UKABS- are you going to buy it??

[F15Rules]

Any of you guys and gals considering buying the huge AE Optics frac on UKABS (nothing to do with me I hasten to add!) ??? . I did own a 4.5" F14 made by AE several years ago. It was an impressive piece of kit but needed a new focuser and finder to make it useable properly. It sat on a very massive pier which was so heavy to move. I eventually traded it in as part - exchange for another scope from Peak 2 Valley optics.

It's certainly an impressive looking beast - mounting it would be fun too. Wouldn't mind a look through it though. See it here: http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=93135

I was thinking that maybe I could buy it (sell the house first ) and then mount my 5" F15 on it as a hyper finder      

Dave

[nightfisher]

A bit big, some of us have found that long refractor`s can be a pain to mount up

[ollypenrice]

Think of the variation in eyepiece height! But it does look lovely.

Olly

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

You need a sofa on a fork lift to use that comfortably. Bit like some of the giant Dobsonian scopes. Could make a VERY nice H-alpha solar scope

[ghostdance]

Golly, do you have to lie on the ground to view through it at anywhere near zenith??? I'm assuming old Rusty there (the dawg) is looking at the eyepiece....

(You can tell I know nothing about fracs!)

[John]

Definitely not !!!!

Sorting out a mount for my 6" F/12 has been hard enough. Goodness knows where I'd start with a 7.1" F/14

I can see it being quite popular at star parties though !

[F15Rules]

Golly, do you have to lie on the ground to view through it at anywhere near zenith??? I'm assuming old Rusty there (the dawg) is looking at the eyepiece....(You can tell I know nothing about fracs!)

Ghostdance..

I have to sit on my rear on the ground to view the zenith, ok apart from winter..

Mostly I just observe things when they are on the rise or past the zenith..simples!!

Dave

[ghostdance]

Ghostdance..

I have to sit on my BIM on the ground to view the zenith, ok apart from winter..

Mostly I just observe things when by hey bare non the rise or past the zenith..simples!!

Dave

Thanks Dave

I'm guessing your BIM means, er (thinking about the autocensor) the same as your rear end! Cushions needed in winter then!

Steve.

[DaveS]

I reckon you'd need one of the higher end 10micron or ASA mounts to hold that, even Mesu might struggle, think of the moment arm 

[Peter Drew]

The pier of my 8.5" F12.5 refractor is 6 feet tall, then there's a large mount, You can sit comfortably in a chair to view the zenith but a stepladder is required for low objects. 

[Dude_with_the_tube]

a bit too small step up for me from 6" to 7".I will pass.If that would off been an 8" i would be tempted

[DaveS]

The pier of my 8.5" F12.5 refractor is 6 feet tall, then there's a large mount, You can sit comfortably in a chair to view the zenith but a stepladder is required for low objects. 

You need a movable observing floor.

[Jim Steele]

My god that's a beast, would definitely need an observatory to hold it. Would love a look through it though...