Altair astro lightwave 66mm ed + lunt HW

[Solar_observer]

Anyone with thoughts about this set up? Ive ordered a HW, just want a better scope than the opticstar 80mm i already have. Thanks

[Solar_observer]

The other choice is an sw equinox 66mm ed?

[Moonshane]

the best views in a short scope I had with a wedge were with my 120mm f5 skywatcher achromat. the views in my 120ED only just edge it but this is a better all round scope. 

[Solar_observer]

Is that the startravel? So the St 102mm or 120mm could be better than the said two above?

[Solar_observer]

Sounds interesting shane, the 120mm. All i want is the most detail i can get. Ive lined up an equinox66 but im just checking if there anything better for a fairly compact size. Ive read your reports with the 120mm and it sounds tempting.

[Moonshane]

I was stunned at the levels of detail visible with the wedge. It's also great for wide field night time obs but not great on moon / Jupiter. If you can find one used they are a really excellent buy.

[Moonshane]

I suppose the only downside is that it is substantially heavier I'd expect than a 66ED

[Solar_observer]

The equinox is 300 quid, i have until the morning to decide before he un reserves it. Just thought with better optics would give me better detail. But in what your saying shane the 120mm could be a better bet. I will be using it 98% for WL observing.

[Solar_observer]

Ahhhhhhhh I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO

[Moonshane]

I'd go for the 120mm no question. I suppose one thing to consider is the focuser. it's usable certainly on the 120 f5 but does suffer from the usual  SW R&P issues. no free lunch I expect. I'd try and get a used one for maybe £100-120.

[Moonshane]

if in doubt, my motto is do nothing (yet).

[Solar_observer]

Think your right shane cos the money i would save (even new) could get me a continuum filter or polariser.

[Solar_observer]

Its a couole couple of weeks before my wedge appears. I just want to rule the equinox out. At this stage, is VERY nearly.

[Moonshane]

if you can cope with the focuser for a bit then the extra aperture is fab. granulation is obvious and fine detail exceptional when the seeing is good. you can add a better focuser later (I got a TS monorail for about £100 used) and was really happy I did. I agree about the filters you mention too, they really help me. if almost solely for visual white light then I think you will be highly delighted. I was.

[Solar_observer]

OH NOOOOOOOOOOO flo said they would go with the equinox. (Bangs head)

[Solar_observer]

Ok.......... ok breath. im going to make a decision overnight whilst at work. Thanks shane for your input, the 120mm is leading at the moment.

[Solar_observer]

The lunt HW ive ordered is the 1.25inch version, is it ok too use with the 120mm? Thought any over 4 inch and you have to buy the 2 inch version?

[Pig]

The 80mm Equinox is pretty useful even with a 2.5mm eyepiece, my favourite is the 4mm though  There was one for sale on ABS for £350 not so long back. You will need a decent focuser whichever one you choose...... Just thought I would give you a bigger headache

[Solar_observer]

Im leaning towards the equinox now

[Moonshane]

I would try before you buy. You could try my 120ed if you want to. Bring your 80 and see the difference

[Moonshane]

PS yes the 1.25" wedge is fine with 120mm scopes especially on manual visual mounts.

[Solar_observer]

How long is the 120mm ota shane?

[Moonshane]

I have the longer ed now. The f5 is quite a bit shorter

[Pig]

Skem

The shorty fracs do look lovely and perform as good as they look, great wide-star-field views too  I haven't tried the Esprit on white light as yet but I suspect the 2.5mm eyepiece will perform nicely with the 400mm focal length.

The problem with this hobby, if you want to call it a problem, is you do need a few different types of scopes, my 150mm SCT serves me well for higher mag with the planets and the Moon.

[Solar_observer]

So even though the 66mm is smaller than my 80mm opticstar, the image should be a lot better especially with the wedge installed also. And because the image is better and crisper, i should be able to increase the magnification?