Third light Frac report

[pragmatist]

So after taking the plunge into the dark world of refractors I can honestly say I am a complete convert. 

Having owned a very very small refractor as a 12 year old and in later life a Celestron 11” sct and a Mak 180 curiosity got the better of me and I bit the bullet and got something I have always wanted.

The Altair Astro 115mm F7 was too hard to resist and seeing as I am not too far from Aylsham and could look at one first then it wasn’t too hard a decision. 

Ian had an ex demo model coming over which I could have at a serious knockdown price however this particular model needed some attention to the focuser so I ended up getting a new one for ex demo price. Result.

The usual clouds came over that night however it was nowhere near the curse that the Mak 180 bestowed on me with over 12 nights of cloud.

Night 2 was good to go with clear skies and actually fairly steady seeing. Even the 2 star alignment was a joy with a beautiful dark background and stars like jewels. Vega was amazing and de focusing showed a fantastic airy disc with no hint of pinched optics.

next up was Jupiter and I have to say.....WOW. I am really loving refractors and the 15mm and 18mm eyepieces certainly gave a good account but how would the seeing stack up with the 10mm Delos? The short story, fantastic with amazing contrast and I have never seen so many cloud bands. the grs was pretty amazing too. 

Turning my attention to the moon was pure joy as I scanned the rilles and craters across the lunar landscape and I could easily have spent all night glued to the eyepiece However work next morning put paid to that. 

I cannot wait for Saturn later on next month and also for some dark winter skies where the stars will be even more jewel like.

I am definitely a refractor convert now and already planning a 6”Apo for the future. 

 

 

 

[des anderson]

WOW, someone has been enjoying themselves.....NICE scope and a great report. Des

[Timebandit]

 

So happy for you, Welcome to the  "Frac " pack 

In my opinion refractors really do come into there own on planetary , lunar ,double stars. One you have looked through a quality refractor on these type of targets then you do realize the sharp crisp images that are Soooo good in a refractor ??

 

 

 

[Alan White]

Very nice set up, enjoy it.

 

[JohnSadlerAstro]

Hi,

I have never owned a refractor larger than my 50mm finder, but wow does that setup look good!

John

[pragmatist]

Thanks guys. Cloud has stopped play these last couple of nights but I cannot wait to get out again and to check out Albireo with the refractor ?

[25585]

45 minutes ago, pragmatist said:

So after taking the plunge into the dark world of refractors I can honestly say I am a complete convert. 

Having owned a very very small refractor as a 12 year old and in later life a Celestron 11” sct and a Mak 180 curiosity got the better of me and I bit the bullet and got something I have always wanted.

The Altair Astro 115mm F7 was too hard to resist and seeing as I am not too far from Aylsham and could look at one first then it wasn’t too hard a decision. 

Ian had an ex demo model coming over which I could have at a serious knockdown price however this particular model needed some attention to the focuser so I ended up getting a new one for ex demo price. Result.

The usual clouds came over that night however it was nowhere near the curse that the Mak 180 bestowed on me with over 12 nights of cloud.

Night 2 was good to go with clear skies and actually fairly steady seeing. Even the 2 star alignment was a joy with a beautiful dark background and stars like jewels. Vega was amazing and de focusing showed a fantastic airy disc with no hint of pinched optics.

next up was Jupiter and I have to say.....WOW. I am really loving refractors and the 15mm and 18mm eyepieces certainly gave a good account but how would the seeing stack up with the 10mm Delos? The short story, fantastic with amazing contrast and I have never seen so many cloud bands. the grs was pretty amazing too. 

Turning my attention to the moon was pure joy as I scanned the rilles and craters across the lunar landscape and I could easily have spent all night glued to the eyepiece However work next morning put paid to that. 

I cannot wait for Saturn later on next month and also for some dark winter skies where the stars will be even more jewel like.

I am definitely a refractor convert now and already planning a 6”Apo for the future. 

 

 

 

Nice finder and adjustable rings

[pragmatist]

30 minutes ago, 25585 said:

Nice finder and adjustable rings

Thanks, It’s an EDF 60mm doublet, kind of a super finder which also complements my widefield views. 

[Sunshine]

How would you compare it to your 180 Mak on planetary and lunar? i have always wanted a nice frac, definitely on my list.

[pragmatist]

8 hours ago, Sunshine said:

How would you compare it to your 180 Mak on planetary and lunar? i have always wanted a nice frac, definitely on my list.

They are different beasts however in my view this knocks the 180 out of the ball park regarding quality of stars and resolution. I think a big dob for deep sky and this for everything else, oh and possibly a Questar for the bling.