Fast refractor for observing/imaging ?

[SAW]

Hi,

Is there any difference in using for example and F10 refractor vs an F5 or F6 refractor with a x2 barlow ? I know it's best to use a longer focal length for lunar/planets and I've owned couple of maks but just don't enjoy using them with the cooling down and wobbly image when focusing, I always prefer using a refractor except I don't want to pay a grand for a 60mm F10 Tak !

[happy-kat]

When you say imaging, is it only the Moon or other targets to like DSO?

You'll need ED glass refractor is going faster, the new ED72 is not Tak priced.

What size Mak did you have?

[SAW]

25 minutes ago, happy-kat said:

When you say imaging, is it only the Moon or other targets to like DSO?

You'll need ED glass refractor is going faster, the new ED72 is not Tak priced.

What size Mak did you have?

Just lunar not DSO.

I've had the 102 and 150 SW Maks.

[happy-kat]

Might the wobbly image be the mount wobbling?

Did you try a focus knob upgrade?

[SAW]

Used on my HEQ5, tried the upgraded focuser on the Mak150 still didn't like it.

[alacant]

10 hours ago, SAW said:

I always prefer using a refractor

Hi. I don't look through telescopes often but FWIW the only time I've ever seen a decent view of a planet was with this 102mm f13. Proper rack focuser too.

Cheers

[John]

I think this topic might get more feed back in the Scopes / Whole Setups discussion section rather than here in an observation reporting section. I have moved this topic to that section but left a link here so that folks can find it from here as well

[Stu]

Something like a TAL 100R or a 102mm f11 would be a decent planetary option on a low ish budget, provided you have a mount which would take them.