12” f9 zen maksutov

[stuy]

Finally got to do a quick test with the big maksutov a very big thank you to paul Cruikshank inns (paul c) who is an expert in all things maksutov Cassegrain or Newtonian 👍he  made a stunning dew shield from carbon fibre  , initial collimation from viewing the front of scope checking for concentricty looked very good ,as did the holographic laser projection  , the scope was left outside for a hour before I used it but it did need a bit longer as I could see a heat plume from baffle but I was desperate just to look through it having received it a while ago, so straight into Polaris  to check collimation which showed primary collimation was spot on  (Intra focus ) but on extra focus ( secoundry )need a small tweak which I will do at a later date under better seeing conditions , then onto Venus using various filters I was very impressed with initial views showing subtle shading  first for me as I normally concentrate on the gas giants !! The image snapped into focus and no image shift what so ever super smooth indeed looks like my planned planetary holiday to Spain in summer is a no go for obvious reasons but hopefully soon to do a proper session on possibly a well placed moon thanks stuart 

Edited March 15, 2020 by stuy

[joe aguiar]

Wow very nice scope 

Should see some stunning stuff with it

Joejaguar 

[Greymouser]

That looks a superb scope.

I have looked at the site of the maker and would like to know if they are good to deal with, or is a working knowledge of Italian a must?

[PembrokeSteve]

Hi

What a stunning Mak !!
Would love to see the fantastic lunar images that it will give you !!

All the Best,

Steve

[JeremyS]

Crikey @stuy, do you have a license for that thing?

😊

[stuy]

20 hours ago, Greymouser said:

That looks a superb scope.

I have looked at the site of the maker and would like to know if they are good to deal with, or is a working knowledge of Italian a must?

Hi yes Romano doesn’t speak English but I use a translator app to send him emails his scopes are superb as tested by Wolfgang rohr strehl  of 98/99  he only does optical sets now not whole tube assembly’s mine was the last it’s a compromise being f9 and a CO of 32%  

[stuy]

One thing i will add is that paul Cruikshank inns is THE man on maksutov type telescopes his knowledge is second to none and a true craftsman can’t recommend him highly enough  ( he also owns 2 10” Maks newt and cass)! So bring on Mars and Jupiter Saturn and some fuzzies 😀

[Greymouser]

Thanks for that.

Could you provide a link of some sort for this Mr. Cruikshank please, just for future reference. 

[Captain Scarlet]

Somehow I’ve managed to accumulate 3 Maks, 2 SWs and an old 150mm Intes, so you could say I’m “into” them.

I am seriously envious of that monster. How much does it weigh?

M

[stuy]

@PaulC-I this is the chap 👍👍

[stuy]

1 minute ago, Captain Magenta said:

Somehow I’ve managed to accumulate 3 Maks, 2 SWs and an old 150mm Intes, so you could say I’m “into” them.

I am seriously envious of that monster. How much does it weigh?

M

Yes I’m the same as you I’ve a 10” Mak newt as well and this 12” hits the scales at 30kg 😳 there are not many of these big Maks out there I will not sell this as I did with the 10” f15 intes micro 😩 but the build and optics of this zen are incredible 

[Ships and Stars]

Crikey, that ought to pull in the views! Around 2700mm focal length? This should be amazing on planetary and also lunar. Very nice scope.

[Nakedgun]

Looks like they only make Maks in f/5.6, now, unless I missed anything slower.

I missed my opportunity to acquire anything larger than 150mm back when good ones were still being produced, and this topic reminds me, once again.

[stuy]

6 hours ago, Nakedgun said:

Looks like they only make Maks in f/5.6, now, unless I missed anything slower.

I missed my opportunity to acquire anything larger than 150mm back when good ones were still being produced, and this topic reminds me, once again.

He will make them up to f30 !! Just tell him the configuration you require 

[CraigT82]

Amazing scope! Are you planning on doing any imaging with it or just visual? 

[stuy]

I used to image many years ago but just do visual now 

[Nakedgun]

3 hours ago, stuy said:

He will make them up to f30 !! Just tell him the configuration you require 

 

Thank you, I will inquire.

[PaulC-I]

Hi Folks,

It was a shear pleasure to undertake work on this scope for Stuy. A top guy who has had extensive experience with some serious Mak's!

I have the 240mm 12.5 version of Zen's Mak Cass creations. Likewise I really enjoyed modifying the scope further in respects to tube cooling holes and custom made carbon dew shield with ventilation opening around the meniscus. Added carry handle to ease mounting.

I'll try and add some pics FYI

[CraigT82]

This thread is turning into pure scope porn!

[stuy]

I think we’ve started a Mak withdraws syndrome @PaulC-I yes ! But seriously you are the Mak man Paul 👏and anyone who needs any work or advice on these highly specialised scopes   should contact you 👏👏👍