Redcat 71 WIFD portable?

[Andyb90]

Hi there,

I’m looking to replace my Esprit 80 for imaging as I’m finding it a bit heavy for setting up and tearing down each time. I also need to carry the scope up/downstairs. I’m interested in the Redcat 71 WIFD. Can anyone tell me if the scope is reasonably portable and would be easy enough to carry up/downstairs please?

Thanks,

Andy

[PhilB61]

Well the Redcat is quite heavy for its aperture, with rings etc it seems to weigh only about 1kg less than the Esprit with rings etc, and length wise there appears to be about 25mm (1") difference, to me that wouldn't make enough or any difference to portability. But there may be other advantages, ie you wouldn't need a field flattener for imaging.

[Elp]

I do the whole downstairs upstairs parade, if you store everything in backpacks it becomes easy to transport, even when I had a 130pds I did the same.

[Andyb90]

10 hours ago, PhilB61 said:

Well the Redcat is quite heavy for its aperture, with rings etc it seems to weigh only about 1kg less than the Esprit with rings etc, and length wise there appears to be about 25mm (1") difference, to me that wouldn't make enough or any difference to portability. But there may be other advantages, ie you wouldn't need a field flattener for imaging.

I should have added in my original post that I’ve replaced the stock esprit focuser with a FeatherTouch and also added tube rings and a Losmandy plate so I’ve probably added an extra 1kg of weight to my Esprit.

I looked at the smaller Redcat 61, but I prefer the FOV for the 71. So I think I may have to accept some extra weight.

[GTom]

23 hours ago, PhilB61 said:

Well the Redcat is quite heavy for its aperture, with rings etc it seems to weigh only about 1kg less than the Esprit with rings etc, and length wise there appears to be about 25mm (1") difference, to me that wouldn't make enough or any difference to portability. But there may be other advantages, ie you wouldn't need a field flattener for imaging.

That's the exact point of an astrograph: no need to fiddle with a reducer/flattener! BTW don't forget to include the flattener with the triplet when comparing weights. AND the mount/counterweight needed to move this weight, tripod needed to hold the whole lot! I suspect optimizing everything, the package could end up several kgs lighter and several liters smaller.

Edited September 13 by GTom

[Earthserpent]

I saw the redcat at an astro-show a few months ago. It is deceivingly heavy but if its in a backpack it will probably be fine.