WO scope help

[simon84]

I'm looking at a couple of scopes on the basis of a portable setup and something to do some wide field imaging with and wondered if anyone could tell me the differences between the two.

They are both Williams Optics, one is the Zenithstar 70 APO, and the other is the Megrez 72 FD APO.

Are there any real differences between the two, other than £40, as they seem fairly similar?

[skye at night]

The megrez as well as the slightly larger aperture is a touch 'faster'....

I have always understood the Zenithstars to be more suited to astrophotography...

this is essentially an WO 70 at a much lower price..

Steve

IanKingImaging's IKI 70mm F6 ED APO Refractor OTA and Hard Case from Ian King Imaging

[simon84]

Thanks Steve for the link, very interesting. At a little over £300 you get the case and a field flattener aswell. Looks like I'll be sending Mr King an email....

[johninderby]

The difference is basically that the Megrez 72 has better optics. The 70 was introduced as a cheaper alternative.

John

[simon84]

Cheers John, I'm only just starting out so I think the 70 would be ok for now or maybe the Ian King that Steve suggested.

I'm hoping there are no focusing issues with either using a dslr?

[johninderby]

Apparently there is just a tiny bit more CA with the 70, but with the price Ian has on the IKA 70 I could live with that. There shouldn't be any problems with a DSLR.

There was a fairly recent thread on the IKA 70 somewhere here on SGL that gave a very positive opinion of it.

John

[simon84]

Thanks John, the IKA 70 comes with a field flattener, is that a must have if photographing with it?

I'll have a look for the thread and have a good read.

[RobH]

If you're using a DSLR, then a field flattener will be very useful if you want to get the full FOV from the setup with round stars all the way to the edge.

Give Ian a call, he's a decent chap who will help you out with any questions, and is a great imager.

Cheers

Rob

[simon84]

Thanks Rob, I'll give him a call tomorrow.

[johninderby]

Just ask Ian and he will give you good sound advice. He's very knowledgeable, particularly in the area of imaging.

John

[beetlejuice]

Apparently there is just a tiny bit more CA with the 70, but with the price Ian has on the IKA 70 I could live with that. There shouldn't be any problems with a DSLR.

There was a fairly recent thread on the IKA 70 somewhere here on SGL that gave a very positive opinion of it.

John

I have a ZS70 which I use as my grab'n'go scope. It collapses to a very small size so easily fits into a camera backpack. I haven't noticed any significant CA I must admit. It does give very pleasing low mag views. I have heard it said that the M72 is better corrected, but I can't compare as I've never used one. However, it's not far behind my M90 in terms of sharpness - there is a little more fall off at the edges. I like it and, of course, as a WO it's beautifully made.

[simon84]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm torn between the WO70 and the IKI 70, going to make a few phone calls and then I'll hopefully make a decision on that.

[arad85]

Hi Si,

Let us know what IK has to say about the IKI - just about to buy a guidescope and am torn between a cheapo achromat and a decent small apo. The IKI is within price range and with the FR/FF looks to be very good value

[simon84]

Didnt get a chance to call him today, engine in my car went bang. Might get a chance to call him tomorrow or Saturday but for now all spending has been suspended