Tal 2m with poorish focus

[france79uk]

Hi All, As a relative newbie hope someone can help out. Bought a used Tal 1 a few months ago just to start with ,and loved it so much, decided to buy a used Tal 2m. Both these scopes are about 10 yrs old and the mirrors look pretty good but not perfect, a few minor very small imperfections. Stripped scopes and cleaned mirrors in correct way and set up again thanks to the many helpful blogs etc . Collimated both using the tiny hole in centre of focusing tube method. On both scopes everything looks spot on and true. Problem is the Tal 1 performs as well if not better the Tal 2m with much sharper and better focused views . On doing a star test both scopes show primary shadow etc dead centre, difference being its blurred and shimmering on the T2 and crystal clear and steady on the T1. Star tests done on same night at same time. On looking at objects about 2 miles away during the day the focus and clarity is excellent and better on the T2, The problem is with astro objects at night. Jupiter would be much sharper and take higher mag with clarity on the T1. From what I have read the collimation on an F8 is not super critical anyway? maybe it points to a mirror problem? the scope was stored under damp conditions formerly so I believe. Would be very grateful for any pointers please.

Cheers

[NGC 1502]

Hi & welcome to SGL. One option is to get along to a local astronomy

club. Most are friendly and helpful, & hopefully come up with a solution.

One possibility is if the scope is not cooled down after bringing it from

a warm house.

Best regards, Ed.

[france79uk]

Thanks for that Ed, will try and see if there is one fairly locally.