refractor dilemma

[Bender]

I am looking for a 4" refractor to complement my 8" newtonian. He will ride on a Giro III mount and as the London skies leave me with much else, should be used mainly with a binoviewer on moon and planets.

I am now stuck between two choices, for some reasons I always come back to the Tal 100RS, although I could have a mint Celestron C100ED for the same price.

I am aware that the Celestron will give me less CA but the Tal has an appeal that the Celestron cant match.

[Astro_Baby]

No comment

[GazOC]

I am aware that the Celestron will give me less CA but the Tal has an appeal that the Celestron cant match.

Sounds like you've made your mind up...;-)

[nightfisher]

Hmmm, have to think about this one........................................................get the Tal100rs, i got one a couple of weeks back,the ca is there but not as bad as chinese fracs, the focus is superb, they are lovely superbly made scopes

[andrew63]

Look at the Lyra Optic - they have lovely 4" f11 hand corrected lens and fine build look even nicer than tal for £299

[nightfisher]

yes the lyra, well worth a look

[dweller25]

Yes the 4" F/11 looks really nice.

[Bender]

Well, think I kind of did . Just ordered the last one that Harrisontelescopes had in stock. See if Fedex can beat the christmas traffic

[Mikea]

I have not come across Lyra scopes before - does anyone have any experience?

[John]

I have not come across Lyra scopes before - does anyone have any experience?

There is a review of a clone on Astromart:

Astromart Reviews - Astro Telescopes 102 " Planetary Killer"

I'd love to try one alongside my Vixen ED 102mm which is an F/6.5

[russ]

I wish you hadn't posted that link John. I love refractors and that just sounds dream stuff for an achro. And dare i say it but looks a better bet than the TAL100RS. Nicer design, nicer focuser and slower F ratio.

[John]

I wish you hadn't posted that link John. I love refractors and that just sounds dream stuff for an achro. And dare i say it but looks a better bet than the TAL100RS. Nicer design, nicer focuser and slower F ratio.

Is it too late for a quick note to Santa Russ ?

[russ]

Santa is all tapped out

[Telescope40]

Lyra v ED100R ???? The Lyra looks v nice indeedee !! Thx John

[mdstuart]

There was a tal 100 for £150 on e-bay last time I looked

[dweller25]

I have not come across Lyra scopes before - does anyone have any experience?

Yes I have used them for Ortho eyepieces and a C100ED - very helpful and friendly.