150P and PL compared

[jasperuk]

What is the difference between the 150P and the 150PL Explorer.

I have a P and have seen a PL on the net for sale but cant think of the specific differences especially related to astrophotography, what advantages does one scope have over the other if any ????

[russ]

P:

Pros - faster focal ratio, wider field of view with any given eyepiece. Better suited to DSO imaging. More of an allrounder for visual work. Short tube and light weight mean it will work well with a lightweight mount like the EQ3 or AZ4.

Cons - very good collimation is critical, much more demanding on eyepieces (cheap ones will be awful in this scope), secondary obstruction larger (slight decrease in contrast), not so suited to planetary imaging or visuals.

PL:

Pros - slow F8 focal ratio and longer focal length of 1200mm coupled with small secondary obstruction make it a classic planetary scope. Very best collimation less critical. Cheaper eyepieces will work adequately. Great scope for lunar/planetary imaging and visual work. But still a capable visual DSO scope.

Cons - Field of view restricted by long focal length and 1.25" only eyepieces. Not really suitable for DSO imaging. Long tube demands a better mount (supplied with EQ3 but really wants an EQ5).

[johninderby]

In this case you need to decide what you really want from it. The shorter focal length "P" is better if you're serious about astrophotography but on the downside if it's mainly visual then you have to factor in the cost of the better eyepieces required.

The "PL" will let you use cheaper eyepieces as with it's longer focal length it's not very demanding on eyepieces. The focuser can be changed for a 2" crayford but that will add about £100.00 and there's about a half hours work to fit it.

John