I'm thinking about getting into an inexpensive refractor scope that is very portable and gives good views. I'm primarily interested in easy, quick setup and do not plan to use it for astro-photography. I own an 8" SCT, lots of 1.25 and 2" eps, diagnols etc, but just want something I can quickly set up/take down from time to time. So....I like to get others opinions on what they have or like to use. Budget for this is $400.00. I realize this isn't much, but I'm certain there must be something out there for my particular need. As I don't know much about refractors, I would appreciate others advice on what they feel is a well suited scope at this price. Thanks-Pete
Need Advice on Refractor Scopes
Started by peteschuerhoff, 01/17/2005 03:30AM
Posted 01/17/2005 03:30AM
Opening Post
Posted 01/17/2005 04:04AM
#1
I have a 4" Borg on a UniStar Light mount that fills that need for me. Before that, I had a ST-90, which I would recommend except it is not made anymore.
Two scopes in Orion's catalog come to mind. One is their 4" achromat, which is similar in specs to my Borg. The other is the 120ST, which I would not have thought of suggesting until I read about 20 glowing reviews of it on http://www.excelsis.com.
Hugh Bartlett
Oakland, CA
Two scopes in Orion's catalog come to mind. One is their 4" achromat, which is similar in specs to my Borg. The other is the 120ST, which I would not have thought of suggesting until I read about 20 glowing reviews of it on http://www.excelsis.com.
Hugh Bartlett
Oakland, CA
"Praise the Lord for the expanding grandeur of creation, worlds known and unknown, galaxies beyond galaxies, filling us with awe and challenging our imaginations." 2007 Reform Siddur
Posted 01/17/2005 04:22AM
#2
I own a Stellarvue AT1010, now named the Nighthawk, it an 80mm f/6 achro. It is very well color corrected for an achromat. I've also considered buying its longer fl brother the 80/90D. Planets show more contrast and color due to its longer focal length. And from what I read a real sleeper among achromats. I've seen both going used on AM for 300.00 US and less.
I've read good reviews on the Orion 90 EQ and the 120 EQ, but I think the 120ST would have too much color for me to enjoy.
Lastly, if you can squeeze a bit more into your budget the Orion 80ED would be a very nice choice.
Check out Cloudy Night's for reviews on all these and more.
I've read good reviews on the Orion 90 EQ and the 120 EQ, but I think the 120ST would have too much color for me to enjoy.
Lastly, if you can squeeze a bit more into your budget the Orion 80ED would be a very nice choice.
Check out Cloudy Night's for reviews on all these and more.
Posted 01/17/2005 03:58PM
#3
I have a William Optics ZenithStar 80mm refractor 480mm f/l f/6 that I love.
It has a rotatible crayford focuser, sliding dew shield and great optics.
It comes with a soft case and cost $400.00
There is just a litle bit of purple fringing around the moon; however, unless you go beyond 120x on bright stars, you probably won't notice much CA.
http://www.william-optics.com/prod/zs80/spec.htm
It has a rotatible crayford focuser, sliding dew shield and great optics.
It comes with a soft case and cost $400.00
There is just a litle bit of purple fringing around the moon; however, unless you go beyond 120x on bright stars, you probably won't notice much CA.
http://www.william-optics.com/prod/zs80/spec.htm
Funding Member
