I saw an ad in the December issue of Sky and Telescope in which Antares (Sky Instruments)has a 105mm long-focus refractor which comes in three focal lengths 1000, 1300, 1500. They say that the lenses are a finely polished standard achromat and made by the same supplier to Vixen. They compare them to the old Unitron refractors. Does anyone own one of these or has any one looked through one of these yet? I currently own a Celestron 9.25. I am looking for a high quality color free refractor that will not require a second income to purchase. Will this be a good refractor to purchase or would it be wasting money. Has anyone looked through a 4" Unitron? Are they a great planetary scope?
Antares 105mm long focus
Started by Vince, 11/16/2004 03:42PM
Posted 11/16/2004 03:42PM
Opening Post
Posted 11/16/2004 05:10PM
#1
I replaced my Celestron Firstscope 80 lens with the Antares Research Grade objective, then did the same with a homemade 4" f 15. In both cases the improvement was stunning.
The 4" gave outstanding views of Mars last year and has become my favorite scope for planetary viewing [until I can afford an apo and to finish some other scope projects.]
James Adams
The 4" gave outstanding views of Mars last year and has become my favorite scope for planetary viewing [until I can afford an apo and to finish some other scope projects.]
James Adams
Posted 11/16/2004 08:20PM
#2
I saw an ad in the December issue of Sky and Telescope in which Antares (Sky Instruments)has a 105mm long-focus refractor which comes in three focal lengths 1000, 1300, 1500. They say that the lenses are a finely polished standard achromat and made by the same supplier to Vixen. They compare them to the old Unitron refractors. Does anyone own one of these or has any one looked through one of these yet? I currently own a Celestron 9.25. I am looking for a high quality color free refractor that will not require a second income to purchase. Will this be a good refractor to purchase or would it be wasting money. Has anyone looked through a 4" Unitron? Are they a great planetary scope?
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I've owned 6 Unitron scopes, the 4" Unitron was excellent for the planets. I also had a 5" Unitron, it was massive at 275lbs! But todays APO's are a better deal.
It the optics are good on the 105mm 1500mm fl Antares, then it should make a good somewhat color free scope!
Chas P.
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I've owned 6 Unitron scopes, the 4" Unitron was excellent for the planets. I also had a 5" Unitron, it was massive at 275lbs! But todays APO's are a better deal.
It the optics are good on the 105mm 1500mm fl Antares, then it should make a good somewhat color free scope!
Chas P.
Funding Member
