Reccomendations for a visual APO 4"-5"

Hi All!

I am considering my first APO refractor (yeah!). I have a scope I love - 14.5" Starmaster - but it is not "kid friendly." The EP height is all wrong, not convenient for quick looks & try telling a nine year old the optics need to reach equilibrium!

I could get one of the numerous "kid friendly" reflectors - but I think a refractor will be convenient with adult supervision. Plus, I've always wanted one.

I'm not interested in imaging. I know there are great APOs in the 3 inch range, but I want more aperture for planetary high power. I have had a 6" Achromat and a 6" Mak Cass. My skies made good use of 6 inches on most nights.

Generous focal length a plus, but I can always get a 5x powermate, etc.

Price is a definite consideration.

So far, I'm thinking TV 102?

Opinions and recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celecbrate.

Gregg

Hi Gregg,
The Denver Astronomical Society's monthly open houses feature a variety of telescopes of all shapes and sizes set up by members on the park lawn next to Chamberlin Observatory. Several APOs in the aperture range you discuss are among the scopes set up each month.

The most common ones are usually Tele Vue's TV102, TV101 and even some of the earlier 4-inch TVs. Of course, a couple members set up the newer NP101 & NP127, but the earlier models seem to be more common.

I also see a number of Stellarvue scopes, and a handful of Takahashis, including the TOA-130. One can usually find a couple Astro-Physics APOs, too. A good friend almost always has his TEC140 set up at the open houses, too. Nice scope!!

Any of the previously mentioned APOs are superb visual scopes. Check the Astromart classifieds, since 4~5 inch APOs show up fairly often. Don't forget a sturdy mount!

Ron
Equipment Forum co-moderator

Hi Gregory,

I agree with Ron that you can't go wrong with any of the scopes mentioned. In my experience, a big jump occurs when you go from 4" to 5" especially on planetary viewing. I have owned a number of APOs from 4" to 7" and highly recommend the TEC 140 or an FS-128. Both give excellent performance and can be had for reasonable prices used. I have tried several smaller (85mm to 102mm) APOs from Showa, Televue and Takahashi and liked each so it is really a question of the best deal you can find, they will all perform.

Larry

The TV 102 would be an excellent scope for your purposes. It is the standard by which others are measured. It's been around for several years so it's a proven design. And they are readily available used or new - no waiting period after order.

The SV scope would also be a good choice (and several $$ less expensive than the TV). I tried to order one but none were in stock. I believe that one could be built for you, though, if you could wait a few weeks after your order.

Thank you, all for your recommendations.

Jim Gleason, in particular, thanks for the links!

Wow - where to go. I think I'd like more aperture - closer to ther 5" range, but of course the price. :S

Well, here's an idea, if I can get it past the boss. I can hold out for an APO in the 5" range, in the mean time get a smaller scope in the 66mm to 80mm range. Size would certainly be kid friendly. I can get a smaller mount. I wont be insane with kid fingerprints etc. I would enjoy the wide field views.

Do you think the kids will appreciate the planets with such a scope? I'm not expecting miracles. I'm just wondering what detail would be available. Banding on jupiter & Saturn? GRS?

Thanks again.

Gregg