Replacement for our Gaertner scope

We use a Gaertner refractor to set up our optic benches. The scope doesn’t have markings for f/l. Since I don’t have access as of this writing with the aperture size, approx. 3-4 inches and a scope length of about 3ft, I’m assuming it’s a long f/l achro.

The scope weighs 6.95 billion tons and no one likes to lift it. It’s really old and exhibits a double image due to some moisture build up internally (went through a flood). We quit using it and have a smaller Gaertner as a stand in.

Ok, we want to replace this scope. I’m assuming anything will work, but we need precision focusing, cross hairs and a focus lock.

We take the scope outside, focus on a far away mountain peak, try to focus in a tree and then bring the scope inside set to this infinity. We have to do this during the day.

Ok, anyone have a suggestion on a suitable scientific scope under $2500. Gaertner doesn’t make scopes anymore. Thanks, Joe

I'd think something like an Orion 100ed with an upgrade to a Feathertouch or a Moonlight dual speed focuser would be pretty close to what you have, but with better color correction.

Not sure what you'd do about the cross hairs, but I presume they can be in the eyepiece. Takahashi makes a nice short focal length one.

You could probably set everything up for $1600.

Not for center line Herbert, but focusing small aperture pin holes. Can't sell it since it belongs to the company.

I've tried to find some info on it and there's not much out there on it. What I did find is most of the larger ones are really long f/l, like 12.5 and 15. Not sure what it's claim to fame is but it's been a standard that we use.

So I assume I'm looking for a really long focal length achro with a 3 to 4 inch objective, again, with a locking focus.

Probably 40 or more years ago this Gaertner scope was one of the best, but now scope optics are better corrected, at least in some.

I did see one website that showed images of the moon taken with a 6 inch version of ours and I must say it was impressive.

From the looks of this heavy beast we have, all of the optics are adjustable and probably why this thing was rated for scientific use. It weighs at least 30-40 lbs. I don't want to take it apart to clean it and go through trying to re-collimate it. Rather just buy a new scope.