Short tube suggestions

Hey all,

I have a Meade/Polaris 90mm f/11.4 that I was told is a Japan model. I like the scope but have limited accessories such as a well used MA25mm that the optics appear to have been cleaned several times with a shirt tail, and a very cheap Meade 2x barlow. I looked at M42 last night at 41x and with the barlow at 82x. I could see some shape to M42 and that cool little fuzzy ball behind it. I understand that a short focus refractor will give a lot better details than a long focus. So, I have a couple of questions. One, do you think a better quality ep and barlow would bring out some good detail or do I really just need to save up for a short tube? And two, if the answer is go for the short focus, what is best? I think I’ve read somewhere once that something as big as 6” f/5-6 achro might be less impressive than a 100mm or 120mm f/5-6. Is this true or would the 6” really light things up good? And I am talking about for deep space only. Keep in mind that I would be saving up the most of about $400. Oh and one more thing. Does the focus tube cut off the aperture on some of these bigger short tube scopes? I know the answers will be both facts and opinions and all are welcome and appreciated. I thank y’all for y’alls time.


Nate

Hi Nathan,

I agree with everyone that the 90mm f/11.4 scope is not the problem. I've spent many nights with an 80mm f/11.4 and seen great views of DSO's. However, if the Polaris uses 0.965" eyepieces you will have a very limited selection of focal lengths to choose from. Also, eye relief will in general be poor.

For a limited investment of <$30 you can get a star diagonal that is 0.965" on the telescope end and 1.25" on the eyepiece end. Meade and Orion have them in their catalogs. If you can only afford one more eyepiece now, shoot for a 32mm Plossl (<$50).

Rich