Used: Tak FS-78 at $1100 vs. TV 85 at $1600

TV would include TV's high end 2" diagonal (Everbrite?). I already have a 2" Meade UHTC but would guess the TV is better.

Would the extra $500 be worth it for the diagonal and 7mm more aperture?

I also understand Tak extras are as pricey as their scopes and there is some sort of issue with coming to focus with the FS-78 (you need to add or remove some part of the scope to allow it to come to focus).

Otherwise I've read nothing but glowing reports about these scopes. Any input appreciated. Soon I'll be out there looking at the stars instead of my computer monitor.

Paul,

I have owned 2 FS-78's. One I sold to a friend and regretted it so much I purchased another. They are fantastic small aperture telescopes. I have no personal experience with the TV85. I am certain with everything I have read though it is a great telescope as well.

As far as adding or removing parts on the FS78 in order to reach focus I would say you are partially correct. Tak makes several tube extension accessories required by different applications that will allow the telescope to focus properly. For visual use in my experience no extensions are required when using a diagonal as the light path is long enough to get to focus. If you view without a diagonal (abnormal in the US, normal in Asia) I think two extensions are required. Sometimes your specific eyepiece or eyepiece and barlow combination may affect this but once you get the hang of it there should be no real problem. The extensions are only about $25 each. Anacortes has a great reference on their site for most of the Tak line. Go to manufacturers – Takahashi - system chart for the FS78. The OTA normally includes all you will need for visual including the 1.25” compression ring adapter. If you buy one used you might get lucky and get an extension or two. The pristine sample I sold had two extensions, tube ring clamp and Tenba bag. The one I just purchased was only two weeks old with several accessories.

You can’t go wrong with either Tak or TV. Let us know what you end up with.

Kent