Vixen ED102SS Vs Tele Vue Np 101...

Hi!
I'am thinking about getting a 4-5" refractor for a good buck.wich one is the best? I like both DSO and The planets.I looking for a good field of veiw( 2-5*) for dubbel cluster and nebulas. wich brand is the best?

Clear Skies / Anders

Hello there Anders,

When shopping for a fine APO, I don't think there's a best brand IMO. The way to look at it is how much do you want to spend versus the level of optical excellence you want to achieve versus the level of mechanical excellence you want to reach versus the subjective look-and-feel appeal. Then, there's the focal length difference to take into consideration also (eg. for widest field viewing).

But given the two choices you mention and if "spending is not an issue", my vote given the metrics I outlined above would have to go the NP-101. However, given the "money no object" metric, there are other excellent highest level of 4-inch APO you can get namely the AP Traveller and the TMB 105 and 100.

Once the metric for "money no object" is removed, you'll need to start looking at compromises, not to say that you'll give up much either. As such, the Vixen is a fine choice (and the f/9 version which will give you a better color correction than f/6.5) as well as other doublet APOs such as the Tele Vue TV-102, Takahashi FS102, etc.

There are other non-refractor solutions to achieve a good view of the DSOs and the planets you stated.

Ron the 4-inch Tall Evangelist B[ee]
PS - To get an idea of what a 4-inch APO can do on the DSOs and planets (and the Moon), I invite you to visit this site.
http://members.cox.net/ronby/Palatable_4-inch.htm

Hi Anders,

I own and cherish a Vixen 102EDSS but there are many choices out there. The NP101, TMB, AP are all fine scopes that will certainly please but there are alternatives to these as well. The Mak-Newt scopes will do what you want and even a decent 6" f5 Newt is a darn nice scope. The short focus achromats are OK for low power views but on planets they leave much to be desired. A triplet achromat doesn't have better color correction than a well made doublet just a flatter field for photography. The APM triplet achro is about 4lbs heavier than my f9 Vixen fluorite, too heavy IMO. There was a Vixen 114 in the refractor section today for $1250, thats a low price.

Clear Skies,

Steve