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Posts Made By: Rod Mollise

October 22, 2007 10:58 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

WO 80mm APO Piggyback on Celestron Ultima 8"

Posted By Rod Mollise
Hi:

It should work, but I would definitely recommend a set of vibration supression pads. I used to piggyback a Short Tube 80 (substantially lighter then the WO) on my U8 (before I jerked her off her fork), and that was OK, but pretty much the limit.


October 31, 2007 12:42 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Which digital slr camera?

Posted By Rod Mollise
Out of the choices you've given, I'd choose either the 30D or 40D. Unless you have a boxful of Nikon lenses you want to continue to use, the less-noisy nature of the Canons for astrophotography makes them the way to go. Just makes sense to go Canon for astrophotography at this time, IMHO.

I chose "none of the above," and instead picked the new 400D (Rebel XTI), and am quite happy with it so far both for terrestrial and celestial imaging.

November 3, 2007 12:40 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

What digital camera do you own and why?

Posted By Rod Mollise
Me? Canon Rebel XTI. Why? Inexpensive...uses the (excellent) Canon lenses...plenty of features...turns out great images celestial and terrestrial.


November 25, 2007 05:41 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

The most perfect telescope I have owned. You?

Posted By Rod Mollise
C8.

8)

November 27, 2007 04:30 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Sky Commander or JMI-MAX/LUMICON SKY VECTOR DSC ??

Posted By Rod Mollise
"Best" is subjective. I will say that I love the Sky Commander and prefer it by a large margin to the Tangent style DSCs (Lumicon/JMI/etc.). But that's just me.

8)


November 27, 2007 04:39 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Focal Reducer for 10" f/10 LX200?

Posted By Rod Mollise
You will note some vignetting with the 35 and the 6.3. Much depends on what you will put up with--hell, I often use the 35, a 6.3 and a C8. Yes, there's vignetting, but it's worth it to me to get all the Pleiads in the field of the C8. The Eyeopener is nice, but it will not make any difference with the 6.3--and you'll need some special adapters to use the 6.3 with the Eyeopener. The Lumicon? Might help with the vignetting, but you will likely not appreciate what it does to the field edge.

Best bet? Decide if you REALLY need the 6.3 AND the 35. At f/6.3 you will have a lot of field to play with and could potentially drop down to an eyepiece with a shorter f/l and still have "enough." Unless you observe regularly from dark sites, the 35 - 6.3 combo will likely provide a brighter background than you would like, anyway.

8)

November 29, 2007 03:26 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Whats the worst scope you had?

Posted By Rod Mollise
Charles Peterson said:

Ok guys and gals,

We just did a thread on the most perfect scope.
So what is the worst scope you have owned?
Bad optics, mount, or other is fine.

Chas

Tasco 3-inch alt-az Newt (1965). OK on the Moon and deep sky, but Jupe looked like a custard pie.

8)

December 1, 2007 03:15 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

C11 correction

Posted By Rod Mollise
Where are you gonna get a corrector with the proper prescription for your optical system?

Be aware that a compound scope will NOT produce those pretty star test patterns you see with Newts. It's likely you've got a good scope that will perform well.

My advice? Try the scope on the planets and see how it performs. Chances are you've nothing to worry about.


December 5, 2007 12:25 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Need advice.

Posted By Rod Mollise
The SNT is a good scope...BUT...it is way too much scope for the mount.

The LX200R is in another class and will serve well for visual or (with the additon of a wedge and a focal reducer) astro-imaging.

December 15, 2007 03:47 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

2008 Scion xB For Hauling Scopes?

Posted By Rod Mollise
Bill Byrd said:

[COLOR="Purple"]Anyone have a 2008 Scion xB for hauling their scopes and stuff around? I currently have a PT Cruiser which is a great car but a little tight on space for scopes and camping equipment for a week. The newly upgraded xB seems to be a nice vehicle for hauling stuff around. Sooo...was just curious if anyone had one and what you think about it?
Thanks!
Bill[/COLOR]

My wife, the vaunted Miss Dorothy, decided to break out of the "middle-aged-female-university-professor" mold the least time she bought a vehicle and got a salsa-red Xb (with everything on it). With the rear seat down, it's accomodated plenty of stuff, including a Nexstar 11 in a JMI case, EZ up canopy, ice chest, sleeping bags, observing table, laptop, batteries, chairs, etc., etc. We did, in fact, take it to the 2006 Deep South Regional Star Gaze. Nice little vehicle with a kick-butt stereo system. I will admit that in my advanced middle age I prefer my 07 Camry for those Louisiana backroads, but that "X box" (as we call it) did great and continues to do great, both for star parties and for Miss D's commutin' to the university each mornin'.

8)

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