Posts Made By: Steven Keaton

I've been thinking about picking up a pre-owned TV102 when a good deal comes up on Astromart. I know opinions always vary, but you don't see too many of these for sale. I know TV Naglers and Pans are awesome, and I own a number of Naglers, so I know their performance is incredible. Therefore, it only seems logical that the TV102 would be a great scope.

Like many, I have been through quite a number of scopes ranging from APO's to SCT's and MCT's. I have recently come back to a Premium APO, but the investment is rather large.

Having owned two other Fluorites, of which were the most impresive of any of the scopes I have owned, I would really like to try the TV102. My curiousities goes like this:

1. Visually- the obvious, sharpness, detail etc.
2. Functionality- ease of use.
3. Focuser- Does the object come to focus easily, or is a microfocuser necessary?
4. How well does a starbeam finder work in comparison to an 8X50 with illuminated recticle?
5. I'm really attached to my 8X50, how would I attach it to the TV102?
6. Can you store the TV in its case with a Losmany Dovetail attached?
Any other comments?

Thanks for rehashing what I am sure is a question asked numerous times.

Steve

Has anyone had any experience with this Alt/Az mount? and Will it mount to the Losmandy GM-8 tripod legs?

I have read all the info available on DiscMount's website and two reviews, one for the DiscMount DM-6 and one for the DM-4. However, the DM-6 is the one that has my interest. My scopes have always been over 15 lbs. with accessories.

Any comments?

Steve

Another mount inquiry, How does the Stellarvue Stableglide M6 perform? I currently own and love my GM-8, but am thinking about picking up a quick set-up Alt/Az for those evenings that I don't want to drag out the battery and cords, etc.

Thanks,

Steve

I'm sure you have already heard many times over, but I wish to add my personal appreciation for the Coronado PST. I too was more than impressed and overwhelmed. After reading many reviews and many a forum praise, I finally bought a new PST and it arrived Friday in time for the rain. However, today arrived without a cloud so I set it up on my GM-8 and was blown away. I kept calling my wife out for every eyepiece exchange as the view just kept getting better. I used a Nagler 12mm T4, very nice, then a Nagler 9mm T6, even better, very appealing and finally a Tak LE 7.5, quite impressive.

My question is, what is the highest power anyone has used with their PST? I went for my TV 2X 1.25, but it was too long to reach focus. Is there a shorty barlow that will work besides the Cemax, or must I buy another eyepiece, and if so, what would you suggest? It appears that a 4mm would do, but I don't want to waste time hunting for the right magnification.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Steve

I just received my brand new Coronado PST and what a wonderful treat. I have been involved in astronomy for almost 3 years now, but on Sunday the 23rd of April it was like I was starting all over again.

Anyway, I used three eyepieces with exceptionally great results, as would be expected. A Nagler 12mm T4, a Nagler 9mm T6 and finally a Tak 7.5mm LE. I figured I was covered for more power when I reached for my TV 1.25 2X barlow, but it was too long to reach focus.

Question: Is there a shorty barlow that will work, or should I just go for a Radian 4mm or something to that effect?

I have posted this question on the Coronado forum as well.

Thanks to all who respond,

Steve

I know we frequently hear about comparisons and in this case, I have read everything available on both of these scopes. The problem is, there has not been much written about the two in question. For my needs, I'm currently interested in visual performance. I know the Stellarvue SV4 is an F6.4 650mm and the Williams Optics 110 Zenithstar is an f7 770mm. Both have Lomo lens etc.

Has anyone had an opportunity to use either or both of these scopes? I plan on ordering one within a week or so, unless one or the other shows up on Astromart.

Your comments would be greatly appreciated,

Steve

Hello to the more knowledgeable,

I have never used a Binoviewer before, but want to experience the evolution from cyclops to full viewing capacity. I have read reviews and websites that give details of everything. However, I have not as of yet contacted a Sales rep, but I at least know the following:

In the early spring (sooner if I'm fortunate)I will be the proud owner of an SV4. I ordered this scope for various reasons and one at the top of the list is its ability to interface effortlessly with a Binoviewer. From my research I have determined that I want a Denkmeier with multiple magnification capability. What kit should I be considering from Denkmeier, and what eyepieces in the TV Nagler or Radian range would you suggest? It seems that I should give consideration to the Nagler 16mm T5 since the SV4 has a 650mm F/L. I am considering the purchase of two 16mm T5's as a start, but any suggestions would certainly be welcomed.

After a thorough review of Denk's website, it appears that the Denk II with the Power X switches seems like the right choice. Any comments?

Thanks for you help and suggestions,

Steve

Has anyone seen the new Stellarvue BV3 Binoviewers, and what do you think?

Steve

I'm sure this question has already been discussed here.

I will soon be receiving an Stellarvue NHNG bino capable. I will be using my SV3 Binos and would like to know if anyone has this combo and what eyepieces do you prefer?

Thanks,

Steve

In response to number 5:

I recently picked up a Tak LE 5mm on Astromart. It is a fantastic eyepiece. I wanted to try it out in my FS102. I have twice had it out to view the moon and once in the morning for Saturn and Venus. These three have never been so crisp in my scope. The detail was amazing.

Today, I also received a brand new Nagler Zoom 3-6mm. IMHO and somewhat limited experience, every bit as good as the Tak LE 5mm but with a "twist" (pun intended), the zoom is incredible. I only tried it out on the moon, but tomorrow morning will be doing some planetary testing. The field is obviously not as wide as a regular Nagler, and has very short eye relief, but a keeper for sure. This is now, by far, my favorite eyepiece.

I use three other eyepieces, a Nagler 12mm T4, a Nagler 17mm T4 and a Panoptic 27mm. For my usage, the gaps seem to be filled well with the last four mentioned eyepieces.

Just my 2 cents,

Steve