Posts Made By: Linton Rohr

Sunset silhouettes...

Well Rod, shouldn't it be 8/13 as expensive?
I had to think long and hard about buying the 13mm,
but having used it for a few months now,
the 8mm is a "gotta have it"!
Linton

Sounds pretty cool, Jerry!
Funny you should mention those two moons.
The last time (April 4) I was out at Lockwood Valley,
the seeing was exceptionally good (despite the CSC predictions),
so I popped in a 3mm Radian (602x) for an up close and personal view of the Queen of Planets.
Aside from the crisp ring detail, I noticed a sharp, distinct moon
very near the disc, but just under the rings (in my reflector).
As I studied that, I noticed a little pimple hanging off the bottom edge of the rings.
I called my favorite observing buddy over to look and he spotted it too,
and quickly consulted his Starry Night program. I'm glad he was equipped.
Tethys was the easy one and, lo and behold, Janus was the pimple.
A matter of good timing on a night of exceptional seeing. Right Floyd?
Linton

Dang, Rod!
I wrote up a rather lengthy response yesterday,
but it must be floating around in the ethernet.
Next time for sure...
Linton

Okay, Rod.
Since I don't like to criticize the equipment of others,
I'm not a big fan of "shootouts" in general, but since you asked...
I forgot to post my preemptive defense to my statement that "they're all good". Well, they are!
My first choice for any given object though might vary.
In this case, viewing Saturn, I generally prefer the Radians.
I almost always use them on planetary, and often on globular clusters.
On another, more extended object, I'd more likely use the T6, for the extra FOV.
I do like the XL's a lot though, and more often than not, that's what I use for 10mm and below.
That's partially due to the 2" adapters that I've mounted them on though.
Hence, they reside in my primary (2") EP case. Convenient.
But I really like their contrast and sharpness.
I happen to prefer the overall feel and comfort of the Radians though.
I was quite impressed with the Burgess, especially considering the price.
They are very similar to the look and feel of the Radians.
The Takahashi was my least favorite of the group.
Though it's quite sharp, it was less comfortable to my eye,
and the color balance seemed a bit cold to my taste.
That might be an advantage on another type of object, though.
So, there you have it. Aren't you glad you asked? 8)
Linton

full disclosure: I own the 5mm Radian, 5mm T6, and 5.2mmXL

Hmm. Lots of options there, Dennis!
Looks like you've got the low and mid powers very well covered.
Assuming your 9mm is also a T6, you might try a 7mm or 5mm.
Not a bad idea trying out the 3-6mm zoom either.
Very nice for planetary and double stars, etc.
Less FOV than you're accustomed to, but great images, and very convenient.
Dave mentioned the Pentax XL's, and I'll second that too.
You could try out the 5.2mm, and add the 7mm and 10.5mm later, if you like it.
Whatever you want to try, you'll find in the classifieds,
and if it's not to your liking, you're not out much if you resell.
Or you can just collect them all! 8)
Linton

a few clouds were there to watch, too...

Chimney Rock, near the park entrance...

Stuart,
I once had a similar problem, and it turned out a grain of sand had become embedded
in one of the pins on the cable connector. Take a close look at that first.
You may want to sign up on the Argo Navis yahoo group, too. argo_navis_dtc at yahoogroups.com
Gary and others there are incredibly helpful. Stuff like this comes up often.
Linton

A photo and info on the Old Woman meteorite...
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/meteorite.html
I want it! 8)
Linton