Posts Made By: Larry Seguin

I agree that this thread has wandered far from the topic. Here's a thought. Phil, you sound like a guy with a lot of valuable life experiences, many of which others haven't had a chance to learn. You probably have a lot of experience with equipment and techniques in the astronomical world as well. You sound like a guy with a lot to share. Understanding that people's preferences differ because their tastes and desires differ frees us up to enjoy our own predelictions, at the same time we enjoy each others differences. Makes for a more intersting less, homogenous world. I want to encourage you to use your strengths and knowledge to help educate people as to the possibilities open to them, and then leave them free to make their own choices. Lot more fun for everyone that way, and you become a great resource for people, too. Now.......
waddya say we all just talk equipment?
Larry

Why lay this dead fish on Herb's desk guys? He's given these forums to the Astromart community of amateur astronomers to oversee, well-let's do it. The moderators can delete any inappropriate materials. We can just walk away gracefully. Anyone who desires to take part in a wake for this discussion is free to. We're free to leave. See ya.

Not to change the subject, BUT--
What's really doing it for you all on DSO's? Some of the current wisdonm says a 2mm exit pupil gives the most satisfying views. Ed Moreno, in a recent article, suggests going above and beyond, with magnifications of 200-300+ on diffuse nebula. What's working for you? What sweet spots have you found for DSO's of all types, and what other techniques have you found bring out the best in the deep sky?
AND THEY'RE OFF...

Occasionally I like to put a filter in and see if it reveals anything on the planets I wasn't seeing, then I like to go back and find it in the unfiltered view. Question is, are the higher priced Lumicon planetary filters any better than the Orion/Celestron versions? After assembling a collection of good mirrors and lenses and eyepieces, it seems a shame to use anything in the optical path that degrades the image. Particularly interested in knowing if the grade of glass, polish, and coatings are any better with Lumicon. Thanks for any help with this!
Larry

Could you all endure one more alt-az question? I'm currently using an 80 mm f/5 on a Paragon tripod with an Orion slow motion adapter. The adapter provides the motion control I want, but is not as stable as I'd like, so I'm considerinbg an upgrade. QUESTION: has anyone here had a chance to compare the Universal Astronomics Microstar mount to a Bogen 410 geared head? Alternately, has anyone had experience using the Bogen 410 with a short tube refractor? Thanks for any help you can offer
Larry

Recently there was a post here concerning this Baader filter. The report was so good that I popped for one, and-WOW!! This little gem is a keeper. So far I've been able to try it on a short tube 80, and 8" f/6 dob, and a 14" f/4.7 truss dob. The results were impressive-NOTICABLY better than any of my color filters in revealing contrast detail on the moon and the planets! Tried yellow filters (#8, #11, and #12) on the moon. Although I enjoyed the coloration of the #11 the best, the Baader showed contrast better, especially in splash patterns surrounding major impact craters. There go all my yellow filters! Checked it aginst #56 and # 80a filters on Jupiter, and waddya know...same results! CLEARLY more festoons and barges and ovals, more easily seen in the Baader. There go my blue and green filters! Only thing left now is to wait for Mars and see if I have any use now for my #21 filter. Thanks, Floyd, for the tip on this filter, it's going to replace at least FIVE other filters, and then we'll see about Mars!
One happy camper,
Larry

After a long dry spell, there is a new sunspot visible on the Sun's disk. Cute little fellow at the 1:30 position on the edge in my refractor, picture available at www.spaceweather.com.

For several years now I've had an 8" f/6 dob that gives really good views of the planets, considering the mass produced optics it sports. Astronomy fever has struck again, though, and I'm thinking about upgrading the mirror.
Which leads me to a three part question:
1. I know of some of the premium glass pushers out there-Zambuto, Kennedy, Stevens, Harry, Spooner, Royce, and Swayze., but am I missing any? Are there other top notch opticians I don't kmow about?
2. Have any of you tried these mirror makers products, and are you willing to comment on their performance?
3. Is there anyone who has tried these premium mirrors, and been able to do a direct comparison to a Zambuto? In other words, how do "the best" compare to "the best of the best"?
Thanks for any insights you may be willing to share!
Larry

Jon, do I remember correctly reading a post of yours that said you had traded your Orion 80 ED for another refractor? If so, what compelled you to make the move? Optics, or mechanics? Thanks for any response you have time to make.
Larry

Considering (yet another!) telescope upgrade--looking at a semi-apo this time. The Excelsis review site lists a William Optics Megrez II 80 mm semi-apo, but none of the suppliers I've checked seem to carry it. One of the features of this scope that distinguishes it for me is it's focal length of 480 mm. With a 35 Panoptic, that would yield just shy of 5 degrees true field!!! Have any of you foks tried this f/6 80 mm? I would appreciate any comments you could make as to it's optical performance. Thanks!
Larry