Posts Made By: John Cassella

Really. I guess it's a matter of taste. I think it looks great. And it's even better to look through! I like the Tak green and the build quality on this thing is really nice. Solid, but doesn't feel gimmicky or overbuilt. Some brands focus to much on build and not enough on optics.

I have looked through a number of refractors and Takahashi makes a superb instrument. Tried another name brand and I didn't feel the optics were quite as good.

Had a great night comparing the TSA102 and a Mewlon 180. The Mewlon edged it out (on Satrun) in the end, but that is expected given the aperture difference.

I must say having two Takahashi's to look through is a great problem to have. These guys are a class act.

Take care,
john

I have a question that is somewhat rhetorical, but not completely: Why does Zeiss, Vernonscope, Pentax, AP and Takahashi release a full line of eyepieces, all at one time, while Televue releases them one at a time?

Take care,
john

I'm not sure why this was posted, not to be argumentative, but it doesn't tell me much. There are many factors that go into producing a product. Not to mention the fact that the products differ from their earlier counterparts in many respects.

If the intent was to comment on the "bloated" thread, I'm not sure it is giving us much additional information. Please do not take this as an attack Alan, it definitely is not. But some times we try to make a point to get at some "fundamental" truth of some sort. The eyeglass comparison is another one, many holes in that analogy as well.

Personally I don't own an Ethos eyepiece and likely will not, but have used one and found it wonderful. I just don't see the value FOR ME. But to make blanket statements that prices are bloated is pretty useless and I think many in the other thread made that point pretty well.

Fortunately there are many choices in astronomical equipment. I do believe there is some value in individuals being critical of producers, unfortunately, and I am guilty of this my self, your emotions get the better of you and you throw the baby out with the bath water.

But I have also seen a good many posts and articles, particularly on other sites, where individuals are just about falling over themselves about a certain manufacturer and this is allowed without much fanfare. In fact manufacturers are getting a free ride when it comes to advertising.

So I hope we utilize the gift the Internet has provided consumers. A venue where we can talk directly to eachother about products without intervention by manufacturers or their shills. Hopefully we will exercise good judgement in our new found position.

Take care,
john

Hey Rich,

I recently considered the same 2 scopes. I chose the Tak because I loved past examples of their equipment that I had used. Not only were they superb, but they were about the finest optics I have looked through. Build quality was also superb. It is a classic f/8 which is very good for visual as well. Lastly, the TSA has some actual field reports as it has been out a good bit now.

That said, I had a long talk with Vic Maris and I think he will also a provide a superb instrument.

Hard to imagine you would be displeased with either. Too bad you couldn't try them both, something might jump out at you.

Good luck, it's a great choice to have to make.

Take care,
john

Very nice work Anthony. Amazing what can be done with amatuer equipment these day. A work colleague of mine just got back from two weeks in Greece. Traveled all over including some of the Islands. Very beautiful country.

Keep up the good work,
john

Hey Floyd,

My heart goes out to you. I read the other thread and was surprised such an off topic and aggressive comment was allowed to be posted and then continue. Your point is straightforward and what's more the success of the Chinese products proves your point in spades. Nothing like reality to clear up misunderstandings.

I would also like to know what that company is doing to help save the American worker. Seems to me they should be hiring more people to increase manufacturing and thereby walk the talk. Seems I recall a decade long backlog that needs some attention.

john

Hey Greg,

Nice report. I have yet to get a look at Jupiter, although it's getting pretty high by 11:00 or so.

I'm considering you advice regarding a 5" apo some time back, I have been considering a TEC140. Any thoughts on how you think 5.5" inches of refractor aperture will do for planetary?


Take care,
john

Good morning Brad,

I would like to join you in your quest from fellow Amarters. I am looking into the same issue. I want to buy a scope and have been looking at the TEC140 and Mewlon 250. I would use the scope mostly for planets and the moon but would certainly pursue deep sky as well.

I own a Mewlon 180 but haven't had much opportunity on Jupiter. I caught it a bit last year at the end of its apparition and the views were much better than my TV85 (to be expected). But how will it stack up against my new TSA102. Hope to find out soon.

But looking forward, I am looking to get into something larger. So a 6" Apo (or 5.5") or a Mewlon250.

From what I hear seeing affects the Mewlon more, but I am wondering if this is due more because of the aperture than the design. And, if the seeing is bad a 10" will certainly provide better deep sky when one would really not want to spend much time on the planets.

So, not to high jack Brad, but I would like to know if someone could indicate how the Mewlon 250 would due against a large Apo?

Thanks,
john

Hey Linton,

I caught it with my TSA 102. I think I got there just ahead of when you did because I caught two moons right next each other before the transit started. I can't remember seeing two moons quite like that, it looked like a double star.

Take care,
john