Posts Made By: Harold Gillung

I took the plunge yesterday and ordered a TOA 130. I am just a bit nervous about my decision because of the $$$. My question is that there is a FS 128 for sale on Astromart right now and could save a few thousand because of the package deal. What is the difference between the FS and the TOA and is it worth considering going with the FS?

I will use the scope at first visually then add a camera in a few months as my bank account recovers.

Thanks
Harry

OK I am ready to take a big plunge. I want at least a 6" scope and maybe a 7". My price range for the OTA is to keep it less then $10,000. It is pretty confusion out there. I had a TOA130, superb instrument but it just wasn't big enough. Help me out here folks. The TOA150 is $8,750, I see TMP, APM, Astrophysics....What is the best buy for the bucks. I have a Losmandy Titan on order and I want to do a lot of photography with my Cannon D20. I see the new AP 160 StarFire but what is the wait time on that, 6 years! I want something in the next three months.

Meade is finally coming out with a 16" OTA with UHTC coatings. I have a Titan on order but am affraid that it will not handle the bad ass 16" (I think it will weight about 125 lbs without any accessories)....any suggestions. My other OTA is a TOA150

Thanks in advance

Thanks to everyone for the great information. I will let you know what I decide. I am on the wait list for a TOA150 and like Bruce I am Tak addicted from my 130...I am leaning that way but there are some real great deals out there right now.

Thanks again
Harry