Hello from NYC/CT

[aviegas]

I just purchased a 150mm F8 r30 in used but excellent condition! I am really looking forward to getting back into a big refractor after about a year using SCTs!

My first telescope was a Jason 60mm which I still have, and in college I got to routinely operate one of the classic 20" Clark refractors! Which I always loved... So i am very happy to say Hi to everyone here and I look forward to your collective wisdom...

In this regard, my first question is that currently I have a CG5 -GT mount... I am thinking of getting the new Ioptron Ieq45-az. But in e interim if I swap out the wimpy vixen saddle on e CG5 would it be able to handle the beefy R30 150mm OTA which I think is like 28lbs ? I have enough counterweights I think... For purely visual would this work as a stop gap for a few months?

Appreciate the advice and happy to be here!

Al

[jamesling1000]

Hi aviegas

Welcome to Istarscopeclub......

And great to hear that you just acquire the 150 F8 R30 scope......

I am sure other members here would very much like to hear from you on its optics performance.....

I used to have the CG5 Goto, and if I use it with my C6R F8, I only use at most two 11 lbs counterweight....
Your new scope is 28 lbs, is quite close to my 10" Mewlon, which I used 3 counterweights.....each 11 lbs....
Is the limit you can go , and it will be more for visual....

I suggest you go for any mount that takes at least 40 lbs capacity, although now I owned the GM8, which is also limit to 30 Lbs capacity for my mewlon, but it performs much better than the CG5....

But as many members have much bigger capacity mount like my G11, that take at least 60 lbs, you may able to do astro photography, instead of just visual for smaller capacity mount....

Again nice to see new members posting in this forum....

Regards

James Ling

[bn1777]

Welcome Aviegas , nice chioce of scope .
On the mount I second what James is saying , the mount will be ok for visual , if you use a soft touch on the focuser .
On the IEQ45 I have one under my Takahashi Mewlon 210 and it carries that OTA easily I dont know the weight of it but I think all up with gear about 10kg ?
The IEQ45 holds my Istar 127mm f8 with ease ! and its a nice mount as well .
Brian.

[paulci]

Hi Al,
Welcome to the forum. I am very much looking forward to your feedback on your new scope as I have ordered an 8" F12 R35 lens from Ales, so would appreciate your experiences.
I'm afraid I can't advise on the mount you mentioned but I had up until recently a Vixen 6" F9 ED Atlux which an EQ6 just managed for visual. Approx. 42lbs including accessories, binoviewers eps etc.
Look forward to your appraisal of your new lens.
Paul