russ
New Member
Posts: 8
|
Post by russ on Mar 31, 2014 20:14:06 GMT -5
Hi, I'm new here, just ordered (March 28th) a Istar Perseus TCR 150mm f/12 Truss Tube refractor. I've been a long time visual observer and really love the long focus refractors! Having once owned a D&G 6" F-15, I really miss that observing. It was great - but just too darn long! Now, after much reading about Istar scopes, ads & on CN, also in Astronomy Magazine - I'm really excited to have the room and desire to own this beautiful scope. And, getting up there in years (BIG 7-0 next year) this is the one scope for me! I can lift it, and therefore use it. The 6" Celestron F-8 is.. ok. But not that great for high power lunar & planets. Better for DS views at low-medium power. It is also a hefty thing to lift, nothing to grab onto. Not well balanced either.
My climate is pretty good too, desert SW. Strictly visual & lunar - planetary viewing. Pretty casual too. Depends on my health & ability to stay up very long. Have some health concerns & just want to see as much as I can & as long as I can, lol.
Well, nice meeting you all! Clear skies!
Russ
|
|
|
Post by astromanuk on Apr 1, 2014 1:49:55 GMT -5
Hi Russ and welcome,
You have made a great choice. As an experienced achromat user, it will be very interesting to hear of your observations with the Istar.
Keep us posted with your observing experiences. It doesn't matter how casual your observing, I often find that my most enjoyable times at the telescope have been when I go out with no preconceived observing plan and just wander around the sky.
|
|
russ
New Member
Posts: 8
|
Post by russ on Apr 9, 2014 18:43:03 GMT -5
Hi Ian & thanks. Just had to update this a bit. A week ago I upgraded my order to the Asteria 150-12 R35 TCR. Am really excited! Mike said he would be shipping in a matter of days - vs the original order. That and the promise of a tighter airy disc and that.. sharp & clear image only a very good long focus refractor can provide - well, that pushed me over budget a bit, but it'll be worth it!
Yes, casual or not - we ALL derive great pleasure from our observing. And yes, it is wonderful to just.. wander around the sky.
Clear skies! Russ
|
|
|
Post by boomboom on May 18, 2014 18:17:10 GMT -5
Hi Russ, A bit late with a 'Hello' but better late than never. Love to here what the R35 is like specially on Planets. I have a 150 f12 that is just great, so much better than the Synta 150 f8. I agree that the f8 is nice as a wide field low power scope and to that end I still have my f8 sitting around. I'm wondering about doing a bit of surgery on the objective cell…surely all that cast metal doesn't need to be there. One look at my 4" ED f9 lens cell has me wondering if the same can be done to the f8? A bit daunting though cutting up a good scope, so it's still all theory at the moment. Your viewing spot sounds ideal…unlike my present location. Matt
|
|