I'm interested in a large refractor

[johnr]

Hello
im interested in a large refractor 8 or 9" that's portable. The 9" f/7 is at the top of the list, then the 8" f/6 or f/8. I really can't make up my mind. 
I've read Viktor's article on his 9" several times and even had a brief email exchange with him. My concerns with the 9" are weight, portability, and cost.

I have have been a member of the Neaf Solar Star Party since 2008 (missed this year) I was the guy with the 5" f/22 in 2014. I'm thinking the 8" f/8 may be the best choice all around for deep sky and solar. 

Whatever scope I end up with, i plan on returning to Neaf next year and having it on display. 

Thanks
john
Neaf 2014

[mikey cee]

John if you are planning on showing something at NEAF in 2016 you should have ordered everything yesterday....too late now! Mike

[Ales - iStar Optical]

Hello John,

are you planning on buying complete Refractor OTA or just lens in cell? If I may recommend, get the Phoenix WXT 204-6LT. We are preparing new run of 10 scopes, the last 5 are all spoken for. We should be able to finish these new scopes in about 3 months from now, possibly sooner. Read review about this scope on our home page istar-optical.com written by Neil English. There are also first light reports to be found on line, just Google Phoenix 204-6LT. This OTA is best deal for money.
We are preparing some F9 Semi APOs but those will be substantially more expensive. We are not producing OTAs in anything bigger than 204mm at this moment.
best regards,

Ales

[johnr]

Can you send me a PayPal invoice for the deposit? Ordering thru the website asks for the full amount.
Thanks
John

[Ales - iStar Optical]

John,

please contact Mike Harden [e-mail] for details about how to order. We require 50% deposit on all new scopes. Mike will send you an invoice. You must give us your PayPal email. Anyone paying via PayPal is charged additional 3% PayPal fee. So it makes more sense to send us a check made to iStar Optical. You can send deposit to:

iStar Optical
PO Box 3985
Page AZ 86040-3985

best regards,
Ales

[johnr]

To follow up, I ordered the Phoenix WXT 204-6 LT w/ 2.0" focuser. The short tube will be much more portable and easier to mount. This scope is for those star parties where I don't bring my big dob, I'm solar observing during the day with my 5" refractor, and want some aperture at night. I'm also a wide field enthusiast.
My big dob can give me a 1 degree true field with 18" aperture data, but limited portability. . My Kowa binoculars can give a 3 degree true field with correct orientation and easily portable, but only 80mm of aperture data. The Comet Hunter will fall somewhere in between. It's portable with effort, and will give a 1.6 degree field with 8" aperture data. That's a conservative estimate based on using a 21mm Ethos eyepiece.
John

[astromanuk]

Hi John,

I think you have made a great choice. The view through a 21mm Ethos will be spectacular under dark skies. The reason I got my 8" f/6 was that it will fit across the back seat of my car. Although my skies at home are reasonably dark I can get to truly dark skies with a two hour drive. Look forward to hearing of your experiences.

[johnr]

Hey guys, to follow up I had to cancel my order. I had some unexpected setbacks this month, including my employer is going out of business. I'm really disappointed because I really wanted that large refractor.
John

[astromanuk]

That must have been a sad day for you John. But with the employment news better to cancel before buying than have just forked out the cash and then get the bad news. As with all things in life other opportunities will present themselves. I have the feeling that Istar are in the business long term and it may well be that when you are in a position to purchase again improvements will have been made to give you an even better viewing experience. I do hope you are able to find employment quickly.