When I got my first
Apo, I ran several threads to get input from others on a "best" 100mm class scope with primary application being planetary observing. I wanted to buy one and done and not to look back on my decision second guessing. So put a lot of effort and consideration into it. In the end, with input from a large number of people, I "settled" on the Takahashi TSA-102 (actually no settling there
). I've had the scope for about 15 years now. Not once, for one millisecond have I looked back on that choice for any reason. And every singe time I am out with it, its performance always (yes always) impresses me to no end! It is a sublimely wonderful optic and
OTA in every way. I really do not consider myself a "fan" of Takahashi as I have lots of equipment from various vendors. But my TSA-102 has a level of gestalt about it that makes it a joy to experience with each and every use (and I've used most all major brands in the field).
Eyepieces I use with it are generally:
- General Observing: Pentax XW (full set) or Baader Morpheus (full set)
- General Observing Lite: Takahashi LE (18mm to 5mm)
- Double Stars Edmund RKE (28mm to 8mm)
- Planetary: 6mm ZAO-II, 5mm Pentax XO, 4mm Abbe (cherry picked vintage volcano top that bests the 4mm ZAO-II I had), 4.4mm+5.9mm Ball Singlet Eyepieces (max contrast)