TheSkySearchers

So here is my delema. I need a travel scope. Something that breaks down easily and fits easily in the trunk of a car. What am i going to be using it for..... Strictly visual, no AP going on here. Strictly for the brighter DSOs, moon and planets. The fainter stuff will be left to the light buckets at home. Definitely wanting a go to mount with this. It does not have to be top of the line, good will be good enough for this scope. Its basically going to live in its case and be used only on vacations. Basically it will either be a frac, SCT or Mak Cass. Scopes not even to mention.... anything under 100mm. For grins lets say the budget is a grand. What do you experts say. Lets hear it.

If you want a go-to as well, for that budget you could get a nice matsutov: ETX 125? or Sky-Watcher 127/1500 AZ-GO2 Explorer (can get this with a 102 refractor too)?

These have great contrast and give nice views of planets, nebulae etc. Even the ETX90 can give great nebulae views: the first time I looked at the Swan (M17) in one I was amazed at the detail.

Or if you want a wider fov: a Schmidt-cass, eg Celestron Astro Fi 5 - the Celestron 125 Schmidt-cass has a great history as an all-rounder.

If you want 4" or above refractors, you are limited to achromats, but they can give great views; especially f8 and above: but then they are getting quite long.

Another alternative might be a small iOptron alt/az mount (eg: their "SkyHunter") with a 4" or 5" f5 achromat (like the Skywatcher 120/600)- although the 5" might be pushing their 5kg payload limit. I have found that IOptron have excellent customer service.

Happy shopping!

Dean

DeanD wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 1:07 am If you want a go-to as well, for that budget you could get a nice matsutov: ETX 125? or Sky-Watcher 127/1500 AZ-GO2 Explorer (can get this with a 102 refractor too)?

These have great contrast and give nice views of planets, nebulae etc. Even the ETX90 can give great nebulae views: the first time I looked at the Swan (M17) in one I was amazed at the detail.

Or if you want a wider fov: a Schmidt-cass, eg Celestron Astro Fi 5 - the Celestron 125 Schmidt-cass has a great history as an all-rounder.

If you want 4" or above refractors, you are limited to achromats, but they can give great views; especially f8 and above: but then they are getting quite long.

Another alternative might be a small iOptron alt/az mount (eg: their "SkyHunter") with a 4" or 5" f5 achromat (like the Skywatcher 120/600)- although the 5" might be pushing their 5kg payload limit. I have found that IOptron have excellent customer service.

Happy shopping!

Dean

I have looked at the Meade Mak Cass 127. It definitely has my attention.

I have the Bresser Comet Hunter 102MM. It's a great scope with a very wide FOV. And it is very grab n' go!
https://explorescientificusa.com/produc ... 2221347844

Those constraints fit well with Explore Scientific, how about this.

Mike Q wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 1:16 am

DeanD wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 1:07 am If you want a go-to as well, for that budget you could get a nice matsutov: ETX 125? or Sky-Watcher 127/1500 AZ-GO2 Explorer (can get this with a 102 refractor too)?

These have great contrast and give nice views of planets, nebulae etc. Even the ETX90 can give great nebulae views: the first time I looked at the Swan (M17) in one I was amazed at the detail.

Or if you want a wider fov: a Schmidt-cass, eg Celestron Astro Fi 5 - the Celestron 125 Schmidt-cass has a great history as an all-rounder.

If you want 4" or above refractors, you are limited to achromats, but they can give great views; especially f8 and above: but then they are getting quite long.

Another alternative might be a small iOptron alt/az mount (eg: their "SkyHunter") with a 4" or 5" f5 achromat (like the Skywatcher 120/600)- although the 5" might be pushing their 5kg payload limit. I have found that IOptron have excellent customer service.

Happy shopping!

Dean

I have looked at the Meade Mak Cass 127. It definitely has my attention.

There is nothing wrong with their optics: I remember using one of these in Bortle 1 skies at Arkaroola in South Oz on a night with probably 1 arc second or better seeing (translation: no degradation of the view at any time: yes, they do exist, sometimes!). We had it on Saturn at over 500x: and it was sharp and contrasty. An amazing view with a definite arc where the Encke division should be...

It was tracking beautifully too.

JayTee wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 4:32 am I have the Bresser Comet Hunter 102MM. It's a great scope with a very wide FOV. And it is very grab n' go!

CH 102 Scope_869x869.jpg
https://explorescientificusa.com/produc ... 2221347844

I am sure its a great little scope, and yes it would probably be a great grab and go scope its not go to and that is a requirement.

DeanD wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 5:36 am

Mike Q wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 1:16 am

DeanD wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 1:07 am If you want a go-to as well, for that budget you could get a nice matsutov: ETX 125? or Sky-Watcher 127/1500 AZ-GO2 Explorer (can get this with a 102 refractor too)?

These have great contrast and give nice views of planets, nebulae etc. Even the ETX90 can give great nebulae views: the first time I looked at the Swan (M17) in one I was amazed at the detail.

Or if you want a wider fov: a Schmidt-cass, eg Celestron Astro Fi 5 - the Celestron 125 Schmidt-cass has a great history as an all-rounder.

If you want 4" or above refractors, you are limited to achromats, but they can give great views; especially f8 and above: but then they are getting quite long.

Another alternative might be a small iOptron alt/az mount (eg: their "SkyHunter") with a 4" or 5" f5 achromat (like the Skywatcher 120/600)- although the 5" might be pushing their 5kg payload limit. I have found that IOptron have excellent customer service.

Happy shopping!

Dean

I have looked at the Meade Mak Cass 127. It definitely has my attention.

There is nothing wrong with their optics: I remember using one of these in Bortle 1 skies at Arkaroola in South Oz on a night with probably 1 arc second or better seeing (translation: no degradation of the view at any time: yes, they do exist, sometimes!). We had it on Saturn at over 500x: and it was sharp and contrasty. An amazing view with a definite arc where the Encke division should be...

It was tracking beautifully too.

How well do these things work on bright nebula and clusters? I know they are quite good on planets

SkyHiker wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 5:06 am Those constraints fit well with Explore Scientific, how about this.

Thanks for your recommendation but that only 80mm and i want to be 100mm or better.

Mike Q wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 11:55 am

SkyHiker wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 5:06 am Those constraints fit well with Explore Scientific, how about this.

Thanks for your recommendation but that only 80mm and i want to be 100mm or better.

Ok then there's this one. Currently out of stock so you may have to wait a while.

SkyHiker wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 2:31 pm

Mike Q wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 11:55 am

SkyHiker wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 5:06 am Those constraints fit well with Explore Scientific, how about this.

Thanks for your recommendation but that only 80mm and i want to be 100mm or better.

Ok then there's this one. Currently out of stock so you may have to wait a while.

That would work. It checks all the boxes nicely. Thanks

Here is my recommendation. 6" SCT, good for both DSOs and planets/Moon.

https://agenaastro.com/celestron-nexsta ... scope.html

While I am a big fan of Maks for planets, Moon and doubles, they tend to produce dim images of DSOs.

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 5:14 pm Here is my recommendation. 6" SCT, good for both DSOs and planets/Moon.

https://agenaastro.com/celestron-nexsta ... scope.html

While I am a big fan of Maks for planets, Moon and doubles, they tend to produce dim images of DSOs.

Good recommendation Andrej. I think this is better than the one I recommended because of the larger aperture and good reputation.

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 5:14 pm Here is my recommendation. 6" SCT, good for both DSOs and planets/Moon.

https://agenaastro.com/celestron-nexsta ... scope.html

While I am a big fan of Maks for planets, Moon and doubles, they tend to produce dim images of DSOs.

I have actually used one of these once. I thought it's images were decent. The one I got to mess with had a issue with one of the motors and it had to go back to be repaired. It seems like in any review you read about them there is always one or two that have bugs. Its the way of the world now i guess

I believe Bigzmey's recommendation of the Celestron Nexstar 6SE to be the best choice for your criteria and for just $99 more than your $1000 budget, totally worth the amount spent! As mentioned by SkyHiker (Henk), that scope has a good reputation. Also, I would recommend this focal reducer for observing your DSO's, which you can always add later.
https://agenaastro.com/celestron-f6-3-r ... 94175.html

I use a Meade f/6.3 focal reducer on my Meade 2045D 4" F/10 Schmidt Cass, and I love it!

StarBru wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 7:35 pm I believe Bigzmey's recommendation of the Celestron Nexstar 6SE to be the best choice for your criteria and for just $99 more than your $1000 budget, totally worth the amount spent! As mentioned by SkyHiker (Henk), that scope has a good reputation. Also, I would recommend this focal reducer for observing your DSO's, which you can always add later.
https://agenaastro.com/celestron-f6-3-r ... 94175.html

I use a Meade f/6.3 focal reducer on my Meade 2045D 4" F/10 Schmidt Cass, and I love it!

So in reality it is almost 300 over the budget lol.

50mm converted finder - piece of cake to store and transport. It almost fits in a deep jacket pocket. Very sharp views on stars and the moon isn't bad but small (250mm focal length). Helical focuser. 40X is great, 60X is a little marginal. Thinking about trying a 60mm StellarVue finder just for grins.
ST80 - about 18 inches long and maybe 5 pounds with an upgraded Crayford focuser. This was my most used scope for awhile until I got an:
72ED - since the dew shield retracts, it's shorter than the 80mm but it's f6. Definitely a chunky monkey, noticeably heavier than the 80mm.
Mak 90mm - sold this one. Very light and compact, but I didn't like the small FOV compared to my refractors.
ST102 - might be the best bang for the buck, but the length is starting to get up there for fast fracs.
ST120 - Long and weighs around 11 pounds loaded, so I wouldn't consider it an easy travel scope. It does it in a car trunk but I wouldn't try it on a plane.

I'm not a planetary observer, so minimal data on that. Uranus and Neptune look fine, but they look like planetary nebulas with my scopes. The moon looks decent in all of them although I do stop down the 80mm.

YMMV.

Mike Q wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 8:08 pm

StarBru wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 7:35 pm I believe Bigzmey's recommendation of the Celestron Nexstar 6SE to be the best choice for your criteria and for just $99 more than your $1000 budget, totally worth the amount spent! As mentioned by SkyHiker (Henk), that scope has a good reputation. Also, I would recommend this focal reducer for observing your DSO's, which you can always add later.
https://agenaastro.com/celestron-f6-3-r ... 94175.html

I use a Meade f/6.3 focal reducer on my Meade 2045D 4" F/10 Schmidt Cass, and I love it!

So in reality it is almost 300 over the budget lol.

You can use scope without reducer. Depends on your targets, EPs you have and personal preferences. This package with or without reducer is a great value. The scope matches well payload capacity of the mount and all included accessories while basic are of good quality. What you get often in other packages is that the scope is too heavy for the mount, or legs are too weak and need to be upgraded, or diagonal and EPs are junk.

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 9:46 pm

Mike Q wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 8:08 pm

StarBru wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 7:35 pm I believe Bigzmey's recommendation of the Celestron Nexstar 6SE to be the best choice for your criteria and for just $99 more than your $1000 budget, totally worth the amount spent! As mentioned by SkyHiker (Henk), that scope has a good reputation. Also, I would recommend this focal reducer for observing your DSO's, which you can always add later.
https://agenaastro.com/celestron-f6-3-r ... 94175.html

I use a Meade f/6.3 focal reducer on my Meade 2045D 4" F/10 Schmidt Cass, and I love it!

So in reality it is almost 300 over the budget lol.

You can use scope without reducer. Depends on your targets, EPs you have and personal preferences. This package with or without reducer is a great value. The scope matches well payload capacity of the mount and all included accessories while basic are of good quality. What you get often in other packages is that the scope is too heavy for the mount, or legs are too weak and need to be upgraded, or diagonal and EPs are junk.

Thanks for your imput. That scope is actually on the list.

Mike Q wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 10:57 am

DeanD wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 5:36 am

Mike Q wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 1:16 am

I have looked at the Meade Mak Cass 127. It definitely has my attention.

There is nothing wrong with their optics: I remember using one of these in Bortle 1 skies at Arkaroola in South Oz on a night with probably 1 arc second or better seeing (translation: no degradation of the view at any time: yes, they do exist, sometimes!). We had it on Saturn at over 500x: and it was sharp and contrasty. An amazing view with a definite arc where the Encke division should be...

It was tracking beautifully too.

How well do these things work on bright nebula and clusters? I know they are quite good on planets

As I mentioned, even the ETX90 is surprisingly good on bright nebulae, like M17 and M42, and here in the south Eta Carina. The ETX125 is better... good contrast, and enough light gathering to enable bright nebulae to "pop". I have had nice views of some of the brighter galaxies too, like NGC 253, 55, 300, 5128 (Centaurus A), the Leo Trio and M104. Works well with a nebula filter too (not on galaxies of course). I like its compact size: great for the car.

FWIW I agree with Bigzmey about the Celestron 6": the bigger the aperture the better for DSO's- but my recommendation was based on an upper limit of $1000. Like their 5"SCT it has a long history of happy owners. That 102 f9.8 refractor that Henk suggested would be a good choice too: but it is quite long for your car boot. (That is the sort of OTA that I thought would be good with the little iOptron mount.) I had the older Vixen version, the 102M, and the optics were fabulous. It is long enough to reduce the inherent CA to almost nothing, and it killed my (at the time) Williams Megrez 110 for planetary and high power views. It coped quite happily with 200x. (In fact that was one of the reasons that I sold the Megrez, and eventually got my TSA102...)

All the best,

Dean