Refractor at f/5 to f/6

[Richotech]

Hello All,

I have a Meade 10" LX200 ACF and wish to add a small refractor piggyback for viewing and astrophotograhy. Because the main scope is f/10, I'd like to put a relatively short focal length refractor on it. I understand it could be hard or expensive to get good optics at shorter focal lengths ?. Any suggestions ?.

Cheers,
Brett.

[mangrovedutch]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=69086

G'day, Don't have the specs on this, but might be suitable????

Regards, Dutch

[Logieberra]

Ummm... I don't think you want to use a Mak Flip Mirror scope for astrophotography (image shift / primary mirror flop).

I looked at using my Meade ETX 90 in this capacity, but was advised otherwise: http://www.mapug-astronomy.net/ragreiner/etxguider.html

Logie.

[andrew2008]

Have you looked into the Megrez 72?

[Waxing_Gibbous]

There's the Televue NP101. Hard to go wrong with that.
The TAK FSQ 85 & 106s. Ditto, but expensive.
My choice however would be one of the numerous 80/480 (f6) refractors kicking about. WO, Orion/Synta, Stellarvue, APM, TS, all make some variant and all have reasonably priced reducers a/o flatteners.

[astro744]

May I suggest for visual; Tele Vue 76 or 60 or for photo/visual; Tele Vue 76 or 60is.

[ballaratdragons]

If you don't mind using an Achro:

Andrews (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm)
Skywatcher 102 x 500 f5 Rich field achromat includes tube rings, finderscope, diagonal and two 1.25" eyepieces...A$249.00

Skywatcher Genuine "Black Diamond" f5 120 x 600 AZ3 Rich field achromatic refractor...A$599.

Skywatcher 150 x 750 f5 Rich field achromatic refractor...A$999.


MyAstroShop (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/ota.asp)
Skywatcher 120mm x 600 f5 Achromat Refractor Optical Tube Assembly - $449.00

Skywatcher 150mm x 750 f/5 Achromat Refractor Optical Tube Assembly - $995.00

Bosma Beta RE 80mm x 500mm f5 refractor - $349.00

Bintel (https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm)
Skywatcher SW102 102mm x 510 f5 Achromat - $429.00

and more

[pgc hunter]

For visual, the 80-120mm F/5 achros are great for widefield viewing and you can carry them out at a moments notice. They don't cost a year's worth of wages either. They are not suited to planetary or high power viewing due to their chromatic abberation.

For photography, go for an ED or apo as achros will give you electric-purple stars.

[gregbradley]

Orion ED80 is everyone's favorite. Everyone inevitably gets one at some point. The Bang for your buck is hard to beat.

Astrotech triplets around the 80mm mark and aren't too expensive. Stellarvue has several models. APM do an 80mm with a Lomo triplet more expensive though.

Depends on your budget. Tak FS60Q would be nice as it is very versatile and Tak quality even though its small. Borg makes some nice small refractors.

FSQ is great for imaging but I don't think is ideal for visual. Also no good for piggybacking on a Meade mount. They are quite heavy.ED80's are light.

Keep in mind widefield refractor viewing is great for the first night but I doubt you'd want to do it every night. Its not that exciting compared to your Meade. A nice sharp view is good but don't expect to get anything on the planets except a sharp small ball. You need much larger aperture for that.

Greg.

[PRejto]

Check this out!

AT65EDQ

http://www.astronomytechnologies.com/product.asp?id=18437&c=11388

This is becoming a hot item with a big back order list. I hope to bring one back from the USA the end of March.