mitch
08-04-2012, 05:42 PM
Hi All,
I'm not sure whether this is the correct section of the forum for this post, if it is, apologies.
I purchased an Orion ED102t CF in early March and have been meaning to write up my thoughts on it. Now that work has eased and the weather has turned, it seems a perfect time.
From a visual point of view the scope is absolutely stunning. The carbon fibre looks a real treat.
The build quality of the scope seems to be excellent too, there were no markings or dust in the objective and the big 3" focuser seems very sturdy and solid (It also has a locking nut underneath to secure the focus if needed). Another great feature is the rotatable focuser, it makes framing images a breeze.
I'm not much of a visual observer, however when I put an eyepiece in the view was very crisp and bright. Unfortunately the highest magnification I could get was 270x so could not determine whether any false colour appeared at higher magnification. However none was visible at 270x when looking at sirius or the full moon.
Now onto the reason I bought this scope. Imaging.
I haven't yet had a decent bash at a proper imaging session (poor weather) however of the limited data I have obtained i've been blown away. I was able to capture NGC5182, M83 with 8 1 minute subs with very good colour and little blooming. The longest photo I've taken was Eta Carinae a few nights ago which I managed to get 20 2 minute subs and I couldn't be happier with the results I got.
Overall, I'm very pleased with this scope and unfortunately can't offer any criticism yet as I haven't been able to find any. Fingers crossed it remains that way :D
I'll post up the photos when I get on the laptop tonight.
I'm not sure whether this is the correct section of the forum for this post, if it is, apologies.
I purchased an Orion ED102t CF in early March and have been meaning to write up my thoughts on it. Now that work has eased and the weather has turned, it seems a perfect time.
From a visual point of view the scope is absolutely stunning. The carbon fibre looks a real treat.
The build quality of the scope seems to be excellent too, there were no markings or dust in the objective and the big 3" focuser seems very sturdy and solid (It also has a locking nut underneath to secure the focus if needed). Another great feature is the rotatable focuser, it makes framing images a breeze.
I'm not much of a visual observer, however when I put an eyepiece in the view was very crisp and bright. Unfortunately the highest magnification I could get was 270x so could not determine whether any false colour appeared at higher magnification. However none was visible at 270x when looking at sirius or the full moon.
Now onto the reason I bought this scope. Imaging.
I haven't yet had a decent bash at a proper imaging session (poor weather) however of the limited data I have obtained i've been blown away. I was able to capture NGC5182, M83 with 8 1 minute subs with very good colour and little blooming. The longest photo I've taken was Eta Carinae a few nights ago which I managed to get 20 2 minute subs and I couldn't be happier with the results I got.
Overall, I'm very pleased with this scope and unfortunately can't offer any criticism yet as I haven't been able to find any. Fingers crossed it remains that way :D
I'll post up the photos when I get on the laptop tonight.