Keen for thoughts on a shortlist of refractors

[Warren]

Hi Peoples,

The Minister for Warfare and Finance has approved my CAPEX request for a new telescope. YAY! I'm into imaging. I have "shortlisted" a few potential scopes. I would like any thoughts on a best option at around the $3000 mark.
Here's my shortlist....
1. Explore Scientific CF 102mm triplet (CF has its advantages)
2. Stellarvue 100mm F5.8 Quad (quad has advantages)
3. Orion Eon 104 ED-x2 (some reviews suggest they're overpriced)
4. Takahashi FSQ 85 EDX (tad more expensive, but reckon I might get away with it!!)

Or

something completely different, but great for imaging.

I'm not smart enough to know the differences in performance and quality, except to know that people seem to drool over the Tak's.

Any thoughts, experiences etc would be most welcome. I'm prepared to research and be patient to make the best choice...

[doppler (Rick)]

So you have a good mount? For imaging the ota is secondary in the equation, and then the camera.

I'm a reflector imager (bigger aperture, longer focal length and fast f ratio) , but I think all those would be great wide field imaging scopes.

[that_guy (Tony)]

Have you looked at the new skywatcher ED150? Plenty of aperture for a refractor and sits comfortably on an EQ6

[xelasnave]

What about a sky watcher 100 mm triplet as the flattener is included.
Alex

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

I think the mount is more relevant .
A rifle scope only works well on a decent rifle

[xelasnave]

Originally Posted by jenchris

I think the mount is more relevant .
A rifle scope only works well on a decent rifle

Agreed. I thought a eq6 was mentioned but its not clear what mount...if no mount yet thst would be the first consideration..good mount and poor scope is better than othe way around.
Alex

[doppler (Rick)]

Hi Warren, just checked your previous posts, your Heq5 pro is an adequate mount. Your C8 is a bit slow f wise and a bit long focal length for starting out with deep space astro photography though. If you try and keep to a scope with a f ratio of f5 or under it will be easier to capture some nice images.

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

As long as your cameras guide scope and main scope add up to leas than about 12 pounds you'll be fine.
The scopwz you mentioned will be fine I believe.
Go gor the one that makes tou feel good.

[Warren]

Thanks everyone, yes I do have a HEQ5 Pro and I have been practising for about a year on a borrowed 100mm refractor. Of course, it’s time it went back to its owner.
Thanks for your input!

[doppler (Rick)]

What camera are you using, a DSLR has its limitations ( although much better if astro modded) but a dedicated and cooled camera is the way to go.

[Atmos (Colin)]

As has been suggested I’d throw the Sky Watcher Esprit into the mix and I’d remove any carbon fibre refractor. Carbon fibre works best with reflectors but causes some issues while imaging with a refractor.

[ChrisV (Chris)]

Just to be the odd one out how about a fast carbon fibre newtonian

[Warren]

Hi Chris et al,

The thought was starting to enter my mind. I’ll also be buying a new CCD or CMOS camera to go with it, depending on pixel scale with the scope I get.
Thanks again for the input!

[rally]

Take the Tak ! . . . now before there is a mind change.

[LightningNZ (Cam)]

The BabyQ is a legendary scope. I've never seen a bad pic with one, though I guess anything is possible. I've also seen some really good results lately with the Espirit scopes. I wouldn't go beyond 100mm aperture with the HEQ5-Pro, but the one I have is a bit of a made-on-Friday lemon.
Good luck,
Cam

[LewisM]

Originally Posted by LightningNZ

The BabyQ is a legendary scope. I've never seen a bad pic with one, though I guess anything is possible. I've also seen some really good results lately with the Espirit scopes. I wouldn't go beyond 100mm aperture with the HEQ5-Pro, but the one I have is a bit of a made-on-Friday lemon.
Good luck,
Cam

You haven't seen my images then

Seriously, about your list:

1. Explore Scientific CF 102mm triplet (CF has its advantages) - FUGGEDABOUTIT!!!!!!!!!!!! NO WAY JOSE!
2. Stellarvue 100mm F5.8 Quad (quad has advantages) - very good, but some blue halation I have seen in many images
3. Orion Eon 104 ED-x2 (some reviews suggest they're overpriced) - overpriced, when you can buy the maker direct for WAY less
4. Takahashi FSQ 85 EDX (tad more expensive, but reckon I might get away with it!!) - Absolutely recommended - I am on my third one now (I sold the last two to foolishly explore bigger options) and it definitely is not going anywhere. PERFECT imaging scope, though smallish (what I need for portability). The larger 106 is ideal, but heavier and more expensive again. Nearly every image I have seen come out of one has been excellent if the human bit does their part right.

Rally is right - BUY THE TAK before you change your mind

TS is coming out with a new imaging 86 quad soon, made by Sharpstar (as is the Stellarvue 100Q) but it still comes out near $2500. You caan also buy the Sharpstar 100Q direct from Sharpstar SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than from SV or their representatives. Even the TS 100Q - same scope - is cheaper than Stellarvue by a large margin.

My recommendations on that list are FSQ-85 followed by 100Q.