Go Back   IceInSpace > General Astronomy > General Chat

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread
  #1  
Old 19-10-2020, 08:32 PM
TrevorW
Registered User

TrevorW is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 7,852
How many scopes is enough

I ride bicycles and the theory there is that the number of bikes your should own is n+1, does this also apply to telescopes, I have three now and thinking of a fourth.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19-10-2020, 08:38 PM
rustigsmed's Avatar
rustigsmed (Russell)
Registered User

rustigsmed is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Posts: 3,950
Yes, good question however it is complicated when aperture fever also kicks in. I'm sure someone mathematically minded could write an equation demonstrating the correlation between ideal number of scopes and aperture fever.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19-10-2020, 09:21 PM
jahnpahwa (JP)
Registered User

jahnpahwa is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Canberra, AUS
Posts: 593
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorW View Post
I ride bicycles and the theory there is that the number of bikes your should own is n+1, does this also apply to telescopes, I have three now and thinking of a fourth.
Definitely similarities between the two, I reckon. Niches to fill, and as time goes on, expectations of doing one job very well seem to rise.
I'm just starting out here, but have been converting other hobbies to scopes and gear
Trad climbing rack became my mono camera
Ti road bike became my 80mm refractor
Considering selling my trail bike to fund a bigger mount.
I'm just glad that both n+1 rules don't seem to be in action simultaneously at our place.

List of OTAs now: 12" dob, 8" newt, 102mm f5, 100mm f 7.4, 80mm f6 refractors.
Bikes still in the shed: custom rohloff tourer, cx bike, TT bike, 140mm MTB, ti hardtail, 1991 Ritchey classic MTB, off-road tourer/adventure rig.
When I write it out like that, I think there is still some substitution to be done! A few of my wife's bikes are gathering cobwebs too...

If I could do some swapping right now I'd get rid of a few and get one of Stefan's beamtech rigs on a bigger mount
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19-10-2020, 11:18 PM
glend (Glen)
Registered User

glend is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Lake Macquarie
Posts: 7,033
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorW View Post
I ride bicycles and the theory there is that the number of bikes your should own is n+1, does this also apply to telescopes, I have three now and thinking of a fourth.
This same n+1 formula applies to guitars.

The telescope number waxes and wanes with the years, and there is a difference between hording and legitimate (imagined) need.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20-10-2020, 06:13 AM
N1 (Mirko)
Registered User

N1 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Dunners Nu Zulland
Posts: 1,662
JP, that's only seven bikes, not a problem. I'm in 2 digit figures now but never keep more than 4 or 5 assembled ready to ride so SWMBO doesn't get too suspicious. A 1991 Ritchey - you have good taste my friend.

Yes Trevor the same n+1 thing applies to astro gear, and you could argue that one telescope, or even two, just cannot do it all! Visual planetary, visual DSO, same for imaging, solar... it just doesn't work, or so my argument goes. Funnily enough, the one scope I have that comes closest to doing all of the above for me is the FS-60 with reducer, flattener, Herschel wedge & SM60, FC76 module and a few good eyepieces. So one day that's all I might be left with and I know I'll still be as happy as I was when that was all I had.

Last edited by N1; 20-10-2020 at 06:26 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20-10-2020, 06:48 AM
Slawomir's Avatar
Slawomir (Suavi)
Registered User

Slawomir is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: North Queensland
Posts: 3,240
With an aim of nebulae and some larger galaxy imaging, as well as enjoyable planetary, brighter dso, lunar and solar observations, one good telescope is enough, for me anyway. But I have two mounts. So I have not fully resisted. Maybe I should get another telescope
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20-10-2020, 09:55 AM
jahnpahwa (JP)
Registered User

jahnpahwa is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Canberra, AUS
Posts: 593
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slawomir View Post
With an aim of nebulae and some larger galaxy imaging, as well as enjoyable planetary, brighter dso, lunar and solar observations, one good telescope is enough, for me anyway. But I have two mounts. So I have not fully resisted. Maybe I should get another telescope
I think with your skills and classy catalogue you have an obligation to punters like me to grab yourself one of these in f8 https://cfftelescopes.eu/product/refractor-160-165-mm and continue to blow our minds with more galaxy detail!
(but seriously, I think its very nice, your idea of going primarily visual to suit your current circumstance )

Mirko, lets see your list of partial and full rigs!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20-10-2020, 11:02 AM
LewisM's Avatar
LewisM
Novichok test rabbit

LewisM is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in the cosmos...
Posts: 10,388
One is enough, so long as it is capable.

My FSQ-85ED does the lot - f/7.95 with the extender, f/5.3 native, f/3.86 reduced, and flat to the edges of most cameras (plus I have the special 1.01x flattener that flattens even further for the larger sensors).

I did recently acquire a Skywatcher ED80 and restored it and currently decided to keep it as the quick grab-n-go. It works BEAUTIFULLY with Tak's FSQ extender as well, so it's wonderful for a quick lunar or planetary visual session.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20-10-2020, 11:25 AM
glend (Glen)
Registered User

glend is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Lake Macquarie
Posts: 7,033
Quote:
Originally Posted by jahnpahwa View Post
I think with your skills and classy catalogue you have an obligation to punters like me to grab yourself one of these in f8 https://cfftelescopes.eu/product/refractor-160-165-mm and continue to blow our minds with more galaxy detail!
(but seriously, I think its very nice, your idea of going primarily visual to suit your current circumstance )

Mirko, lets see your list of partial and full rigs!
Make sure you scroll down to the CFF pricing, and add GST and shipping onto that number.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20-10-2020, 11:38 AM
xelasnave's Avatar
xelasnave
Gravity does not Suck

xelasnave is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Tabulam
Posts: 16,866
One is enough but you really need a couple of spares.
Anyways it does not have to be about need...own as many as you want.
I like a range of different focal lengths and lack a planetary scope even now.
However if I had to own just one scope it would be the TS 115 mm and the Espirit 80 mm ..thats right one and a spare.
Alex
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 20-10-2020, 11:41 AM
jahnpahwa (JP)
Registered User

jahnpahwa is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Canberra, AUS
Posts: 593
Quote:
Originally Posted by glend View Post
Make sure you scroll down to the CFF pricing, and add GST and shipping onto that number.

I'm sort of assuming Suavi gets pro-deals/full-ride sponsorship? His images are among the best I've seen
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 20-10-2020, 11:42 AM
gregbradley's Avatar
gregbradley
Registered User

gregbradley is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 17,877
oohh CFF scopes - lovely. The new AstroPhysics.

Telescopes are like chocolates. Its hard to stop at just a couple.

Not well known still. There was a 160mm CFF for sale on Astromart for ages.

Greg.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 20-10-2020, 03:23 PM
TrevorW
Registered User

TrevorW is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 7,852
Problem is its like bikes all this money spent but no one will give you what they worth and when you die your relatives will have no idea of their value and sell them for a pittance, so sad
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 20-10-2020, 03:42 PM
glend (Glen)
Registered User

glend is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Lake Macquarie
Posts: 7,033
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorW View Post
Problem is its like bikes all this money spent but no one will give you what they worth and when you die your relatives will have no idea of their value and sell them for a pittance, so sad
Make an Asset Register and inform your Executor of the relative worth on the second hand market. However, clearance of deceased estates never realises much in terms of the owners expectation, in reality. Unless you have an old Torana under a sheet in the garage, which has only delivery miles on it, your relatives may not bother.
Best thing you can do for your heirs is to sell the stuff off before you die. Or gift items to specific individuals in your Will.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 20-10-2020, 10:30 PM
sn1987a's Avatar
sn1987a (Barry)
Registered User

sn1987a is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Rockingham WA Australia
Posts: 725
I've gotten rid of most of my gear now
all I'm left with is

28" f4.2 Kennedy/Webster
20" f5 Suchting/Binodob
20" f4 Zambuto/Ultralite
18" f4.2 Zambuto/Plettstone
16" f4.5 Suchting/Dobstuff
3.5" Questar

I know, I know the 24" and 40" gaps are screaming to be filled but one should exercise some restraint.
Maybe just a leetle 40" before I die
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 20-10-2020, 10:42 PM
PCH's Avatar
PCH (Paul)
Registered User

PCH is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 2,296
Quote:
Originally Posted by sn1987a View Post
I've gotten rid of most of my gear now
all I'm left with is

28" f4.2 Kennedy/Webster
20" f5 Suchting/Binodob
20" f4 Zambuto/Ultralite
18" f4.2 Zambuto/Plettstone
16" f4.5 Suchting/Dobstuff
3.5" Questar

I know, I know the 24" and 40" gaps are screaming to be filled but one should exercise some restraint.
Maybe just a leetle 40" before I die
Lol, an impressive list by any standards Barry! Hey, Do you remember what Mark Suchting’s IIS name was? His avatar was a pic of his face inside his glider cockpit if that helps.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 20-10-2020, 11:13 PM
DavidU's Avatar
DavidU (Dave)
Like to learn

DavidU is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: melbourne
Posts: 4,835
What !!! LOL jeez
Quote:
Originally Posted by sn1987a View Post
I've gotten rid of most of my gear now
all I'm left with is

28" f4.2 Kennedy/Webster
20" f5 Suchting/Binodob
20" f4 Zambuto/Ultralite
18" f4.2 Zambuto/Plettstone
16" f4.5 Suchting/Dobstuff
3.5" Questar

I know, I know the 24" and 40" gaps are screaming to be filled but one should exercise some restraint.
Maybe just a leetle 40" before I die
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 21-10-2020, 06:56 AM
DavidTrap's Avatar
DavidTrap (David)
Really just a beginner

DavidTrap is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 3,032
I’ve sold three this year - down to two now, a 5inch refractor and 10inch RC.

I’ve got wide field and narrow field imaging covered, so I’m content for the time being.

Quality trumps quantity IMHO.

DT
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 21-10-2020, 07:01 AM
gregbradley's Avatar
gregbradley
Registered User

gregbradley is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 17,877
Yeah that's basically the dividing line, wide field and long focal length.

Then a subset is fast F ratio and as much aperture as is practical.

Then there is lens type imaging which can be the cheapest.

Greg.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 21-10-2020, 07:26 AM
N1 (Mirko)
Registered User

N1 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Dunners Nu Zulland
Posts: 1,662
Quote:
Originally Posted by jahnpahwa View Post
Mirko, lets see your list of partial and full rigs!
Let's see -

Assembled:
2009 Scott Scale XT
2001 Radon Viper Ultegra
1990s Hooger Osprey (skinny tyres, used as road bike)
1990s Hooger Falcon (fat tyres, used as a MTB)
1990s Hooger Harrier (medium tyres, used as a gravel bike)

In parts, but complete:
2020 Surly Troll Alfine (this will become my main ride eventually)
1990s Hooger Osprey LX
1990 Bianchi Caurus
1987 Diamant Rennsport IFA

...and a disposable S/S sled for bashing around town.

There's also an R32 GTS25 Skyline under this pile somewhere. Keeping that for the kids later on.

None of these were particularly expensive. The Caurus was the only bike I ever bought new as a complete build.

The Hooger Boogers came in 2 cheap packages ($40 - $60 apiece) and are such a perfect fit and ride so beautifully that I've kept all of them. They did need some TLC though and were pretty hideous to begin with, but their steel frames are gems (so's the brand name!!).


Back on topic - I do have a similar approach to telescopes, EPs and other stuff, very few I've actually bought new. Just no need with such a great classifieds right here
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +10. The time is now 09:28 AM.

Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.7 | Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Advertisement
Testar
Advertisement
Bintel
Advertisement