Orion Optics Question

[Hans Tucker]

Anyone, by remote chance, got an Orion Optics CT14...is this scope beyond what would be considered portable? How would you rate the optics on the CT Ultra series Newtonian. Was it difficult getting the scope shipped from the UK?

[strongmanmike]

Hi Hans

John Hothersall on here (that's his IIS name too) has the Orion Optics SPX350 F4.5 with the ultra grade mirror spec so no carbon fibre tube but I think he likes his scope as far as image/optical quality goes (he has done some corker high res deep sky and planetary work!).. but perhaps he can fill you in on its portability status.

As you probably know I have the AG12 (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/146681973/original) also wth the Ultra grade optics, which is similar to the CT's but just faster, heavier duty and with the Wynn corrector and I considered that probably the upper limit for comfortable portability then once loaded up with my kit it is a heavy beast, so needs a good mount....and hence my quest to finally build it an observatory (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/building_wallaroo_observatory) :thumbsup:

Mike

[Hans Tucker]

Thanks Mike. Your AG12 is one beautiful scope but it looks like a bit of a behemoth...maybe the CT14 is a bad idea size wise.

[Peter.M]

I can vouch that the scope will probably cost your more in shipping than you pay for the scope! I ordered a VX6 from them and the shipping was fairly expensive, the dead volume of a solid 14 inch tube would be many times that of my little 6 inch.