Anyone care to advise on GSO RC 10 inch?

[gregbradley]

I am looking at the possibility of using a 10 inch GSO RC for some galaxy imaging at my dark site.

I know a number of people on this site are using or have used one.

How would you rate them? I was thinking of the carbon fibre model.

Is the focuser improved as advertised or are they still not good enough for imaging with?

Greg.

[RickS]

Greg,

I was happy with my GSO RC10 until I got the Ceravolo ;) I didn't ever try the standard focuser so I can't comment on that. Mine was secondhand and came with a Feather Touch which I quickly swapped out for an Atlas to make enough back focus for an AO unit.

This was taken with the RC10 and SX AO-L and H-18 (KAF8300):
http://rickstevenson.smugmug.com/Astro-Photography/2012-06/i-kdfP2fF/0/X3/NGC4038_4039_v12-X3.jpg

I should probably try a repro of that image. I've learned a few things since I did that...

Cheers,
Rick.

[lazjen]

I have this (CF model) - unfortunately it's my first scope so I can't compare it to anything else for you.

I've upgraded from the standard focuser to the moonlite. By comparison, the standard focuser is crappy - the moonlite is (or feels) more precise and certainly holds the focus better. Allegedly the standard focuser had been improved - I would have really hated to have had an older version if that was the case.

The finder scope is quite average (to me), but I rarely use that now so it's not a big deal to me.

Overall though, I like it - it's not too heavy and it seems to cool quickly for use. The fans help with this, although they can seem to be a bit whiny after a while.

[gregbradley]

Oooh that's an impressive image. Very very nice. That speaks for itself.

Greg.

[gregbradley]

Thanks for that. That is what I thought, that the focuser despite being upgraded it still not good enough for imaging reliably.

Greg.

[DavidTrap]

Or you could try a Deep Sky Instruments RC10C - same aperture, faster f-ratio, electronic focuser on the secondary.

DT

[gregbradley]

Thanks David. Yes one to consider. But its 3X the price so part of the appeal is the low cost.

Greg.

[lazjen]

It would be cheaper to buy the GSO and a 3rd party focuser.

[alpal]

According to person I know the quality assurance
is a bit lacking concerning the mirrors on the 10 inch GSO RC.
It's very difficult to grind two, accurate, hyperbolic mirrors.

Out of 3 scopes tested for focus -
one was excellent,
the 2nd wasn't quite as good but still acceptable &
the 3rd was a bit blurry.


Can you return them if you think the focus isn't tight enough?
I don't think so.