What would be good for just viewing

[leon]

Hi to all

At present i have and ED80 on a EQ5, plus a imaging platform, and Canon 5D with lenses that serves me well for the imaging part of the hobby.

I have a spare pier with nothing on it at the moment that is looking for a friend, so that i can just do some observing.

I am looking for a scope that i can place on the pier which would just be used for observing, no need for tracking, guiding, motor drives etc.

I would not be looking for a newtonion, as i just sold the one i had on it.
Yea, i know that sounds strange, but i was thinking maybe of a 8 or 10 inch SCT, or somthing similar.

Anyway would anybody have some other suggestions that they may think would be more suitable.

Thanks Leon.

[Starkler]

Hi Leon,

If you tell us what you dont like about newtonians it will help others to advise, although it looks like your mind is possibly already made up?

[Astroman]

Sounds like you need a 30" styled Cassegrain dob to put there :D

[leon]

Andrew, yea i wish, a bit out of my league that one....:P

[janoskiss]

Leon, What sort of objects are you going to spend most of your observing time on?

[leon]

Hi Geoff,

I understand what you are saying Geoff, i don't find fault with the newt, that i had, and it has served me well from the day it was built some 30years ago.

I am in need of a change, and am seeking something different, if that makes any sense.
There are so many different types of scopes out there, and i want to try out something different.
All i have ever used is the 8 inch F7 newt, and i was considering maybe an 8 inch SCT.
This dosen't sound very convincing, dose it....:P

Cheers Leon

[leon]

Steve,
Veiwing will be general and no specific agenda will be followed, i have always been more into imaging and photography, rather than viewing anyway.
I just want to have something there if i wish to look at some stuff , and so i dont need anything huge and expensive, although that would be nice.

Cheers Leon

[Astroman]

If ya can find one an LX10 or LX50 8" SCT would be ideal for you.

[janoskiss]

I know what you mean about trying different scopes. ;)
But I don't think an 8" SCT after an 8" Newt is very exciting.

How about a nice refractor like the Meade ED 127mm from Bintel. Or I've heard very good things about the new Skywatcher 180mm Maks if you're into mid-high power viewing. MyAstroshop has them for <$2k.

[leon]

Thanks Steve and Andrew.

I'll do some research, but i do like the idea of a refractor.

Cheers Leon

[RB]

Leon may I suggest the Orion 100ED refractor.

[Starkler]

For relaxed simple viewing its hard to go past a dob :D

Or maybe this scope (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=9484)for relaxed grab and go viewing?

[gbeal]

Sorry Leon,
I have had all manner of exciting and exotic scopes that is, and I am afraid that the one that never fails is my 10" f5 newt.
I currently have a nice Takahashi 100mm apo, but the old 10" is far better.
Can't beat size, and when coupled with simplicity, it is a winner. Sorry.
Gary

[g__day]

I've had alot of joy from my 5" MAK and chatting to Steve at my Astroshop recently he told me he got the 180mm MAK for himself cause its stunningly good; like a large APO were his words - he really loves it...

[ving]

i am with the stark one on this... and for just plain viewing aperture wins... but you already know that :)

[leon]

Thanks for all your replies.