Alluna Optics

[Peter Ward]

Decided to follow Marcus' lead on a largish Galaxy imaging RC....
......and finally pulled the trigger on the one of these
http://www.alluna-optics.com/Ritchey-Chretien-Telescope.html
( the RC 16)

Given the non-trivial expense, I have to say I did a fairly extensive cost-benefit analysis.

The features that swayed me from the other main contender (a 17" CDK...also an excellent 'scope ) were:

interferometrically certified, Zerodur zero expansion optics with an 18 point flotation cell
92mm field corrector with a tighter spot size across a 65mm field than the CDK
Significantly less off-axis vignetting than the CDK
All reflective native configuration allowing deep I/R and UV imaging
Surprisingly only 7% less light collection ( than the aperture driven 14%) compared to the 17" due its smaller secondary.
100mm diameter instrument/camera adapters
dedicated 4" focal reducer-corrector allowing imaging @ F6
Automated focus tracking
Automated thermal control
Robotic mirror cover

Now the wait....
........ delivery takes around 6 months....updates to come :)

[marc4darkskies]

Outstanding Peter! Those specs look very compelling indeed! I like the look too - kind of RCOSesque. :thumbsup:

Only problem is it's not red so, alas, it will clash with your mount! :)

Cheers, Marcus

[Peter Ward]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Marcus.....i went for a seriously optioned version as it may end up at a remote site one day.

and....yes...I guess it would go faster if it was red :)

[Hans Tucker]

Follow up posts on the performance of your scope will be interesting. I first came across the Alluna Optics range on Astromart and I was gob smacked by the price compared to other types and brands of similar aperture. I guess the investment in the added $$$'s can be found in the attention to engineering & manufacturing detail.

On the plus side this is a German scope...it has got to be good.

[Peter Ward]

Well, it will not be cheap, that's for sure!

That said, if you start talking Zerodur optics in a Planewave CDK the price jumps by $US10k or more....hence Alluna's pricing is consistent with their level of engineering.

[gregbradley]

It sounds superb. Looking forward to your images.

What are you doing with the 14.5?

Greg.

[RickS]

Look forward to the pics and review, Peter!

[AndrewJ]

Repurpose it as the guide scope :P

Andrew

[Peter Ward]

Sold it a while ago.

[Logieberra]

Fantastic. I've seen many Alluna videos on YouTube. They sure look the part. Please keep us posted - many of us enjoyed following Marcus' journey with the big RC. Pics!

[gregbradley]

Are you going to set it up at home or put it up at Coona?

Greg.

[Peter Ward]

I will shoehorn it into the 2.3 meter dome at home at first.

Cooona is a possibility....but I'm looking at a number of options in the medium term.

[Slawomir]

Awesome news, really happy for you Peter.

[AG Hybrid]

What a machine! All of their products look amazing. Those mounts!!!

[Joshua Bunn]

This is fantastic Peter! Congratulations to you, no doubt you are buzzing and excited about your purchase. I'm looking forward to your updates. You cant mount both your scopes at once on your PME ll, so what's your plan with scope choice and when to use each? Ohh, the choices!

[Paul Haese]

Ah now that is quite some news. It looks like a really nice scope and wel engineered. With any luck you won't have to tinker.

Surely you have to remote this??? It would be a crime not to have it in a remote dark sky location. I am sure there is plenty of room left at Itelescopes. If not you can remote it at my place for a small fee. ;)

[clive milne]

Check this out...
Very impressive.
http://www.alluna-optics.com/Gallery/R_Anton/HDO296-IND.jpg

[Joshua Bunn]

That is exceptional, the seeing conditions must have been favorable.

[Bassnut]

mmm, RC, sweet :-) . This will be a very interesting adventure.

[Bassnut]

I like "All reflective native configuration" (aka "no glass"or "not CDK"). How elitist is that!. Ha, I love it.

[multiweb]

Impressive new toy. Using this at sea level will be just like driving your Ferrari to pick up the Sunday morning croissants around the corner.

[Bassnut]

hehe, soo true, but geez, wouldnt you look forward alllll week to that sunday trip!.

[Paul Haese]

LOL that probably already happens. :lol:

[Peter Ward]

LOL

Not elitist at all, just simple the simple physics of mirrors bouncing all wavelengths of light equally, without becoming opaque at the extremes like lenses ;)

[multiweb]

So are you getting the gold coating for deep IR ? :)

[Peter Ward]

Nah, the price of a cryogenically cooled camera for really deep I/R put me off a bit.

Maybe I can paint GT stripes down the side :question:

:lol:

P.S
Killing time at Oslo airport at present for a loooong flight home....

[multiweb]

Can't wait to see first light. That should be epic.