How many scopes is enough

[TrevorW]

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. :question::shrug::D

[rustigsmed]

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.

[jahnpahwa]

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

[glend]

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.

[N1]

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.

[Slawomir]

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 :question::lol:

[jahnpahwa]

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!

[LewisM]

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.

[glend]

Make sure you scroll down to the CFF pricing, and add GST and shipping onto that number.

[xelasnave]

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

[jahnpahwa]

I'm sort of assuming Suavi gets pro-deals/full-ride sponsorship? His images are among the best I've seen :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[gregbradley]

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.

[TrevorW]

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 :)

[glend]

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.

[sn1987a]

I've gotten rid of most of my gear now :P
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
:D

[PCH]

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.

[DavidU]

What !!! LOL jeez

[DavidTrap]

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

[gregbradley]

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.

[N1]

Let's see -

Assembled:
2009 Scott Scale XT
2001 Radon Viper Ultegra
1990s Hooger Osprey (https://www.mtb-news.de/forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mt b-news.de%2Fforum%2Fattachments%2Fpop els-jpg.550958%2F&hash=ca9f1ab8b15fc74eb973a58c7c21a0 9f) (skinny tyres, used as road bike)
1990s Hooger Falcon (fat tyres, used as a MTB)
1990s Hooger Harrier (https://www.mtb-news.de/forum/attachments/hooger-harrier-jpg.700008/) (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 :thumbsup:

[Slawomir]

You are very very kind :hi: It would be a dream come true to get such a sponsorship.

As much as I really enjoy using my little scope that was crafted by people with passion for astronomy, forking out $16k for a 165mm f/8 requires careful and objective thinking, even if my mount should be able to handle it. For example, same funds would allow me to upsize my tinny, placing within my reach all of the 74 beautiful local islands. Therefore, as painful as it is, I shall continue resisting, at least for a while longer.

[N1]

I absolutely believe that this pair delivers the goods :thumbsup:

[Tinderboxsky]

Satchmo, I seem to recall.

[Peter Ward]

OK last count I had seven telescopes....but I see each as being the right tool for the job I have in mind.

Up close and personal views need focal length and for wide vistas just the opposite.
I've stopped buying, for a better expression, run-of -the-mill optics
some time ago, as I've found my observing sessions seem to be time limited these days..so you might as well make the best use of those distant photons.

[PCH]

Thanks Steve, yes it was :thumbsup: