New range of Newtonian telescopes

[matt]

Been casting my eye around for a while now with a view to a prospective new scope.

Having owned a newtonian before and quite enjoyed it, I've been thinking of a return to this optical configuration. I'm not in a rush and have been very happy with my Celestron 9.25" SCT.

I've also been considering a Mak-Cass and mak-Newt...but I have to say I really miss having a newt. There's just something nice and simple about it which appeals to me, and the best views I've ever had (visually) have been through a newtonian.

So, with this in mind, I'm eager to get a look at this soon-to-be-released range of scopes.

http://www.tetontelescope.com/index.php?cPath=53_90_91

Probably won't be cheap...but like anything in life...you get what you pay for.

Anyone seen or heard any details about the Rapier range?

[Starkler]

Very interesting news :thumbsup:

[Satchmo]

The Rapier looks a bit like vaporware so far ( there are no photos of even a prototype) .

Newts are simple to build. Theres nothing to stop anybody putting together the highest quality Newtonian from mainly locally sourced parts at anytime if you are inclined to telescope building.

[matt]

Sorry, mate. ATM is really not my bag...not at the moment, anyhow:thumbsup:

Don't know about it being just 'vaporware'. I'm sure they exist, or will exist, sometime soon:shrug:

Maybe they just haven't updated the website yet. It happens:)

[AlexN]

I'd love to build a 12" newt for imaging, the only problem is that I know I'd mess it up somehow.. and end up with lots of money not being put to use...

Matt... Go for a bigger Celestron SCT :) you know you want to :D

[matt]

:lol: Coming from someone who's just purchased a C11...largely at my recommendation!

Trust me, Alex, I've given it plenty of thought and it's still a possibility.

Just tyre kicking at the moment. Honestly, I love SCTS...but I also have a lot of reasons to consider a Newtonian.:thumbsup:

[Satchmo]

Building a Newtonian usually requires drilling in a tube 4 holes to mount the spider and 3 holes to mount the mirror cell and a hole for the focusser.

If you ever want to go down that route I know a guy who makes the best tubes and mirror cells in the world who will put it all together for you ;)

I wouldn't call this ATM'ing ..more like telescope assembly :)

SCT's unfortunately give the poorest image quality due to surface roughness on mass produced elements and large ( 40 % cenetral obstruction at the secondary baffle )

[okiscopey]

If you're thinking of buying from overseas, how about the Orion UK SPX range, available as OTAs up to 350mm f/4.6 with tube rings. These are not the (Chinese?) Orions, they're made in UK (?) supposedly to high specs.

http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/SPX/spxrange.html

[matt]

No doubt, Mark.

However, they do a very good job for the job I assign them, which is plantary imaging.

From a visual performance perspective.....well...

Not that I'm saying they are rubbish for good ol' fashioned eyeballin'...

I just don't think that's where its true strength rests. Just my opinion, SCT fans:):whistle:

[matt]

Have definitely had a good look at this range, oki:thumbsup:

Just a tad concerned at what shipping costs would be incurred from the UK:scared: Not overly put off...but still a factor. The shipping quotes from Orion have been horrific!! LOL

[AlexN]

mmmm... I looked at just getting a set of the 12" OTA rings sent here when I was considering a 12" newt... Was shockingly expensive.. but their OTA's look awesome.

[Satchmo]

I raised this issue in another thread with conflicting results. I played the devils advocate and tried to suggest that optical quality was not so important for planatary imaging . I've been assured that quality Newtonians are superior particularly with Powermate amplification. SCT's have a clear superiority in terms of portability though at 10" or above size this would be marginal.

Its a shame there are no locally produced high quality solid Newtonian tube assemblies made in Australia. With the relatively low cost of EQ6 mounts there would seem to be a ready made market.

[matt]

Yep. You tend to get that in forums...;)

[matt]

Most definitely. I think that's an obvious gap in the market and an opportunity for some enterprising individual:thumbsup:

[madtuna]

My Orion UK 10" Newt cost me $40 to get it to my door.



I bought it here off a pom who brought it over with him.. the $40 was the petrol cost to go pick it up and bring it home :lol:

ps. they are a magnificent bit of gear!

[matt]

Good one!!!:lol: