Bosma 80mm f6.3 refractor

[pjwdesigngm]

Purchased a Bosma 80mm refractor for $198 US, came with 10 and 25mm eyepieces, solar filter, moon filter, 45 deg eyepiece holder, a very nice tripod, and carry bags for telescope and tripod. The optics are, in my opinion, much better than what you might expect for this price. The total package is a very good value, if you happen to be searching for a portable scope (weight is 10lbs. tele/tripod). Early dawn, viewed Jupiter and two moons, evening Saturn and moons, our Moon rising, all with very good resolution with supplied Possl eyepieces. Easy scope to use and setup.
I just wanted to pass this info along. I have been reading the disscussions and reviews on the site, and it has been very helpful in my purchase of equipment and outfitting my 10''DOB. I hope you are having a great autumn down under and you get some relief from the drought.
Thanks for letting me post.
Paul (Watch the Sky)
Sterling Heights, Michigan
PS. Purchased the Bosma from Astronomics,USA (special package for that price included tripod)

[kustard]

Hey Paul,

Yeah I just recently grabbed one to use as an oversized finder on my CPC925. For what you pay you get a pretty decent package and with some good EPs (I'm using 18mm & 24.5mm Meade SuperWideField ones) you get an acceptable image for wide field viewing :)

[casstony]

Any chance of some photo's?

How good or bad is the focuser? Is it metal or plastic?

[pjwdesigngm]

I have not sent photos of the scope, my computer skills are limited. I just recently joined the Ice in Space, and am trying to find my way around the site. I'm attempting to send a link of a product review. Hope this helps.
Bosma - Beta RE 80mm f/6.25 achromatic doublet, with accessories and tripod, an official product of IYA 2009 (http://www.astronomics.com/main/product.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/1VP8H5WJSTSW8M81KENUK1MFC5/product_id/BETAPAK)
Paul
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

[that_guy]

I was thinking of getting those from andrews for solar observing... how does the solar filter work?

[kustard]

If you want go here:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=595668&postcount=612

You can see the refractor mounted on my 9.25".

I have yet to try out the solar filter yet, the weather and other things have conspired against me using my scope.

The focuser is plastic and is a bit loose but once you have the focus set there is a locking screw which keeps the focuser in place.

If you were thinking of getting one I'd suggest having a look at one first to make sure you are happy with what you are getting. For me I am very happy for what I want it to do.

[pjwdesigngm]

Thanks for the photos, you really are into astronomy! I have been reading the astronomy mags, and reviews about equipment. so my knowledge of the astronomy field has been growing. My grown children gave me a Skywatcher 10" Dob for Christmas, since I have recently retired from General Motors. They must think I needed something to keep me occupied. I do find astronomy very interesting, but the dobsonian is is still a little rough for me to use.
Thanks again for the photos kustard!