to Megrez or not to Megrez....?

[adman]

I am just about to order a Megrez 72 from WO online to use as a guide scope to replace my very dodgy current one. It will be used with both my Tak FS-60 and my 8" newt.

It does seem a waste though to double up with a similar focal length to the Tak, and I've been thinking it might be nice to get a larger refractor that could double as an imaging scope - so that I would have three different setups rather than 2. Bang for buck, the North Group 127ED would be nice.

Would there be any issues imaging through the FS-60 guided with the 127? The only downside I can think of is just the size. The disparity in focal lengths would work in my favour when imaging with the FS-60.

Maybe a Megrez 90, but I'm not sure if the difference in focal lengths would make it any better than the 72....:shrug:

Any thoughts?

Adam

[blink138]

theres a megrez 120 in iis classifieds at the mo new ddg and big focusser price is very good
pat

[Moon]

I have the WO Megrez 72FD - it's quite heavy - will that is an issue for you? I'm starting to think guide scopes should be as light as possible. Of course off axis guiding and self guiding cameras are better.
Also look how far back the QHY5 guide camera is in this pic:
LINK (http://deepspaceplace.com/images/gsorc.jpg)
James

[adman]

wow! do you get a bit of flop in the focuser without the rubber band...? I gues it would be a bit better with a diagonal?

Adam

[adman]

yes - I've been eye-ing that one - but the North Group is a triplet and more aperture for less money....

[Moon]

The rubber band worked a bit, but now I use tube rings, and I put one around the QHY5 - but still there is flex and there always will be. I suspect lighter scopes should flex less.
A diagonal would even be worse for guiding.
James

[Moon]

Here is a pic of the rings - but it's not in focus position here


http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=92898

[M_Lewis]

Adam,

as an ownder of a Megrez 120, I wouldn't buy the NG triplet. You won't be disspointed with it's quality of build, the 3.5" DDG focuser and picture. If you wanted you're more than welcome to pop over and see it in the flesh if it'd help make your decision easier.

Cheers

Mark

[adman]

Thanks for that Mark. I wouldn't mind seeing one in the flesh - where abouts in Brisbane are you? Finding the time to pop over might be a challenge though :sadeyes:

Adam

[M_Lewis]

pm sent adam