Wanted 6" Refractor - Achro Refractor Project

[GC - South Aus]

G'day All

I long for an APO/ED refractor (doublet or triplet) between 120 - 150mm, but alas cannot afford one. :(

So I am presently looking into doing some Achro modification project work (as I cannot afford either a 120 or 150 APO/ED telescope) and thought it would give me a little project to do over time, adding parts here and there as I can afford it.

I am looking to make some of the following upgrades/mods:

1. Upgrade of focuser to crayford style.
2. Use of V block or Fringe Killer (or similiar filters) to reduce CA (HAVE)
3. Dew Heater in Dew Hood Shield/Lens area
4. Decent 2" diagnol (HAVE)

Has anybody any ideas for some others?

Now I understand that it is not going to get to the APO standard I desire, but I plan on only using it for visual and occasional planetary imaging and like they say "beggers can't be choosers!".

So I am looking for any of the following scopes in great condition at a reasonable price:

1. SW 150/1200 (Blue or BD) FOUND - Now Have! :D
2. SW 150/750 (Blue or BD)
3. Celestron C6R
4. Celestron OMNI 150R XLT
5. Meade AR6
6. Explore Scientific AR152

Worse case scenario may mean settling for one of the following 5" Achro scopes:

1. Explore Scientific AR127
2. Celestron OMNI 120R XLT
3. SW 120 (Blue or BD)
4. Meade AR5
5. Orion 120ST

As you can see I would be willing to take f5 through to f9 focal length OTA's (by the way the scopes listed above or below are in no particular preference order).

With the achro (6" or 5") I would like a Celestron OMNI XLT where possible, as well with any 6" I would like the lens to allow collimation (i.e. like the C6R and AR6).


But saying that if any of the following turned up at a reasonable price I would probably look at them too:

1. SW 120ED Pro (Gold or BD)
2. SW 120 Equinox
3. Orion 120 EON
4. Meade 5000 127 Apo
5. Meade 127ED
6. Orion Premium 110 Apo

So if you are presently looking to off load any of the above scopes, please consider dropping me a line (pm).

Cheers

Gav :thumbsup:

[MortonH]

VTI optics will be stocking the AR152 in the near future. Might be worth asking them for more info.

Cheers

Morton

[GC - South Aus]

Hi Morton

Thanks for the heads up, maybe worth a check.

Regards

Gav

[tbothy]

Hi gav
I have a Japanese made Skywatcher 150 mm Refractor I am will to sell, I bought it second hand and found it too large for my liking and so have just put it into storage since, cost then was $500 but I am willing to sell to a good home for $250, I can send pics to you if you are interested.
Cheers
Tim

[GC - South Aus]

Hi Tim

Very interested - PM Sent

Cheers

Gav

[Poita]

If getting an achro, I would get something f9 or higher.
I know Merlin (Ken) has a brand new 150mm refractor for sale.

[GC - South Aus]

Good Afternoon All

Just a quick message to let you all know that I recently acquired a 6" Chinese Achro courtesy of tbothy :). Thanks Tim :thumbsup:

Thanks to all those who read, if any of you have any further ideas for other modifications/upgrades to get the standard up to a more higher standard scope I would be happy to hear from you.

Thanks again :hi:.

Regards

Gavin.

[MortonH]

Gav,

Is it the f/5 or f/8?

Cheers

Morton

[GC - South Aus]

Hi Morton

It is f8 (150mm D - 1200 FL)

Cheers

Gav

[MortonH]

Cool. I've heard they're nice. For me they're a bit long and heavy. That's why I'm leaning towards the Explore Scientific if I ever get one as they're f/6.5 and so a bit easier to mount. Look forward to hearing your experiences with the new scope when you get it.

Morton

[GC - South Aus]

G'day Again Morton

I agree, I had the scope out last night on the EQ6 and it took some setting up and the dreaded pulling down! The CA was quite noticeable, but I knew this and I am hoping that the Orion V Block filter will aid in reducing this when they get here. Even still (and with little planetary wise to look at) I was out there for some time and the views were great.

I like the Explore Scientific AR152 too (I am finding myself a bit of a fan of these would love to have reviewed one), that is why I was looking into them as per my original listing. I even looked at cost of importing one from US as they are pretty cheap over there at the moment.

But at the end of the day and the bottom line, the dollar cost (and availability of those dollars) won out! For the price I simply wouldn't get a better deal! Thanks again Tim :thumbsup:.

The OTA needs a little work and it isn't the prettiest looking thing, but for my use (visual and occasional planetary imaging with a ToUcam, it will be fine). I was never going to be able to afford a 150mm APO/ED, even a 120mm or 130mm APO/ED would be a financial struggle. Whilst I have a large range of telescopes etc in my collection, they have all pretty much been bought secondhand (except the C102mm which was bought new at bargain price), I pretty much have to use my dollars as wisely as possible to get the best deal to be able to survive in this hobby (the wife is a very good bean counter! :sadeyes:).

But most of all my youngest boy (6 yo) absolutely loves the new 150mm refractor! :)

Good look with your search!

Cheers

Gav

[MortonH]

Sounds like a good choice. The V-block should make a difference.

Cheers

Morton