Quote:
Originally Posted by glend
If you could only have one telescope to use for the rest of your life, which one would you choose and why? For the purposes of this question and realism to most people, consider a sub $5k budget, ease of use, and portability. Specify if your choice is visual, imaging, or all- rounder.
Assumptions to level playing field:
If your choice is a scope that requires an EQ or Alt-Az mount, then the assumption is you already have a suitable mount.
Assume it must be transportable to a dark site in a car and can be used at home or in a home based observatory. No remote site operation.
For imaging choices it is assumed you have the necessary gear, choice is scope only.
Give your reasons for your choice.
Thanks for playing.  |
OK based on all the above - a manual focus
Nikkor 400mm f2.8 (or Canon equivalent, if you're that way inclined). Sure it's one telescope ( lens), yes, but used with various bodies and accessories (Teleconverters & focal reducers, etc -you didn't specify a limit there) it can give a wide range of focal lengths / performance
and still maintain its speed, even relative to its telescopic brethren and is it's very sharp and portable.
1. On a FF body - 400mm f2.8
2. On a DX body - 600mm f4
3. On a FF body + a quality 2x TC- 800mm f5.6
4. On a DX body + a quality 2x TC - 1200mm f8
5. Or Adapted to a Mirrorless or Astrocam / CCD with focal reducer for even possibly faster / improved results
It takes 52mm filters which screw in to a holder that drops in to the lens body.The new AFs VR (you hardly need that!) versions are expensive with the most current at nearly $16,000 in Australia. The manual focus lens ranges from about $3000 - $5,000 used. Obviously the suggestion is focused on imaging, but you could always add a Nikon Lens Scope Converter or similiar gizmo for visual observation.
Best
JA