That's my experience Beren. A smallish APO gives spectacular wide field star views but for regular visual only I think it starts at 140mm. That's just my opinion. Otherwise the views are quite a bit dimmer than your 9.25. Sharper and more contrasty but dimmer. I had a Tak FS152 and that was fabulous at a dark site. About the same or slightly better than an 8 inch SCT but a far more engaging view.
Greg.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beren
I enjoy the views offered by the refractors I own but more often then not for visual the larger aperture from the compound scopes are far more satisfying. IMO for a refractor up to 130mm it has to serve a dual purpose as either a grab/go scope or for astrophotography. Then you have to decide what focal ratio you'll be happy with which could impact those two functions then obviously what price your prepared to pay which determines the quality of the optics {in theory anyway}. I remember a while back on the forums a beautiful AP130 gran turismo F/6 was put up for sale and brought by a member to be used for visual on a alt/Azi mount. I thought at the time what a great set-up but probably not the most practical for the buyers needs with the scopes purpose more geared for imaging. Not long after the scope was back in the classifieds along with the mount, whether the sale was related to the equipments impracticality to the users situation I can only guess but wow something to ponder before buying given the large investment given.
|