Quote:
Originally Posted by Kunama
Hey Lewis, we're drifting off topic fast here, so to get back to Peter's original ?
I would think the 120ED would be a fine visual scope, however, it has limitations,
it does not hoover up every photon like a 24" SDM,
it is not as portable as an FS60.
What it does give you is a very easy to use telescope if you are likely to want to observe at a moments notice, the cool down period is not very long and it does give reasonable views even immediately on being taken outside, it is reasonably portable, requires no ongoing collimation, almost maintenance free as long as normal precautions are observed.
Price is very good for what you get. Moon, planets, doubles and small clusters are probably its favoured targets, forget DSOs as they will not impress you (need more aperture for that).
There have been numerous occasions where I have used my 120mm F7.5 when I would not have bothered to set up a 12" or larger dob. For me its a perfect scope size and I have it always set up ready for viewing within 2 minutes.
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Simplicity is BIG bonus IMHO for refractors - nary have to worry about collimation, cool down time is pretty fast, usually pretty manageable and light, and generally don't need a gigantic mount to swing one around the sky.
That Saxon 120 in the trader is a FANTASTIC buy for someone!!! Same quality as the Skywatcher, at an incredible price! Wouldn't mind it myself, but I won't.