I finally got my Takahashi FC-100DF last week. I went for the DF because it has the 2" focuser from the Sky 90 and is a shorter optical tube than the DC version with the 1.25" focuser.
Last night was first light, and it didn't disappoint! No major planets to view, but the moon was superb. I was using a 3.5mm type 6 Nagler, which gives 211x and the image was extremely sharp, with great detail. I feel I could have used a lot more magnification without any image breakdown. There was just a fine line of green showing on the lunar limb, and this was the only CA I saw through the scope in the entire session. Colour correction is excellent.
I also used the 3.5mm Nagler to do a star test. Diffraction patterns were textbook inside and outside of focus, and in focus was of course, perfect-and no CA evident at all.
I will have to wait until the major planets are back to see how it performs on them, but after how it performed on the moon, I would expect it to be excellent.
This scope is very light, and fitted with mounting rings, dovetail bar, 8x50 RACI finder and quick release, 2" mirror diagonal and eyepiece, weighs only 6Kg. So it's very comfortable on my Vixen GPD2 mount. I guess for visual use, it could even go on an EQ3, making it a very portable system.
Here's my original 1988 version for comparison. They changed a few things - lens cell (collimatable on the old ones), OTA length, focal ratio, focusers.
I still just love looking down the front of mine (can't see the glass unless the MC's are shining JUST right), and then counting all the baffles, including the MULTI-baffled drawtube.
Magnificent scopes - it was a tough decision between keeping the FC-100 or the Vixen FL102S, as they are CLOSE in performance, but the FC is just that touch sharper.
Very nice looking scope Laurie. I'm looking at buying something similarly grab and go.
I just checked my TSA120 focuser and the housing does not look worn like the image above and there's no black line. I wonder if a faulty casting somehow made it into the production line instead of being recycled?
Unfortunately, the warrant is not transferable...but Claude has sent pictures and informed Takahashi Japan of the problem and as the scope is a 2013 model with little use...what can they say?
When you posted the scope it was triple packed in the original Tak packaging.
I have had some advice that this should be posted separately to advise other Takahashi 2.7" focuser owners.
Please be assured that at no time is any fault attached to yourself.
regards,
Phil
Warranties are based upon the product not the title of an owner. Provided the item was purchased under prescribed warranty of, for example, 5 years then the item is warranted (within the terms of the warranty for the product) for the prescribed period of time irrespective of whether A, B or C is the owner.
If someone is telling you otherwise contact consumer affairs within your state.
What a lovely scope Laurie , glad to hear its performance carries on Takahashi's tradition of great scopes .
