What would be good for just viewing

[leon]

Hi to all

At present i have and ED80 on a EQ5, plus a imaging platform, and Canon 5D with lenses that serves me well for the imaging part of the hobby.

I have a spare pier with nothing on it at the moment that is looking for a friend, so that i can just do some observing.

I am looking for a scope that i can place on the pier which would just be used for observing, no need for tracking, guiding, motor drives etc.

I would not be looking for a newtonion, as i just sold the one i had on it.
Yea, i know that sounds strange, but i was thinking maybe of a 8 or 10 inch SCT, or somthing similar.

Anyway would anybody have some other suggestions that they may think would be more suitable.

Thanks Leon.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by leon

I would not be looking for a newtonion, as i just sold the one i had on it.
Yea, i know that sounds strange, but i was thinking maybe of a 8 or 10 inch SCT, or somthing similar.

Hi Leon,

If you tell us what you dont like about newtonians it will help others to advise, although it looks like your mind is possibly already made up?

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

Sounds like you need a 30" styled Cassegrain dob to put there

[leon]

Andrew, yea i wish, a bit out of my league that one....

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Leon, What sort of objects are you going to spend most of your observing time on?

[leon]

Hi Geoff,

I understand what you are saying Geoff, i don't find fault with the newt, that i had, and it has served me well from the day it was built some 30years ago.

I am in need of a change, and am seeking something different, if that makes any sense.
There are so many different types of scopes out there, and i want to try out something different.
All i have ever used is the 8 inch F7 newt, and i was considering maybe an 8 inch SCT.
This dosen't sound very convincing, dose it....

Cheers Leon

[leon]

Steve,
Veiwing will be general and no specific agenda will be followed, i have always been more into imaging and photography, rather than viewing anyway.
I just want to have something there if i wish to look at some stuff , and so i dont need anything huge and expensive, although that would be nice.

Cheers Leon

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

If ya can find one an LX10 or LX50 8" SCT would be ideal for you.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

I know what you mean about trying different scopes.
But I don't think an 8" SCT after an 8" Newt is very exciting.

How about a nice refractor like the Meade ED 127mm from Bintel. Or I've heard very good things about the new Skywatcher 180mm Maks if you're into mid-high power viewing. MyAstroshop has them for <$2k.

[leon]

Thanks Steve and Andrew.

I'll do some research, but i do like the idea of a refractor.

Cheers Leon

[RB (Andrew)]

Leon may I suggest the Orion 100ED refractor.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

For relaxed simple viewing its hard to go past a dob

Or maybe this scope for relaxed grab and go viewing?

[gbeal]

Sorry Leon,
I have had all manner of exciting and exotic scopes that is, and I am afraid that the one that never fails is my 10" f5 newt.
I currently have a nice Takahashi 100mm apo, but the old 10" is far better.
Can't beat size, and when coupled with simplicity, it is a winner. Sorry.
Gary

[g__day (Matthew)]

I've had alot of joy from my 5" MAK and chatting to Steve at my Astroshop recently he told me he got the 180mm MAK for himself cause its stunningly good; like a large APO were his words - he really loves it...

[ving (David)]

Originally Posted by Starkler

For relaxed simple viewing its hard to go past a dob

Or maybe this scope for relaxed grab and go viewing?

i am with the stark one on this... and for just plain viewing aperture wins... but you already know that

[leon]

Thanks for all your replies.