FOR SALE: 8-inch telescope ready for astrophotography.

[PhotonCollector (Paul)]

For <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><st1:place w:st=[/img]<st1:City w:st="on">Sale</st1:City></st1:place> : <B><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>8-inch telescope ready for astrophotography - optical tube assembly (OTA) only.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P><P style=[/img]
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I’m selling an 8-inch f / 6 Newtonian reflector telescope tube assembly with camera adapter accessories. This is the 8-inch telescope that I’ve used for many years to produce some of my best astro-images. The scope was originally made to order by Astro Optical Supplies “as a scope that would be used solely for astrophotography and would produce good images over a 35mm film frame”. The primary mirror was handcrafted at the time by their mirror maker, I had to wait about 4 months for it to be made.<o:p></o:p>

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A few years ago I had the optics re-coated with high performance aluminium coatings with quartz silicone overcoats by Francis Lord Optics, this made the optics better than ever! Today, the primary mirror is in pristine condition has no marks, scratches or anything like that. The coatings look like they were done yesterday. The secondary mirror is also in perfect condition.<o:p></o:p>

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The OTA was modified; light baffles were installed, light baffling around the focuser mounting, the tube coated matte black on the inside, and the primary mirror cell also coated matte black. The OTA is made from zinc-steel and is very strong – ( there is no tube flexure and you could bolt a refractor to the OTA is you wanted ). The primary mirror has a centre spot for easy collimation. There is also a handle on the OTA which makes it real easy to lift & carry.<o:p></o:p>

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Primary mirror: 203mm (8-inch) diameter, full thickness low expansion pyrex (about 35mm thick).
Focal length: 1200 mm f / 6 .
Mirror Cell: fully adjustable cast aluminium cell - spring loaded.
Secondary mirror: approx 46 mm diameter.
Secondary mirror cell: fully adjustable - metal construction.
Spider: 3 vanes, adjustable, low profile vanes.
Focuser: 1.25” low-profile rack & pinion with focus lock screw.
Optical Coatings: High performance aluminium coatings with quartz-silicone overcoat.
OTA tube: rolled zinc-steel.
OTA Weight: approx 10.5 kgs.
OTA Colour: grey (anti-reflection colour).
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This sale includes the following accessories;
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• prime-focus camera adapter (requires t-ring to suit your camera).<o:p></o:p>
• eyepiece projection camera adapter.<o:p></o:p>
• 1” eyepiece adapter.<o:p></o:p>
• OTA dust cap.<o:p></o:p>
• cradle brackets to suit OTA.

Evidence of some wear on OTA includes only a minor paintwork blemish, or two. There are two holes in the OTA for mounting a finder scope bracket, there are some signs of surface rust on some of the screws used to mount the focuser (easily cleaned), otherwise tube is in great condition. <o:p></o:p>

Here’s an image of the OTA in it’s prior home
http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/images/observatory_014.jpg<o:p></o:p>

Here’s an example image I did with this OTA that shows a full frame with the Canon EOS 300D http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/NGC5139_DSLR.html. As you can see this ‘scope produces great images over a field of about 63 x 42 arc-minutes – over 1° wide.<o:p></o:p>

Some of the many other images taken with this OTA.<o:p></o:p>

http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/ngc3372c.html
http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/ngc253_page2.html
http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/NGC3766.html
http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/sirius.html
http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/ngc6520_b86.html
http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/Moon%20-%20Apennines%20Closeup.html
http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/Moon%20-%20Copernicus%20Crater.html<o:p></o:p>


Reason for sale: I have a new larger telescope now (finally).
Asking price: $425.00 or any reasonable offer (including listed accessories).<o:p></o:p>

Pickup Location: <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Newcastle</st1:City></st1:place>, NSW.<o:p></o:p>

Preferred Payment Method: will discuss with purchaser.

Paul M.
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[janoskiss (Steve H)]

How much better would your mirror be optically than a mass produced 8", like those in GS scopes?

[PhotonCollector (Paul)]

Originally Posted by janoskiss

How much better would your mirror be optically than a mass produced 8", like those in GS scopes?

I would have hoped that the images produced with this 'scope answered that question - which is why I provided the links to the images. I think the answer to that question would attract a speculative answer, so I'll just say I do believe this 'scope will give you instant great high contrast views or images without vignetting and without the need to add a coma corrector, I think the optics would be hard to match.

Hope this helps