Hi all - I'm going to put together a scope for my 11 year old grandson and (hopefully) use the EQ head from a 114mm baby newt that I picked up. (for literally $2)
I'll construct a "pier" or rather column tube to mount the head on and engineer some fold-out lock-down levelling tripod feet for it (the umbrella in reverse style) - all out of alum stock.
My question is this: in looking for a scope to mount on the above I've checked out Andrews Communications' Skywatcher 120x600 achro OTA selling for $400. I realize the shorter F/L achros can be more problematical with CA but thought that if these units had a "good" appraisal the aperture size (plus the ep's etc I've got spare) could make this a very complimentary set-up for a young boy starting out star-gazing in the West Gippsland. What practical appraisals of this scope (ie people who've used them) are there amongst IIS members?
I have a skywatcher 120mm fl600 and it is very good for its price.
There is no noticable ca and you get only some purple fringing on very bright objects.
I can recommend this scope from experience.
I was suprised at the low rate of CA is produces on very bright objects. Although I use mine as a guidescope, I have imaged thru it with great results, and visually it gives pleasing results.
So, yes, I would recommend it.
Here is a pic of the Saxon one I have, the one on the bottom (identical to Skywatcher but has crayford focuser).
