Nexstar 102 SLT

[Titan]

Hello everyone. I recently discovered this site and it looks like a great resource! I have been dabbling in astronomy for about six years now but would still consider myself novice so please go easy on me

Just a quick bit of background. I have always had an interest in astronomy but got a bit more serious about six years ago. I obtained my first scope from a family member at that time. It was a 114mm (or there about) Newt that had been dropped and suffered some rather significant damage and they where going to chuck it out. After some DIY repairs I was able to get some ok views with the thing, provided I didn’t push the magnification too far. I very quickly decided that I needed something a bit better. After doing a lot of reading I decided on a Meade SN10 on LXD55 mount, decent aperture with goto (which was a must as I wanted the scope to find things for me and teach me about them). I have had an amazing time with it and seen some incredible things. That said though, if anyone is familiar with this scope they will know that it severely strains the LXD55 mount and mine has finally given up so I have to send the GEM head off to be repaired.

Anyway that brings me to my question. I am considering getting a second scope, something relatively small and easy to carry around and set up. I would also prefer a to have goto tracking again. I have been looking at the Celestron Nexstar 102 SLT. Does anyone know how this scope performs optically? Would a better alternative be the 4” Nexstar SE Mak? My main concern with the 102 SLT is its short focal length for planetary viewing but I’m sure a Powermate or equivalent will work fine. Also it's achromatic which some people find ok, others dislike. Any comments/opinions/advice greatly appreciated.

[Domol (Domenic)]

you sound like a celeston fan, so i thought i tell you about thier advanced goto series (CG-5) mount. I have a 11 inch SCt on my, but you can get smaller OTA. The mount is fully goto on a EQ platform and easy to use with good accuatacy (once you select good alignmnet stars) and it breaks down into a managage parts for carry around. The C11 has good optics for observing DSo and planets. Don;t worry about the F10, just get wide angle eyepieces or focal reducer. other may wnat to coment on thier 4 inch range, but i'd say get at least the CG5 & C6 (6 inch) (cheaper than fork mount type). best of luck with decision. Domenic

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi Titan
to IceInSpace!

What's your budget?
What do you primarily want to observe?
Do you want to do astrophotography?

[Titan]

Domol, no I'm not necessarily a Celestron fan. I just have been reading many reviews of their stuff and most seem quite positive. However I’m open to anything as long as matches my needs. Thanks for the advice of the cg-5 mount and C11. I will definitely look into them.


Iceman, thanks for the welcome My budget is roughly $2000 but I can go a bit higher although I’d prefer not to. Primarily I would like to observe planets and the moon with this as my SN10 does a reasonable job of fainter deep space stuff. That said though I wouldn't mind taking a look at some of the brighter nebulae and clusters etc every now and again. With regards to astrophotography I would love to try it out. I have read a few articles about what you do and it truly seems amazing but at the same time a bit daunting.

Thanks for the advice so far.

[michaelcw]

Titan,

I have not used the 102 however as a comparison in your suggested budget range, I have used the 130 SLT and the older Nexstar 4 GT, both performed well. Both are easy to setup and are good for planetary viewing. The 4GT replacement has better performance on the goto mount.
I dabbled with astrophotography on the 130SLT and had fun, during which I found a good review (http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/public/im/cel130SLT.html)

As per Domol, I use the the CG-5 mount and find it is easy to use and move around in smaller parts.

My suggestion, spend plenty of time reviewing this site, there are some good posts on DSO and astro imaging, the members here helped me with my next choice, also if you have not looked yet, check out Andrews (http://www.andrewscom.com.au), he has plenty to choose from in your budget range.

BTW
to the forum

[Titan]

michaelcw,

Thanks for that! I have used Andrews before and there is no doubt there is a huge selection in my price range, which only makes the choice even more confusing but that's a good thing.

I have been thinking a lot about what iceman asked about astrophotography and also spending a great deal of time looking at the pictures many users have posted here and I'm getting more and more tempted to give it a go. It looks like a Philips toucam may be the ideal way to start.

I have another question though related to this. I see that it will require an IR filter which I assume will cut down on noise? Looking around I have found a few different IR filters but I have also seen some combined IR/UV filters. My guess would be this filters out all wave lengths other then the visible spectrum and so in effect the sensor only pics up that visible light resulting in clearer images. Is this the case and if so would it be better to get a combined IR/UV filter or just a straight IR filter?

[michaelcw]

Try this link in the archives.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...hp/t-8655.html

[Titan]

Thanks again michaelcw, that clears things up a bit.

Anyway I have been doing a lot more reading on various telescopes and have been considering maybe getting a Meade ETX-125… however that was until I read some old threads on here about the quality of Meade stuff lately, now I really don’t know anymore.

What about Skywatcher, does anyone have any opinions on their gear. I’m just after something that will cost no more than about $2000, has no larger then about 5” aperture, is easily portable, has goto and will be of reasonably good quality. The more I look though the more mutually exclusive some of those things become.

Thanks for putting up with my questions, I really appreciate it

[michaelcw]

Titan,

I have been digging through the site looking at reviews and comments on the newer SE series. One user Greenswale loves his 6" SE, it fits your budget and is nice and portable. (With the change from the 2k, you can get a power tank, Power supply for a Celestron Nexstar)and a couple of extra eyepieces.
Another article, small SCT vs big Dob - Paradox?
has info on smaller vs Dobs, it also refers to an external link on 6 " scope & performance. (If you have not already seen this). http://www.geocities.com/the_150mm_reflector/

Not an answer on the 5" or the skywatcher question, however hopefully some help on the decision.

Michael

[Titan]

Wow Michael, you really have been very helpful! I think I have now decided what I shall do.

Thanks so much for your input and time