Takahashi Epsilon 180 - Opinions?

[Astrod00d]

Hi All,

Has anyone had experience with, or owned, an Epsilon 180?

I'm looking for a fast, widefield astrograph and the Epsilon looks great (But expensive!) 180mm aperture, f/2.8, flat field.

Will be used with a QHY8 for now which has a 23x15mm sensor, perhaps moving up to a full-size sensor in a year or so if the budget permits...

Ideas and suggestions folks??

Cheers,

Rob

[gbeal]

Rob,
sorry, never had the 180, but owned an E130.
Nice it was, typical Tak, like the brick outhouse.
Be aware though that if it is anything like the E130, that to make it work you will need the EXACT adapter to give the exact spacing. This eventually drove me nuts and I sold the E130.
As an imager it is right up there, and I am sure you will love it. I must admit to having seen a few for sale this week on Astromart and thinking...............
Gary

[montewilson (Monte)]

Have you considered the new FSQ-106 with a reducer? I think it goes down to f3.5 or thereabouts? Not cheap either.....

[Astrod00d]

Thanks Guys,

The FSQ106 sure is a nice piece of kit, perhaps more versatile and portable than the E180. I've just seen so many great images from Takahashi scopes!

Cheers,

Rob