Wide Field scope options - WO ZS 110 or?

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Any good? I think it uses the same TMB designed lens as the FLT110 but in a lighter tube.
It would be used primarily for visual as a wide(ish) field to compliment an f9.2 refractor with a view to a little AP down the road.
It is unlikeley the Astrofairy will dump an NP 127 or FSQ in my lap and I have a chance to aquire on at a decent price(<$1500). Is it worth it, or will I not notice any significant jump in visual resolution over a 102 doublet.
All input appreciated.
Thanks,
Peter

[rmcconachy]

I cannot comment on the WO ZS 110 scope in particular because I have never used one. However, I would not suggest moving from a 102mm refractor to a 110mm refractor. In my opinion the improvement in view will not be worth the change over costs.

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

I've done a little trawling on this since I posted and generally the reviews are good but I'd like to know if its a decent wide-field scope
I was thinking of it primarily as "in addition to", rather than instead of my f9.2 The rational being that anything in f5.6 - f7 range of any quality will cost about a grand more.

[citivolus (Ric)]

My understanding is that the primary difference between the FLT and ZS scopes is the focuser. The FLT's are designed for photography, while the ZS's are aimed at visual use. I got the strong impression from comments made last year on the WO Yahoo group that the optics were the same. I search of the message archive there would probably be in order.

[gregbradley]

I wouldn't think there would be much difference visually between a 102mm doublet and a 110mm resolution wise and not sure it would be able to seen.

There is a huge jump in brightness between a 6 inch APO and a 4 inch APO visually.

There of course would be a noticeable difference between the 2 focal length-wise. FSQ106 and FS102 look much the same view but the FSQ at F5 is much widerfield.

For imaging the main thing you'd want is a triplet over a doublet for colour correction and then a strong and non-slip focuser with micro adjust. Also a range of accessories like a flattener or reducer perhaps
and strong rings for no flexure in the mounting and no flexure in the focuser. Really different needs between visual and imaging.

Greg.

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Back on this again.
I'm looking for a primarily visual, wide-field telescope in the 4" - 4.5" range. I have a 12" dob and an f9 refractor that take care of DSOs, Globs, planets etc., so I'm after a 'rich field' scope for starfields and general exploring. Mount is an EQ5
Taks, Tecs, APMs are out of my price range. I've had problems with Astrotech stuff and am not willing to go through the hassle again.

The current contenders based on availibility and price are:
Televue NP101: Avail. 2nd hand at an OK, but still high price.
WO ZS 110: 2nd hand, good price
WO FLT 110 LW: (New) A stretch but what's a Credit Card for?
WO FLT 98: same as FLT110
Stellarvue SV105 Apo: (new and 2nd hand)

Apart from the NP101,() I have no experience with any of these. Would much appreciate, given the criteria, any specific input as this is (I hope) the last scope I'm going to buy ever!!!

Ta,
PJH