Tsa 102

[mick pinner]

l would like some feedback from anyone who has a TSA102, good/bad points both visual and photographics. thanks

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

I have the FS-102 Mick, its predecessor, and one of the ladies in our club has the TSA. Both are exceptional instruments and I'm not sure that there is anything "bad" to say about them. As a well-established rule, Takahashi and "bad" just don't go together. If there was something I'd personally like to see changed, it'd be that Takahashi standardise on their fittings rather than foster their propensity to make accessories for every model seemingly different. Once you have all the accessories you need, then they work exceptionally well - which is what you're after anyway in the end. It's just a little expensive to wander though. To be fair though, when you get a few Taks under your belt then accessories do mix and match a little.

[Paul Haese]

Mick I have a TSA 102 and have owned it from new for about 3 years. These scopes have superb optics and the focusors are battle proof rank and pinion. Imaging with them is a breeze when you have all the gear which being Takahashi is expensive.

I really like my TSA for a wide field apo. Correction is perfect and visually the stars are like little needle points.

Worth the money and being Tak gear its quality all the way.

[anj026]

Hi Mick

I have owned my TSA 102 for about 18 months and only use it for visual. It is a wonderful instrument and I highly recommend it. Contrast and quality of image is as good as it gets for the aperture. I have been able to split Antares and also see the 5th and 6th stars in the Trapezium in less than perfect seeing.

I think it should really come with a case but I made my own and there are aftermarket options. I ordered mine with the 2 speed focuser add-on and finder quick release bracket. Both of these options work well and again I recommend them though there are other choices available. The 2" focuser adaptor and extension pieces use double set screws that are very effective and secure but a bit old fashioned. I have upgraded the 2" adaptor to a Baader clicklock type and use a GSO extension piece with the internal brass clamp. There is no real need for this upgrade though.