Quote:
Originally Posted by mtfreestyler
As beautiful as the WO Star71 is I am coming around to what you guys are saying and looking at others.
I am now thinking about this Vixen 800mm F4
http://www.myastroshop.com.au/produc...sp?id=MAS-066G
Would this be a good choice for $1600?
I will most likely be getting more scopes eventually but as for taking the first plunge I would like it to be a good one and preferably in the deep end because I like steep learning curves
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Hi Matt,
Very very nice telescope, magnificent optics, optimised construction/build quality, the focusers are the only questionable element point as far as i am aware (in addition to the price). you will also 100% require a coma corrector at f4 so you need to take that into account with regard to the $$.
The baader mpcc (coma corrector) is about $320 new i think - i don't know about the vixen CC.
In comparison you could get a Skywatcher 8" f4 quattro carbon fibre for $999 from andrews communication or the 10" carbon fibre version for $1300 (both will need a coma corrector).
Or you could also get a SW black diamond (non carbon fibre) 8" for about $500-$600 then spend more on a high res motorised focuser such as the moonlite:
focuser ~$300
hi res stepper motor ~$250
mini hand controller $320
total focuser setup ~$870
http://focuser.com/products.php
SW scope $600 + MPCC $320 + focuser setup ~ total $1790
Anyway mate there are a few more options for about the same price

i must admit i do prefer your vixen idea over the Star 71, yes its an awesome little scope but it will limit the targets a little when you have only one scope - plus your camera lens would give very wide fields of view also.
don't underestimate a really good focuser they make imaging that much easier and they are worth the money - even on a scope half the price of the focuser.
Rusty