Aperture Apathy

mick pinner · #1 24-06-2009, 06:21 PM

as opposed to aperture fever. we all l am sure had the fever at some time but l was wondering if some of you like me have actually downsized in favour of more mangeable scopes and maybe better quality.
ln my case using smaller higher quality scopes and in the case of astrophotography not overloading my mount it has made it much more pleasant on those dark nights.

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #2 24-06-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick pinner

as opposed to aperture fever. we all l am sure had the fever at some time but l was wondering if some of you like me have actually downsized in favour of more mangeable scopes and maybe better quality.
ln my case using smaller higher quality scopes and in the case of astrophotography not overloading my mount it has made it much more pleasant on those dark nights.

i hear you, and i guess the things i really use the most are an ST80 on a tripod, or just my binocs, so it makes sense.

Then again, i have incredibly small genitalia, and want the biggest phallic optical object i can get my hands on

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #3 24-06-2009, 06:30 PM

I sold my 10" dob to finance the purchase of my ed80.
I'm hoping to upgrade to an VC200L soon.

duncan · #4 24-06-2009, 06:34 PM

Hi Mick,
Not really sure if i fit into this one. However i've just purchased a skywatcher SW1200 (150x1200) refractor off a fellow ice member.
I own a 12" Dob.
This latest investment is for use in Weipa where i work,Supposedly 4 weeks on 1 week off (LMAO).
In a couple of weeks i'll buy a HEQPRO5 to mount it on.
Planetary and lunar work mainly but who knows?
I guess yes it is certainly more portable but it is still a big scope in that this one is a refractor. I cant wait to see how it compares to the 12" mirror.Anyway a few more weeks till i find out i guess. Lovely clear skies up here during the dry season and best of all a BALMY 22Degrees C. overnight,LOL.
Cheers,
Duncan

Bassnut (Fred) · #5 24-06-2009, 07:15 PM

Downsize, as in shorter FL ?, wooze

Hagar (Doug) · #6 24-06-2009, 07:37 PM

I supposE I have done just that although not so much downsizing in appature but moving down in focal length. I have made this move to firstly provide myself with a range of focal lengths which covers quite a wide span and moved to more astrophotography specific scope or scopes as it may be. I think it does take some time to really make up your mind which form of astronomy you persue. Then move through quite a few scopes until you get what you find the best for your job at hand. In some cases the advise you getisn't always correct or we may missinterpret advise.

gbeal · #7 24-06-2009, 07:43 PM

Yep, me as well. Have a wonderful 80mm apo refractor for imaging, as well as a stunning M703 Maksutov which is imaging as I type.
While I don't, both could easily fit on the mount at the same time.
Gary

Bassnut (Fred) · #8 24-06-2009, 07:44 PM

Nah, your rambling Doug, not working

dannat (Daniel) · #9 24-06-2009, 07:45 PM

I have downsizedin - went from 66cm WO to 4.5" newt to 5" intes mak to 6" xlt and have traded them all for 4" vixen reflect on old mount with 1" focuser and some really good 70mm binos. enjoy shorter viewing & convenience

I got an ASV 8" dob - to see what everyone was crapping on about & after using it 2 times would not get one if u paid me - too hard to carry outside/bulky/heavy & i wasn't that impressed by the extra aperture

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #10 24-06-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hagar

and moved to more astrophotography specific scope or scopes as it may be. I think it does take some time to really make up your mind which form of astronomy you persue. Then move through quite a few scopes until you get what you find the best for your job at hand. .

Yep, well said.
The next scope I purchase should be the last one I need to buy.

Bassnut (Fred) · #11 24-06-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

The next scope I purchase should be the last one I need to buy.

Good luck Jeanette

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #12 24-06-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassnut

Good luck Jeanette

Why do you laugh Fred?
I said "need" to buy not "want" to buy.
There's a subtle but distinct difference.

Bassnut (Fred) · #13 24-06-2009, 08:38 PM

No one "needs" to buy anything in Astrophography Jeanette, its all "want" (well, In my experience). I was kidding, sorry to offend.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #14 24-06-2009, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassnut

No one "needs" to buy anything in Astrophography Jeanette, its all "want" (well, In my experience). I was kidding, sorry to offend.

And no offence taken Fred.
Just funning with you.

Paul Haese · #15 24-06-2009, 11:12 PM

Nah the larger the better the resolution. Mind you I have a few scopes. One for wide field, one for guiding, one for planetary, one for solar, and one for narrow field. Yep one for every purpose. Bigger is always better for imaging. Just get a larger mount to carry everything guys and gals.

Not an advocate for down sizing at all.

lacad01 (Adam) · #16 24-06-2009, 11:33 PM

Hmm, much to my wife's consternation I'm eyeing off large Obsession style light buckets, either to build or buy

She doesn't quite understand that the small dob, refractor and binoculars each have their specific role

I'm all for "right-sizing"

Wavytone · #17 24-06-2009, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick pinner

l was wondering if some of you like me have actually downsized in favour of more mangeable scopes and maybe better quality.

Yes I have - in short these days my stargazing time is very limited and after a long break from the hobby, when i decided to get back into its, it was just for a little visual fun, nothing too serious, and I would much rather have something enjoyable and convenient at the upper end of "Grab & Go" yet able to give fine lunar & planetary images.

Having had several 8" scopes and a 12" Newtonian long ago I'm now using a 4" f/7 refractor on an altaz mount (the grab & go) and a 180mm Mak on a Vixen SXW mount for lunar & planetary. Quick and easy and a pleasure to use.

I'd love a larger scope but I think that will have to wait till I have the time to use it.