Recommendations on a portable refractor

[m11 (Mel)]

Would you all recommend getting Stellarvue sv90T refractor?

I need to get the mounting plate and mount on top as it does not come with it.

Thanks,

M11

[skysurfer]

What about this Genesis ?
It is a rather compact 100mm f/5 with a new feathertouch focuser. I have had the same for 20 years, but the reason I sold is that (unlike this seller) I cound not remove the original focuser.
It weighs only 4.5kg and has excellent views and does not a field flattener for AP. Or is Sydney too far ?

[m11 (Mel)]

Hi Skysurfer,

Thanks for the heads up and opportunity.

Currently still researching what to get with so many choices.

Regards,

M11

[yoda776 (Matt)]

I found someone on ebay australia a while ago that sells the Explore Scientific ED80:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/191565396...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

There are many different scopes in either range and depends on budget too as to what you go for.

I have a Meade ED80 triplet 5000 series and while people may not think much of it, I think it is a great scope and quick and easy to set up. Even set it up as a 'push to' on a camera tripod, which is ultra quick. I could get really clear and high magnification on planets like Jupiter using a telextender and 9mm eyepiece (on a good night). These are currently replaced by the Meade 6000 series.

A lot of people appear to like the Williams Optics GT81 as well.

Originally Posted by m11

Hi All,

I would like to get a refractor for portability as i have a dob. I was thinking getting the Orion 80ed triplet or the Explore Scientific 102mm triplet or doublet?

What would you guys recommend?

Also, the only place I saw that sells Explore Scientific is Frontier Optics. Has anyone purchased from them beforw?

Thanks for reading and and appreciate the help. I usually always need it

[casstony]

Originally Posted by m11

Would you all recommend getting Stellarvue sv90T refractor?
M11

If you're considering spending that much you might look at the Skywatcher Esprit 80 or 100. They're sold as a complete package with accessories including a flattener for imaging. You'd also have local warranty.

[Wavytone]

My scopes have arrived.

Despite the rating of the All-View mount I tried putting the 130mm f7 truely ED APO on it - with 2" diagonal and eyepiece it nudges 11kg and for visual use the mount works perfectly well.

I was thinking of buying a bigger mount but for now I'll wait. The All-View works well enough apart from the tripod being a tad flimsy.

While my 70mm f/6.6 is a heavy one (quad ED APO so it has a LOT of glass, plus a really beefy focusser) it looks quite undersized on the mount.

FWIW both these APM / TS scopes are beautifully built, the images are perfect and meet all expectations as premium refractors.