Treating myself to a new imaging telescope..

[graphworlok (James)]

I've been imaging with an old 8" BATSC newtonian that's in pretty poor shape, or a 70's era Pentax telephoto lens, and i am thinking about treating myself to some quality optics



Camera is an unmodded EOS40D, mount is a non-synscan Skywatcher HEQ5 with a brain transplant to enable PC control



I'm after an apo refractor, price limit of about $1.5k - Rack and pinion focuser rather than helical, and shipped from Australia. After image quality rather than aperture



I'm unsure on balancing an APO doublet vs triplet vs cost..

I'm currently trying to decide between the following:


SHARPSTAR 76EDPH APO TRIPLET f/5.5 $1449
GRAN TURISMO 71 F/5.9 APO TRIPLET $1549


with other possible choices being the WO Zenithstar doublet APO's



Otherwise, any other recommendations or feedback?


Regards....

[Astronut07 (Ben)]

Gday James

Regarding scopes I currently own a WO132 & previously had a WO110.
Both scopes preformed extremely well for me.
I sold the WO110 to downsize & purchased a TS Optics 71Q for wider field of view, this scope has also been fantastic after I sorted out the pinched optics.
I should state all these scopes were purchased from here all used, I did not have budget to buy the WO132 new.

I could be mistaken but I believe that TS Optics are just rebrand from same factory that also makes the Sharpstar. If I’m incorrect I’m certain some more experienced member can correct me

If I was in your shoes I would definitely go the WO but I’m biased

Cheers
Ben

[graphworlok (James)]

The TS Optics 71Q (and similar) is a scope I've been eyeing off for years, but i have never seen an Australian distributor!

Originally Posted by Astronut07

Gday James

Regarding scopes I currently own a WO132 & previously had a WO110.
Both scopes preformed extremely well for me.
I sold the WO110 to downsize & purchased a TS Optics 71Q for wider field of view, this scope has also been fantastic after I sorted out the pinched optics.
I should state all these scopes were purchased from here all used, I did not have budget to buy the WO132 new.

I could be mistaken but I believe that TS Optics are just rebrand from same factory that also makes the Sharpstar. If I’m incorrect I’m certain some more experienced member can correct me

If I was in your shoes I would definitely go the WO but I’m biased

Cheers
Ben

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Originally Posted by graphworlok

The TS Optics 71Q (and similar) is a scope I've been eyeing off for years, but i have never seen an Australian distributor!

Why would you let that not exactly insurmountable detail put you off planes do fly here these days (I think...)

TS have a great range of gear and good service... the shipping costs can vary, so best to check first.

[graphworlok (James)]

I ended up going for a WO GT71 with flattener from testar - I was tempted by the greater range at TS, but didn't to deal with the shipping and delays...