New range of Newtonian telescopes

matt · #1 25-08-2008, 07:43 PM

Been casting my eye around for a while now with a view to a prospective new scope.

Having owned a newtonian before and quite enjoyed it, I've been thinking of a return to this optical configuration. I'm not in a rush and have been very happy with my Celestron 9.25" SCT.

I've also been considering a Mak-Cass and mak-Newt...but I have to say I really miss having a newt. There's just something nice and simple about it which appeals to me, and the best views I've ever had (visually) have been through a newtonian.

So, with this in mind, I'm eager to get a look at this soon-to-be-released range of scopes.

http://www.tetontelescope.com/index.php?cPath=53_90_91

Probably won't be cheap...but like anything in life...you get what you pay for.

Anyone seen or heard any details about the Rapier range?

Starkler (Geoff) · #2 25-08-2008, 09:18 PM

Very interesting news

Satchmo · #3 26-08-2008, 09:15 AM

The Rapier looks a bit like vaporware so far ( there are no photos of even a prototype) .

Newts are simple to build. Theres nothing to stop anybody putting together the highest quality Newtonian from mainly locally sourced parts at anytime if you are inclined to telescope building.

matt · #4 26-08-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satchmo

The Rapier looks a bit like vaporware so far ( there are no photos of even a prototype) .

Newts are simple to build. Theres nothing to stop anybody putting together the highest quality Newtonian from mainly locally sourced parts at anytime if you are inclined to telescope building.

Sorry, mate. ATM is really not my bag...not at the moment, anyhow

Don't know about it being just 'vaporware'. I'm sure they exist, or will exist, sometime soon

Maybe they just haven't updated the website yet. It happens

AlexN · #5 26-08-2008, 06:51 PM

I'd love to build a 12" newt for imaging, the only problem is that I know I'd mess it up somehow.. and end up with lots of money not being put to use...

Matt... Go for a bigger Celestron SCT

you know you want to

matt · #6 26-08-2008, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexN

Matt... Go for a bigger Celestron SCT

you know you want to

Coming from someone who's just purchased a C11...largely at my recommendation!

Trust me, Alex, I've given it plenty of thought and it's still a possibility.

Just tyre kicking at the moment. Honestly, I love SCTS...but I also have a lot of reasons to consider a Newtonian.

Satchmo · #7 26-08-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt

Sorry, mate. ATM is really not my bag...not at the moment, anyhow

Building a Newtonian usually requires drilling in a tube 4 holes to mount the spider and 3 holes to mount the mirror cell and a hole for the focusser.

If you ever want to go down that route I know a guy who makes the best tubes and mirror cells in the world who will put it all together for you

I wouldn't call this ATM'ing ..more like telescope assembly

SCT's unfortunately give the poorest image quality due to surface roughness on mass produced elements and large ( 40 % cenetral obstruction at the secondary baffle )

okiscopey (Mike) · #8 26-08-2008, 07:02 PM

If you're thinking of buying from overseas, how about the Orion UK SPX range, available as OTAs up to 350mm f/4.6 with tube rings. These are not the (Chinese?) Orions, they're made in UK (?) supposedly to high specs.

http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/SPX/spxrange.html

matt · #9 26-08-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satchmo

SCT's unfortunately give the poorest image quality due to surface roughness on mass produced elements and large ( 40 % cenetral obstruction at the secondary baffle )

No doubt, Mark.

However, they do a very good job for the job I assign them, which is plantary imaging.

From a visual performance perspective.....well...

Not that I'm saying they are rubbish for good ol' fashioned eyeballin'...

I just don't think that's where its true strength rests. Just my opinion, SCT fans

matt · #10 26-08-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okiscopey

If you're thinking of buying from overseas, how about the Orion UK SPX range, available as OTAs up to 350mm f/4.6 with tube rings. These are not the (Chinese?) Orions, they're made in UK (?) supposedly to high specs.

http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/SPX/spxrange.html

Have definitely had a good look at this range, oki

Just a tad concerned at what shipping costs would be incurred from the UK

Not overly put off...but still a factor. The shipping quotes from Orion have been horrific!! LOL

AlexN · #11 26-08-2008, 09:01 PM

mmmm... I looked at just getting a set of the 12" OTA rings sent here when I was considering a 12" newt... Was shockingly expensive.. but their OTA's look awesome.

Satchmo · #12 27-08-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt

However, they do a very good job for the job I assign them, which is plantary imaging.

From a visual performance perspective.....well...

I raised this issue in another thread with conflicting results. I played the devils advocate and tried to suggest that optical quality was not so important for planatary imaging . I've been assured that quality Newtonians are superior particularly with Powermate amplification. SCT's have a clear superiority in terms of portability though at 10" or above size this would be marginal.

Its a shame there are no locally produced high quality solid Newtonian tube assemblies made in Australia. With the relatively low cost of EQ6 mounts there would seem to be a ready made market.

matt · #13 27-08-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satchmo

I raised this issue in another thread with conflicting results.

Yep. You tend to get that in forums...

matt · #14 27-08-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satchmo

Its a shame there are no locally produced high quality solid Newtonian tube assemblies made in Australia. With the relatively low cost of EQ6 mounts there would seem to be a ready made market.

Most definitely. I think that's an obvious gap in the market and an opportunity for some enterprising individual

madtuna (Steve) · #15 27-08-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt

Have definitely had a good look at this range, oki

Just a tad concerned at what shipping costs would be incurred from the UK

Not overly put off...but still a factor. The shipping quotes from Orion have been horrific!! LOL

My Orion UK 10" Newt cost me $40 to get it to my door.

I bought it here off a pom who brought it over with him.. the $40 was the petrol cost to go pick it up and bring it home

ps. they are a magnificent bit of gear!

matt · #16 27-08-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madtuna

My Orion UK 10" Newt cost me $40 to get it to my door.

I bought it here off a pom who brought it over with him.. the $40 was the petrol cost to go pick it up and bring it home

Good one!!!