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Hi Folks,
As the subject line says, I'm thinking of adding the Apertura CarbonStar 150 to my current collection of telescopes.... My current collection consist of in order of shortest to longest focal length:
WO Redcat 51, Celestron C6-Hyperstar v4, WO ZenithStar 73-III, and a Celestron C8 which I just use for visual when I'm bored waiting for my imaging session to complete....
When I look at the focal length distancing between my current scope, adding the CarbonStar sort of makes sense...
Redcat 51 (250mm) + 55mm => C6-Hyperstar (305mm) + 125mm => WO Z73 (430mm) + 140mm => CarbonStar 150 w/0.95x (570mm)...
and the two camera I have 533MC-Pro and 183MC-Pro look to pair well with the CarbonStar, and the astronomy tool FOV with all of the scopes entered in shows that it seems I would have a nice range of focal lengths to choose from for any given target...
My post processing still has a lot to be desired, and I know buying another scope isn't going to change that part.. I may get more data.. maybe better data.. but if my post processing sucks, the final results will also, So I countinue to work and experiment with Siril and GIMP to get better final image results, and that'll just take time.
BUT... putting aside the numbers and FOV simulations and my post processing short comings... for thoses of you that own both, and image with both a refractor and reflector (any make/type )... do you prefer one over the other??
I don't fore see me packing this scope up and going to a dark site unless it's car accessible, so at this point the CarbonStar would mostly be a home backyard scope... Thoughts?
Thanks I bought a Carbon Star 150 in April and have been using it almost exclusively since then. I was interested in getting a bigger aperture: my refractors range from 30mm to 102mm, so this is noticeably bigger. I've been enjoying it, despite having to learn about collimation and worrying a bit about pinched optics. I think the quality of my images is about the same as with my Astro-Tech 102edl, but I can get those images a bit faster. The focal length is the same as when I use the 0.8x reducer on the 102edl. Various people have reported concerns about the Carbon Star, and they have generally been met by changes in manufacturing and, amazingly, people like me who got the original versions are being sent kits to improve them. I almost never take any of my telescopes except the Seestar and Lunt 50 to anywhere but my deck or driveway -- packing the Carbon Star would be a bit tricky unless you got a big, very good case for it. I think the guiding on my AM5 is actually better on the Caborn Star than on the 102edl, and focusing with an EAF works as well. I just got a 533MC-Pro, and it does work quite well with the Carbon Star. So I think the Carbon Star is a reasonable alternative to a bigger refractor than you have now, as long as you're willing to put in a bit of work to keep it running properly. One thing I haven't done is install a dew heater on the secondary mirror. That's more annoying than putting one on a refractor, because you have to attach it in such a way that the cables don't interfere with the light path. So I don't use the Carbon Star if it's going to be very humid or, as I did last night, I set an alarm for 3:30am and went out and brought the scope in before the humidity exceeded 90%.
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read this before you get the 0.95x CC https://www.astrobin.com/forum/c/equipment-forums/ts-optics-maxfield-95x-coma-corrector/095x-coma-corrector-internal-reflection-problems/
Thanks, I'll do a search on this problem with the CarbonStar... What are the specs of the Newt that you're trying to use the CC on?? (Make/Model.. aperture, f-ratio)
Celestron C8-Newtonian, 8" aperture, F/5 natively
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I have only been shooting a little over a month with the Carbon Star 150. My 1st rig was a Evostar 72 shotting at 375 mm.
The carbon star is my first Newtonian so I have a ton of things to learn. I do like the carbon star as I am able to collect data faster than my refractor.
I did have pinch optics that I am working through as adjusting the primary mirror mask is also a new procedure for me.
I use a ASI533 camera and I have had good success using the Optolong L-Ultimate filter. The filter works good with the faster scope.
I am planning on adding a primary mirror mask now that there is one available at High Point Scientific.
I think once I get the pinch optics finally right, this will be a great scope.
It is super light weight. I have it on a AM5 mount, and I easily carry the entire rig about 100 feet from my garage to where I shoot from.
I would have no problem traveling with this setup. I have been tracking with the AM5 at .35 - .53 most nights. I was also told by High Point that there are upgrade parts coming for the initial production runs. They have made a few upgrades and they want to up fit the ones already in the field.
The collimation procedure was pretty easy to learn but I do recommend purchasing a laser to assist. I have noticed that the scope has been holding its collimation very well. The collimation procedure only takes a couple minutes and it something anyone can learn.
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A Carbonstar was my first Newtonian and I like it a lot. Collimation is easier than I expected, and using Catseye Collimation Tools and instructions helped a lot
The pinched optics was an easy fix-just loosen the mirror clips so that the edge of a piece of paper fits between the mirror clip and mirror
Great scope
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hanks for the info.... A question, did you also get the 0.95x coma-corrector? And if so.. have any problems with it?? I went through the thread about folks experiencing problems with the Sharpstar 0.95x CC and the possibility that other 0.95x CC are the same but re-branded under a different name... *They had all problem with the TS implementation of that optical design but the Sharpstar is a different unit and no weird rainbows. At least of the ones I know including mine.
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I have been spending some additional time with the CarbonStar since my first comment. What I thought was pinched optics, was an error on my part as I was 16.5 mm short on my back focus. After I corrected that with High Point Scientific help, I am shotting with good stars on the edges.
I added a mirror mask to tune the diffraction spikes. Images are looking great. I really love this scope. It is super light weight and I can carry my entire rig (AM5 mount) from my garage to my driveway with no issues. The collimation was easy, and it holds it collimation very well.
It's going to be a good fall/winter of shooting. This summer really sucked in North Carolina for clear skies. I hope that is about to change.
Rob
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@Phil Eng I do. I have been shooting with a Sky Watcher Evostar 72ED. Not the most high performance scope, but it has been a great 1st scope. I am going to keep this as my 2nd rig. I have noticed the CarbonStar does collect light faster as my exposure times have been shorter with the carbonstar. It looks like the quality is a little better with the carbonstar. The big difference is the carbonstar is a 600mm F/L and the Evostar is 375 F/L. I have to frame up my shots differently now and I don't get as much wide field. The Evostar has much better wide field shots. Something to think about. This is why I am keeping both rigs. I am shotting OSC with the carbonstar and I use the Optolong Ultimate filter. The combination works very well. Rob
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Just received my Apertura Carbonstar 150 a few days ago. I was watching a YouTuber with the same scope, stating he had issues with the back panel falling off when the weather was around 35 F. It happened to me as well. So my first night did not go all that well, though I was able to get some stars in focus. I ordered a 3D back panel and just received it yesterday. So looking for a good night to retest. A lot of folks seem to be happy with this scope, which is why i took the plunge.
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