Hi!
I am relatively new in the DSO astrophotography and I could use some help in determining what telescope I should get.
I have.
ASI2600MC Pro
AM5N
I was hoping to keep the cost below $2500 but if there is a clear winner like the Esprit 100, I will save up for that. Ideally I would want the telescope to be no slower than native f5.6 (without a reducer) and looking at focal length 400-500. My choices so far are:
FRA400/FRA500
Esprit 100mm ED Triplet APO
Askar SQA85 Quintuplet Refractor
I would love to hear from the community on which one out of the four above they consider the best and or what other options I have missed.
Thanks again in advance!
Michael
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
You cannot go wrong with any of these. I can't tell you which is the absolute best, though. Sorry!
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I have an Askar 400. Totally love the scope. I have 7 telescopes and the little Askar gets used the most. Gives some really good images and is easy to guide. I have the ASI 2600 MM and MC and it works great with both.
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
[pre]I use the ASI 2600 MC Pro or 2600 MM Pro and the SW esprit 100.
The whole thing is perfect[/pre]
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
Hi!
The Esprit 100mm is an excellent choice, considering that it is a proven and reliable option in terms of quality. You can be confident that you won't be disappointed.
As for the SQA-85, there isn't any quality data available yet.
However, the spot diagrams provided by Askar are simply impressive – I haven't seen such spots in any other telescope, including Takahashi.
If the actual spot quality is close to the spot diagram, it will be an absolute favorite in this budget.
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
The Askar FRA 500 is within your budget and looks like a great scope with a big flat field and no back-space issues (due to the Petzval design). I do not have one but it is getting good reviews, like in this thread: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/822188-review-and-first-light-with-the-fra500-90mm-f56-quintuplet/Cheers, Göran
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I am very happy with my Askar FRA 400, and wil recommend this as a versatile and handy telescope!
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I have the FRA 500 + f3.9 reducer and the Askar FF107 (and reducer) both are excellent scopes with the 2600!
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
Hi,
I have a TS Imaging star 4,4. I use a NBZ 2" filter. Backfocus was at first a problem. I will post my latest images on astrobin soon. I made some mosaics that I like with these instruments.
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I have both the Esprit 100 & 120 and use my 2600mc pro on them. Currently my Esprit 100 is handling the pro now. I can’t talk about the Askar, but I know many have it and it does a great job from what I’ve seen. I just can’t speak on it. At some point I may pick one up just to give it a try in a wider field setup.
If you’re trying to stay within your 2k - 2500 you could pick up the Esprit 100 used. They do come up once and a while.
Either way good luck and I’m sure you’ll have a great setup once you get any of these scopes!
Dale
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
Michael:
Hi!
I am relatively new in the DSO astrophotography and I could use some help in determining what telescope I should get.
I have.
ASI2600MC Pro
AM5N
I was hoping to keep the cost below $2500 but if there is a clear winner like the Esprit 100, I will save up for that. Ideally I would want the telescope to be no slower than native f5.6 (without a reducer) and looking at focal length 400-500. My choices so far are:
FRA400/FRA500
Esprit 100mm ED Triplet APO
Askar SQA85 Quintuplet Refractor
I would love to hear from the community on which one out of the four above they consider the best and or what other options I have missed.
Thanks again in advance!
Michael I just went over to CN and found this posted over there. Not sure where your located but gives you an idea about second had pricing. https://www.cloudynights.com/classifieds/item/388099-askar-fra500-with-f39-reducer/Dale
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
You might also want to take a look at the AstroTech AT-90CFT from Astronomics. It is a 90mm APO triplet with a carbon fiber tube. It has gotten rave reviews, and the images taken with it look terrific.
Ron Abbott
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
FRA400/FRA500
Esprit 100mm ED Triplet APO
Askar SQA85 Quintuplet Refractor
I would love to hear from the community on which one out of the four above they consider the best and or what other options I have missed. Michael, I think any of them would be fine choices. There are some other scopes in the Askar brand that would be good choices too. Additionally, some of the William Optics scopes would be good choices. The ASI2600 sensor at 2.76u works well with a wide range of focal lengths. I think a good place to start is with the image scale and determining where a given scope/focal length falls in relation to being under, ideal, over sampled. Use the tool in Astronomy Tools, https://astronomy.tools/calculators/ccd_suitability. When I use the tool, I usually keep it set for OK seeing as in my area (Vermont) the the nights of Good seeing are few and Exceptional seeing is rare. The tool is not a hard and fast rule either, but it is a good guide to let you know if you are far over or under samples. According to the tool, anything from 400-1100mm focal length is ideal sampling, but even though 300mm might be considered undersampled, you would probably not notice it once you collected and stacked a few hours of data. The same is true for longer focal lengths such as a C8 SCT at 2000mm or with a reducer at 1280mm. John Schnupp, N3CNL 2007 R1200RT +79,300 1995 XLH 1200 106,495 (retired) Georgia, VT44.7675°N, 73.1592
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
Thanks John
I have been using those tools along with the FOV to make sure the telescopes are what I am going to use them for. also the telescope simulator is very helpful.
thanks
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I'd encourage you to go with a scope that has a reducer associated (e.g: FRA or FF) this gives you a lot of flexibility!
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
Depending on how important the telescope's speed is to you, it might be worth considering a RASA 8" as well (f/2). I don't have one yet, but this will be my next scope. As long as I need to travel for most of my imaging, I figure a faster scope provides more utility than the low maintenance and arguably better image quality of triplet refractors.
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
Michael:
FRA400/FRA500
Esprit 100mm ED Triplet APO
Askar SQA85 Quintuplet Refractor Hi I once had FRA400, and now I have several scopes around 300-500mm (65PHQ, FRA300, SQA55, 80PHQ, VSD90SS) I can recommend these two. FRA400 was sold when I got 80PHQ. 80PHQ + Reducer, 455mm f/5.4, $1,548 = very sharp on center, budget friendly SQA85, 408mm f/4.8 $2,395 = not field proven but we can expect incredible sharpness. these are bit expensive Esprit 100, 550mm f/5.5, $3,210. Vixen VSD90SS, 495mm f/5.5, about $4,500. 400mm-500mm + APS-C is very nice FOV, you can enjoy famous nebulas.
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I have a Sky-watcher Evostar 120mm it is an apochromatic that I don’t see any CA with but does need a field flattener that takes it from 900mm to 765mm. It’s within your budget, but I would probably go for redcat 51 an AM3 mount and an asi2600Mc pro Duo. Has guide scope sensor, main scope sensor of 26 megapixel and an ASIAIR plus. That’s what I want. Mini redcat aperture is F3.5
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
FYI I believe the FRA 500 has the best perf of the FRA range, certainly there are a lot of concerns about the 600 … esp relative to the 500 … also aperture is king!
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I also use the Esprit 100 and have produced some very nice images. It is a great scope. It's not too heavy. It has a decent focuser and finding focus is very easy and it'll maintain focus for hours if you're not using an EAF. The main drawback for the Esprit is the rotator. It's big, it's awkward and difficult to use depending on how your setup is configured. Also… the dovetail is very small. I'd recommend replacing it immediately with at least an 11" losmandy . I don't know anything about the Askar brand, however. Check out the FL90 from Wlliam Optics as well. 91mm aperture and only 10mm less in focal length and a touch slower at 5.7. But, it's also $1200 cheaper.
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
Our local astronomy club has the SW Esprit 100 setup in the observatory. Its one year old and the screws on the bottom of the focuser are already rusty and the dew shield is sloppy. Photos with our 2600MM Pro are ok.
I own an Askar FRA500 and its a really nice Petzval. I went with it as I was in the same boat as yourself. Our clubs Esprit turned me off it. The dew cap is decent and does not move… The focuser is nice and sturdy. Overall I reckon built way better than the SW. Photos are fine with a 2600MM Pro. I do have the Askar reducer (my boys bought it for me as a gift) sort of defeats the purpose of a petzval design but nice photos. Using ZWO spacers its not at 350 focal length but 348mm.
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I did forget to mention the dew shield does like to move around, I remedied this by putting the scope on a 15" losmandy and placing the front ring right up against the shield to hold it somewhat firm. It is a nice scope but, I'm not sure it's $3200.00 nice.
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I got the Esprit 100mm, its perfect and durable. I would suggest it if you not using in travel (most the time).. its a little bit heavy.. And I think those who own the AM5 love a light weight setup  The second choice would be the Askar SQA85, Now I don't own this model, but I have the ASKAR ACL200 and its great optical so, its a comparison idea. Clear Sky !!
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
I can recommend the 65PHQ; it's a sharp little monster, and does good at APS-C
but you might get tired of the (sort of) large FOV (416mm FL)
if you want something around 700mm, then I would recommend a 107PHQ
|
You cannot like this item. Reason: "ANONYMOUS".
You cannot remove your like from this item.
Editing a post is only allowed within 24 hours after creating it.
You cannot Like this post because the topic is closed.
Copy the URL below to share a direct link to this post.
This post cannot be edited using the classic forums editor.
To edit this post, please enable the "New forums experience" in your settings.
