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Largest Aperture < 8 Lbs

Discussion in 'General Astronomy Chat' started by Diogenes, May 15, 2016.

Largest Aperture < 8 Lbs

Started by Diogenes on May 15, 2016 at 8:40 PM

4 Replies 1610 Views 0 Likes

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  1. Diogenes

    Diogenes Active Member

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    Any folks here have any suggestions for the largest aperture scope under 8 lbs (for the OTA)? That is the stated limit for my UA Dwarfstar, which I suspect is somewhat conservative. Looking to possibly relegate my C90 to full time spotting/birdwatching scope if something reasonably bigger can be found.
     
  2. Dave In Vermont

    Dave In Vermont Well-Known Member

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    This looks to be another case for adding the weight of a scopes' OTA to the descriptions/specifications supplied in the descriptions of telescopes. About all I can think of as belonging on the 'short-list' would be a small (102mm?) achromatic refractor - maybe?

    The HST - Hubble Space Telescope - would certainly fit the bill. Of course transportation would be quite expensive......

    I'll get my hat -

    Dave
     
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  3. bventrudo

    bventrudo Staff

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    The Vixen VMC110L Mak-Cass comes in at 4.6 lbs and 110 mm aperture. It might do the job.
     
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  4. Auriga

    Auriga Active Member

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    I think the ideal largest aperture scopes for the DwarfStar would include:
    -C5 SCT (stated to be same length and weight as C90)
    -Orion Starblast or equivalent (4.5" F/4 Reflector)
    -the 102mm F/5 refractor mentioned by Dave

    The only one of those three I have used is Starblast, which is now my main grab&go scope. One nice thing about the reflector is that the ergonomics make tracking easier than CAT or refractor. I find I can conveniently put a light touch at each end of the scope simultaneously to move the scope, as opposed to grabbing a diagonal and adjusting from just one end of the scope. I get better control with the two-hand movements.

    I have found the DwarfStar to be plenty strong. I have used C6, C102, and ST120 on it at lower powers. Far from ideal, but it's nice to have such an option for travel. I was very much torn between the 114mm F/4 reflector and 130mm F/5 for grab and go on DwarfStar. I suspect the 130 F/5 would passable in terms of stability, but bulk and awkwardness for carrying would be substantially increased. I wanted a one-handed carry and the Starblast has been great for me.
     
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  5. jgroub

    jgroub Well-Known Member

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    My 5-inch Mak's OTA is supposed to be a hair under 8 lbs. That should do nicely.
     
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