Re: Refractor vs. Reflector?
From: Tom Royer (troyer_at_mitre.org)
Date: 09/08/04
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Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 14:02:27 -0400
"SCB" <bradleyre@tns.net> wrote in message
news:1094598775.970042@allergic.reaction.org...
> MrAoD wrote:
> > Thanks to all who replied. The information supplied was very helpful.
Based
> > on that I've revised my initial decision as follows:
> >
> > 1. Ixnay on the Bushnell line. I chose Bushnell for name familiarity
from
> > hunting optics way back in the 80s. Either the brand has declined or
their
> > astronomy line isn't comparable.
> >
> > 2. Orion products look very tasty. I'm not hard up for cash and I
didn't mean
> > to imply a $200 ceiling was all I could afford, just that I wasn't sure
his
> > Lordship's interest in astronomy would continue and didn't see spending
a mint
> > on a passing fancy. It's more important to me that I don't kill his
interest
> > by getting a scope that's inadequate.
> >
> > 3. I'm now considering the Orion short tube 80, and the Starblast. I'd
prefer
> > the 80 since I can use it for terrestrial viewing also, but the choice
hinges
> > more on quick usability. Remember, I'm dealing with a 6 year old who
can tell
> > you why Sol won't end up as a black hole but still has a 6 year old
attention
> > span. More than 10 minutes of setup and he'll lose the mood (exactly
the
> > opposite of dealing with the missus ;-).
> >
> > If I buy the 80 I'll need to buy a tripod and if I buy the Starblast
I'll need
> > to figure out a platform for setup since most of our viewing will be in
the
> > field (camping, parks, beach). I'm assuming the DOB base of the blast
either
> > is or can be tapped for a tripod.
You won't want to mount the Starblast too high, or you'll then have to find
some
way for your son to get to the eyepiece. When Sky and Telescope reviewed
the Starblast, they commented that it was just the right height for young
children -- for stability, place a piece of plywood under it. For adults,
they
recommended setting it on an inverted five gallong bucket and using a chair.
In
the end, this latter might be the right way: depending on how tall your son
is,
he can probably view by standing and you can by sitting.
Good luck.
> >
> > Mounts. Should I buy an EQ or an altaz if I go with the 80? How long
does an
> > EQ take to set up and calibrate? I'm pretty certain the altaz is point
and
> > shoot.
> >
> > Thanks for the feedback, this is a great group.
> >
> > Marc
> Marc, a dob almost always sets up faster than a refractor--especially
> one such as the Starblast, which is essentially complete from the "get
go."
> With an EQ mount, you have to assemble the 'scope to the mount
> (sometimes assemble the mount), equatorially align, and then you're
> ready. Unless you carry as a unit, it takes 15 or so minutes to get
> everything "just so."
> An altaz mount is very useful for "quick looks;" a dob is altaz by its
> nature.
> Be sure that what you get fits the little person size-wise. (Eyepiece
> height, etc are as important as scope selection for a youngster).
> Good luck!
> It's a great hobby. Keep him interested in the world around him, and in
> space, etc.
> Steve B.
-- Tom Royer Lead Engineer The MITRE Corporation 202 Burlington Road Bedford, MA 01730 Voice: (781) 271-8399 Cell: (978) 290-2086 FAX: (781) 271-8500 "If you're not free to fail, you're not free." -- Gene Burns
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