Re: Refractor vs. Reflector?

From: David Knisely (ka0czc_at_navix.net)
Date: 09/13/04 

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2004 23:37:35 -0500

Marc Wolfe wrote:

> OK, groan. Just how *bad* is non-daytime planetary viewimg with the
> included correct image diagonal? (I looked that up, BTW, and found I
> was correct in my guess as to what it was when it was at home.)
>
> Time's getting short and I've got about two weeks before his birthday
> so I could rush-order a star diagonal. In for a penny in for a pound.
>
> And, if they're absolutely essential, can anyone suggest a non-crappy
> model?

For daytime use under 40x, the included amici-prism diagonal isn't exactly
unusable, as it gives a fairly decent image (it just isn't quite as good as a
mirrored one). For astronomy at powers beyond 40x, you will be better off
with a mirrored unit however. I like the Tele Vue mirrored star diagonal, but
it cost about as much as the scope did, so it isn't exactly cheap (but it is
quite good). Clear skies to you. 

-- 
David W. Knisely  KA0CZC@navix.net
Prairie Astronomy Club: http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
Hyde Memorial Observatory: http://www.hydeobservatory.info/
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