Duff

From: Doink (skyman102a_at_aol.com)
Date: 12/15/04 

Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 19:57:31 -0800

AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!!!

I completely agree!!!! These guys have been around astronomy for years and
struggle with a simple question like "what telescope should I
buy"...pinheads. If experienced people can't make recommendations because
it's all just too complicated who can? Oh yeah, star parties. It REALLY
isn't THAT complicated. Read the reviews in Cloudy Nights---Do any say, "I
would not recommend this telescope"? huh? ANY?????

"Duff Couillard" <kintara@telus.net> wrote in message
news:IGMvd.35968$Ya4.19886@edtnps84...
>I don't think it would be too difficult for people to respond with what
>they
> know about. As an example, I could tell someone that I use a home-built
> 10"
> F5 truss tube dob and this is what I like about it, and this is what I
> don't
> like about it. There are changes that I want to make to my scope, and
> accessories that I'd like that would enhance the performance of the scope.
> Every scope has it's advantages and it's weakness', and maybe this is all
> that the newbie is looking for.
>
> Duff Couillard
>
>
> "Doink" <skyman102a@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:10rucpf9qr7921d@corp.supernews.com...
>> Hi Group...
>>
>> As a fairly new observer, may I make a couple points for discussion
> without
>> getting a bee hive excited?
>>
>> First, when people post a question here there are always the usual
>> answers
>> of "join a group" "use different ones and compare" "take a class" Etc...
>> Those answers can be boiled to a template of pat answers are really not
>> helpful unless the one posing the question is really, errr, dumb. For
>> example, if someone were to post, "is a refractor or reflector better?"
>> There would be a host of, "look in both and decide which view best suites
>> you". Duh.
>>
>> What really helps is when people explain the differences from their
>> experience. Most newbies won't even discern a difference if they DID
>> look
>> through the various types---unless they had opportunity to compare a 3"
>> refractor with a 30" Dob. Then they would come away thinking reflectors
> are
>> better.
>>
>> Many, of the regular posters here give great detail and are very patient
>> with dispensing information. I just wanted to put that out to this
>> group...Your collective experience is very valuable.
>>
>> Another thing I've noticed is that it's hard to get really critical
> reviews
>> on telescopes and accessories. Oh yes, there are many places to get
>> reviews, but you never see a bad review! Forget about the department
> store
>> crap---no need to go there. But, you'd think every mass produced
> reflector
>> had a 1/40th waver mirror with .99999 strehl and feather touch focuser,
> etc.
>> It looks to me like once we buy something, we WANT it to be good so it
>> is!
>> I've seen posts about R&P focusers like this: "On first use it was stiff
>> with much image shift but after removing the sticky Chinese grease and
>> relubing with lithium grease, then adjusting the set screws, it is now
>> buttery smooth with no image shift." That's BS. yes, those basic R&Ps
> can
>> be improved but you're not going to make a $29 focuser into a
>> Feathertouch
>> with grease and a screwdriver. See what I mean? I think, as experienced
>> users, we should be more critical about the equipment. That's not
> negative.
>> But as an inexperienced consumer it's hard to find really solid
>> critiques.
>> Basically ALL the reviews on Cloudy Nights are positive just as every
>> telescope for sale on Astromart fives "pin point star images" and can
> split
>> the double-double easily.
>>
>> I just wanted to throw these thoughts on the table for general discussion
>> and not as a criticism of anyone...
>>
>> Doink
>>
>>
>
>

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