Re: How much does the way a telescope looks play a role in whether you buy it?

From: Mark (markpippin_at_email.com)
Date: 02/01/05 

Date: 1 Feb 2005 07:33:41 -0800

Mechanical issues ARE important, especially so in the dark when you are
doing many things more by touch than by sight. Attributes such as slop
in the focuser, the type and size of the finder, the length of dew
shield and the weight and sturdiness of the mount are very important to
having an enjoyable and productive time in the field. Even accessory
trays and transport cases or bags are important when it comes time to
pack up and go home. If you have a hard time packing up or lose
something important while you are out you are less likely to go back.

So it's NOT all about the view through the eyepiece, it's the total
experience. And Yes, there are people who go equipment crazy and know
LESS about what's in the sky as a result.

Mark

Too_Many_Tools wrote:
> Your question is a good one...and in my opinion the answer is one
that
> many do not like to admit to.
>
> Many times what you are seeing is that people will focus on what they
> can relate to. A poor finish, rough mechanical fittings, paint chips,
> etc. are things that many reviewers will go on and on about because
> they are unable or unwilling to do a respectable optical or
mechanical
> review.
>
> It takes time, money, equipment and experience to do a complete
review
> on any product. Most reviewers are short on one or more of these
> resources.
>
> Stop and consider how many reviews you see for other consumer
products
> that are superficial and shallow. Reviewers will go on and on about
> small insignificant details while refusing to review the actual
> functionality of the product.
>
> Many small refractor discussions are an example of the non-review in
> the astronomy hobby. Take any review and highlight the actual
physical
> optical data that the review offers...it will be little to nil. How
> really good or bad are the optics? Numbers please. Is there color
where
> none should be? If so, then how about pictures and graphs measuring
> exactly how much? If the mount is shaky, then how much vibration is
> there? How much weight will the mount take before performance
actually
> suffers? I would sure like to know all these details...so would
others.
>
> Meanwhile, the reviewers will go on and on about the finish, the
feel,
> the look, the...well, you get the idea. Funny how it is always stuff
> that you can't see in the dark. Isn't the whole idea of this hobby is
> to look at the sky and not at the scopes. Scopes are merely a means
to
> that end.
>
> There is a saying, "You can't know what you won't measure."

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