Re: What does it cost for a newcomer to astronomy?

Hi, Mark,

You are quite right that the costs do add up, and fast!! (I am especially
fond of Takahashi equipment, and it does not come cheap.) All of the items
that you mention are good to have -- some are essential -- and are well
worth the purchase price.

I hope the original poster will keep high-end apo refractors in mind. TEC,
TMB, Takahashi, AP, Vixen, etc. Although expensive, they will give a
lifetime of trouble-free enjoyment, and they have excellent resale value.

Bill


"Mark S. Holden" <mark@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:z-udnT2-gp2x13nfRVn-pQ@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Bill wrote:
> > Mark Holden's posting was a tad pessimistic, in my view. $10,000 will
buy
> > you a TEC 140 APO (that's a very-high-end 5.5" apochromatic refractor),
an
> > excellent Losmandy G-11 mount for it, a high-end diagonal, and several
> > high-end eyepieces.
> >
> > That is exactly the set-up I would buy right now -- if I could afford
it.
> >
> > I have observed with a TEC 140 APO, and it provided the best images that
a
> > telescope can provide -- for its aperture. And 5.5" of apo aperture
would
> > keep me happy for a lifetime. Look through a TEC 140 APO sometime under
a
> > dark sky, and you will (probably) understand what I mean.
> >
> > Bill
> >
>
> Hi Bill
>
> When I was buying my last scope, I chose a TMB 115 CNC largely because I
> wanted the largest top quality apo I could shoehorn into carry on
> luggage for when I fly to Florida. It was a convenient example,
> because I've done it this year.
>
> Otherwise, I guess it depends what you consider a complete setup.
>
> I included fudge factor for incidentals.
>
> Stainless counterweights.
>
> A battery pack or a power supply for the mount. (Maybe both)
>
> A polar alignment scope is a handy thing to have.
>
> So is an observing chair or stool.
>
> A white light solar filter is nice.
>
> Star charts and a red LED flashlight are important.
>
> A ddcap is a good idea to protect your optics.
>
> You'll want a case for the scope and maybe one for the mount and the
> tripod.
>
> I added a second focuser (feathertouch) to get additional in and out
> focus, and I went for a 1/26 wave quartz diagonal.
>
> $20 here, $450 there, it all starts to add up.
>


.

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