Here is the place to talk about all those equipment(Telescope, Mounts, Eyepieces, etc...) you have. Not sure which scope/eyepiece is best for you? Trash it out here!
I've managed to find a site selling the R200SS for usd 1099 (Optcorp is still asking 1599) http://www.telescopes.net/doc/2500/item/VIXEN-2642
Wondering if its worth the more than 2x premium for a similar specced newtonian designed for photo: Am considering a new Orion 8" f/4, USD 449
Primary goal is DSLR photography and some visual with the Newt: Hope to get an 80mm refractor as my grab-and-go(non-imaging)/future guidescope
Any advice, particularly with R200SS users?
Thanks!
Hi,
Is it worth it?? That's a difficult question (I got my one at very good price, so it's worth it) to answer.
1) Optics: I don't think Vixen R200SS will be way better than the others.
2) Weight: Vixen R200SS is the lightest amoung most if not all of them. It'll be importance if you want to install lots of other stuffs on the scope with a limited loading capacity mount.
3) Build: Vixen R200SS tube will not deform when you remove the primary mirror cell or secondary mirror spider. Base on my experience, most of the others will deform when you remove the above from the scope. As a result, install those back will be quite difficult and sometime danagerous (to the scope) if you are not careful (I'm one of the victim).
4) Collimation: Vixen R200SS hold the collimation very well compare to most of the them.
Anyway, just come and take a look at my Vixen R200SS on this Saturday lor.
Have a nice day.
Yang Weixing "The universe is composed mainly of hydrogen and ignorance."
Hahaha! thanks for the invite but unfortunately I'm working through this Sat night! (If not I'll have jumped at the offer )
Still, USD 1100 is not a bad price, plus shipping and GST maybe still less than SDG1800, which is quite close to the 2nd hand asking price on some previous posts
BUT an Orion 8" f/4 will cost under 800 to ship, even allowing for a generous shipping weight
If you are doing DSLR photog, and wish to use it for visual, go for the Orion one. Bigger bang for the buck. But if you are looking for a Long term investment and will probably upgrade, get the r200ss.
You won't see much difference between the quality because you are using a DSLR. If using CCD, I will suggest the R200ss. It is the best IMAGING newtonian I have used so far. (You may need to get a coma corrector).
Due to the oversized secondary mirror, you won't be seeing much contrast. 4 inch refractors still beats it for planetary and lunar viewing. Its fast f-ratio makes it ideal for viewing open clusters and star clouds and wider stuff (m31, m41, m45, etc)
"The universe is composed mainly of hydrogen and ignorance." 