I have ordered the scope via http://www.kasai-trading.jp/stocked-telescopes.htm. Yes, every single description on the webpage is in Japanese. You can make out what items to go with this scope and how much it will cost in Japanese yen. But the vendor is able to email in English. So fret not! I went to email them directly via order@kasai-trading.jp but actually there is one link for enquiries: inquiry@kasai-trading.jp.
So I eventually confirmed the specs and total cost of the scope with the vendor, Mr Kasai-san on 17 March 2014 via email. The scope arrived to SG on 19th March 2014 and delivered to me on 20th March 2014 evening! The total cost of the scope includes the shipping and paypal 3% charge. No extra cost upon delivery at SG.
The box arrived: L:540mm x W:350mm x H:240mm
This is an 8 inch F5 scope with FL of 1000. The one thing about this scope is that you pay for the parts of the scope such as finderscope base, vixen adapter, light shroud ring, light shroud. You will notice a row of 6 holes on the main support arm. Those holes facilitate the user to re-position the secondary mirror to achieve the required back focus and thereby a faster F-ratio.
Helical focuser with endpoint stopper so that you won't find your eyepiece dropping off the scope! It gives a reasonably tight feel while in operation unlike other helical focusers which are comparatively flimsier to use
The secondary mirror assembly and primary mirror cell are made in such a way that they could be secured by 2 x securing thumbscrews:
The inner 3 x thumbscrews are for collimation. The 2 x extra thumbscrews near the edge of the metal box are the securing screws for the secondary assembly to attach itself to the primary mirror cell for storage.
There are another 4 x thumbscrews for holding the primary mirror cell and the secondary mirror assembly.
Assembling this scope isn't too difficult but you will need enough space and a level surface to do it. The whole scope weighs in at 5.3 kg.
The main support is held by a non-magnetic metal material. The support arm for the secondary mirror assembly is swivelled out via a hinged held by 2 x socket screws.
The secondary mirror assembly and primary mirror cell:
I am impressed by the speed of delivery and also the cleanliness of the mirrors. And the Primary mirror is centre-marked. Impeccable service!!
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Pros:
-Light weight and ease of assembly
-Easily portable i.e. The largest part of the scope is the combined mirror cell and secondary mirror assembly which is only 320mm x 270mm x 120mm and weigh 4.3 kg. You can stow it away in your backpack.
-With the 8 inch scope weighing in at just 5.3 kg, this allows the use of my Skywatcher GOTO tripod.
-The secondary mirror assembly can be re-positioned, giving the user the needed back focus and a faster F ratio. Astrophotographers may benefit from this.
Cons:
- Care to be taken when assembling the scope. Must be on level surface.
- Extremely exposed Primary mirror. You know what I mean.
- The focuser position is actually perpendicular to the OTA - straight up. The Zingaro 6 inch was designed to be slung via a strap for handheld stargazing. Apparently, the same design consideration was factored in the 8 inch too. So it is a bit awkward compared to our usual Newtonians that has the focuser affixed at an angle.
Since the rain has finally arrived, I have yet to first light the scope. I will update as I go along. Thanks for reading!
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