SV F80M FinderScope as a TravelScope

vermin498 · Post by **vermin498** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:59 am

Ok guys, Need help here on a FinderScope as a travel Scope.

I am a newbie, but hv basic understanding of astronomy. Wanted to get a good lightweight scope for terrestial as well as the Stars.

Thinking of getting me a SV F80M for a scope for easy handling and travelling purposes and also make it as a good finder scope if i ever get hooked on it and invest in another bigger aperture scope.

My question is ?

Will it be enuf for planet viewing?
Is it good for Stars?
what is the highest magnification on this scope?
How big will Saturn be if i use this scope for planets?
Can i add attachments for photo taking?
Is it worth the US$199?

Yes, i am sorry for asking all this stupid questions but i think its necessary for me to better understand its capabilities before investing.

Thanks in Advance :oops:

vermin498 · Post by **vermin498** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:24 am

Oh and yes i forgot to mention ....
Can i use this scope with one of those 8 to 24 mm zoom eyepiece?
I dun wan to be carrying unnecessary weight when i am up on the hils with my Pack

Thanks again

mrngbss · Post by **mrngbss** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:50 am

You should get a William Optics SD66. This can be a good finderscope in the future.

Post by **acc** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:17 pm

Eh 66mm will guarantee disappointment if used as an only scope due to its very limited aperture.

Vermin (heh do your friends call you that!

), an 80mm scope will give you good views of the brightest open clusters and nebulas, show the cloud bands of jupiter and rings of saturn easily, and hundreds of craters on the moon. Yes you can use the zoom eyepiece and any others without problem. Even better if the scope accepts 2" eps.

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:33 pm

Thinking of getting me a SV F80M for a scope for easy handling and travelling purposes and also make it as a good finder scope if i ever get hooked on it and invest in another bigger aperture scope.

My question is ?

Will it be enuf for planet viewing?
Is it good for Stars?
what is the highest magnification on this scope?
How big will Saturn be if i use this scope for planets?
Can i add attachments for photo taking?
Is it worth the US$199?

I am using the SVF80MI as a travel scope and superfinder.

Here's my feedback:
1. not enough for planets, unless you just want to see two bands on Jupiter.
2. Ok for stars and wide-field deepsky objects.
3. perhaps about 60-80x.
4. you can just make out the tiny Saturn rings
5. I have not tried photo taking. It has a 1.25" diagonal; a newer version has 2" barrel but cost more.
6. it all depends on individual needs/satisfaction.

vermin498 · Post by **vermin498** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:38 pm

Hi guys,

my frens call me mad but sound wierd in english anyway .... my name is samad.

and wow what a response i get ...
My main concern is mainly weight coz i will most porbably be on foot on the treks.
dats y d SV F80 comes to my mind .... not to concern abt clarity as i realise i hv to compromise on something.

anything else that i should know abt the scope?
and Thanks guys

tungkian · Post by **tungkian** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 5:13 pm

hmm..if it's lidat, maybe u can just get the meade ETX80 mm..it's a refractor, plus it's light, plus it has autostar GOTO electronics, plus it's only USD299..so if you get it shipped over by vpost, wun be more than 600 dollars. (i factored shipping in as 150 dollars..which is an extraordinarily high estimate. i've seen the box that the etx80mm is in, and it is pretty small..so volumetric weight will be quite low).

tungkian · Post by **tungkian** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 5:14 pm

i forgot to add..it's called a backpack telescope too! and it comes in a backpack!!! haha..serious!

MooEy · Post by **MooEy** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:06 pm

if weight and backpacking is really a concern, i think i would lean towards a pair of binos. or if a scope is really needed, maybe look at the astrotech/wo 66mm with a puny slik tripod.

if u really wan 80mm worth, i think the borg77ed would make a far better choice. it has impressive optics, and a super lightweight tube. prolly compliment ur future big scope well. but do note it's expensive. nowhere near that usd 200 mark.

~MooEy~

Post by **acc** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:56 pm

Hi Samad
Well given your situation of needing a light scope to bring along for trekking, I guess the SV scope is a good compromise. Anyway, Jupiter and Saturn can be viewed anywhere, so you might want to concentrate on star clusters and DSOs when you are under dark skies.