RE: [APML] Opinions on TV-85 vs. Tak 102-106

["Kirk M. Rogers" <krogers1@maine.rr.com>]

Alan:

I've found the FSQ does indeed have a hot spot shooting 6X7 (haven't used
35mm on it yet).  However, the gradient tool in Photoshop or similar
programs corrects this readily enough and I think the capability of this
instrument far outweighs this issue.  I've had my FSQ since May and shot
with it in New Mexico over the new moon end of May going into June - it was
astounding in my view; clearly this is an exceptional astrograph.  The
features noted in the previous posts are right on target, the focuser,
camera angle adjuster and flat field are significant with this scope in an
imaging system.  I don't have my FSQ set up for visual so cannot comment
about this.

Of the shots I returned with from the aforementioned trip, two were most
impressive (my view of course, you be the judge) one centered near M87 in
the Virgo Galaxy Cluster (Virgo/Coma Berenices) and a Rho Ophiuchus shot,
both with the FSQ at 60 minutes on E200 and a Pentax 6X7.  I'll attach links
to these from my website but will point out that the Virgo shot depth of
field can't be viewed properly in this size although the brighter galaxies
stand out.  There are nearly 80 galaxies in this image, which leads me to
believe the FSQ was designed for NM sky conditions.  I believe the Rho O
shot speaks for itself.

The FS102 is a fine telescope with terrific optics.  As a personal
observation, I'm not too interested in any instrument that won't accept
medium format as I believe this has many advantageous over a 35mm system
both at prime focus and wide field.

http://www.kiroastro.com/images/extraGalactic/galaxies2.jpg
http://www.kiroastro.com/images/milkyWay/rhoenhanced1.jpg
   
Kirk 

Kirk M. Rogers
A Shot in the Dark
www.kiroastro.com



Don

>
> It sounds like the 106 has several advantages over the 102. Although I
> have heard reports too of the hot spot, I didn't know it was confined
> to the 106. Anyone have more infor on this?
>
> Thanks,
> Alan


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