RE: [APML] Tak Sky Patrol II vs. Kenko Sky Memo

["R. Scott Ireland" <ireland@gate.net>]

Hi Jon,

Thanks very much for the info.  I did run across some of Dave's images (on
his webpage) which he made with the Kenko, and it looks like it does a great
job.

My only hesitation is that the Tak allows manual adjustments to be made to
declination, which would permit you to cover the lens and make some hand
corrections.  And, crude though that may be, it at least does allow for some
correction to longer exposures.

But I'm still leaning slightly more towards the Kenko - the polar scope
looks like a snap to use (looks like it's the same one as on my G-11),
whereas the Tak polar scope looks awkward.

Still thinking . . .   I will definitely let you know which way I decide to
go and how it works out.

Thanks again,

Best regards,

Scott

website:  http://www.rsiphotos.com/
email:  ireland@gate.net

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-astro-photo@seds.org [mailto:owner-astro-photo@seds.org]On
> Behalf Of Jon Kolb
> Sent: Friday, September 06, 2002 1:46 PM
> To: astro-photo@seds.org
> Subject: RE: [APML] Tak Sky Patrol II vs. Kenko Sky Memo
>
>
> Hi Scott,
>
> > I need to make a quick decision on which of two small
> > equatorial platforms to acquire for making widefield images
> > while traveling.
> >
> > I would plan to use mostly normal to mild telephoto lenses
> > (35mm film), in the range of 35mm through maybe 200mm focal
> > length.  It would, of course, be nice if it could handle a
> > 300mm f/4.5 also.
> >
> > The choice is between the Takahashi Sky Patrol II and the
> > Kenko Sky Memo (available from Hutech).
> >
> > Size and weight are obviously important for packing in
> > luggage for plane travel, but they both look like they would work.
> >
> > Anyone have any experience with these, or know of someone who has?
>
> I haven't used either one, but I was at one time making a similar
> comparison for the same reasons.  The Hutech appealed to me because of
> the on-axis polar alignment scope and the ability to mount a second
> instrument.  My plan was to mount a small scope like a Ranger or similar
> on the other side, and drift align for better unguided shots - or even
> guide in RA depending on the accuracy of the drive.
>
> Dave Kodama has used the Hutech model, and I'm sure he'd be happy to
> consult with you on it's performance.  He may know someone who's used
> the Tak unit through his club.  In the interest of full disclosure, Dave
> works with Ted at Hutech, but he's a straight-up guy, and I don't think
> he'd give you a sales pitch over factual information.  If you don't have
> his email, I can send it to you off-list.
>
> If you get either one of these, I'd be very interested to hear how it
> works out for you.
>
> Sincerely,
> Jon Kolb
> Adventures in Astrophotography
> http://home.datawest.net/jkolb/
> jkolb@datawest.net
>
>
>
>
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