Re: [ATM] considering different design

[Mark Holm <mdholm@telerama.com>]

I couldn't get that url to work.  Perhaps there is a typo?

Read the longish post I just wrote on the subject Re: [ATM] Mirrors

There are a whole bunch of advantages to doing a Newtonian as a first 
scope.  Not the least of these is a bunch of willing and experienced 
atms who have made them and can give good advice based on direct 
experience.  Building a telescope, especially the optical part is a 
challenge for the beginner.  Don't make it harder than it needs to  be.

The subject of what makes the best planetary telescope has been debated 
many times over several decades.  Many VERY knowledgeable and 
experienced people have contributed significantly.  These include more 
than one PhD wielding professional optical scientist.  The conclusion is 
that it is hard to beat a well made, medium to long focal ratio 
Newtonian.  By medium, I mean focal ratio of 7 - 9.  To do better than a 
well made Newt, you will have to make a significantly more difficult 
optical system to at least as tight, and very likely much tighter 
tolerances.  As Dave Berry often writes, I am most definitely not making 
this up.

-- 
Mark Holm
mdholm@telerama.com


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