Well I have to say it is refreshing to hear folks speak scientifically regarding scopes, well there seems to be alot of conversations regarding refractor vrs reflector and Robert makes a good argument for refractor being properly baffeled and usually reflectors are not may i suggest you aquire 2 books one is by Harold Suiter on star testing a scope and the other is ATM book 3, there is a large section on making a photographic telescope, I realize you are not going to make your own how ever the information is useful. I have friends that shoot with astrophisics i shoot with newtonians and a cook triplet, the question is aperture. Seeing must be very good to appreciate large aperture viewing, My 12.5 inch i must say rarely is there a good enoungh night to exploit its potential I agree wiht robert on the newtonian idea except the film plane size is small if you are serious about photos you will want a large flat field. for medium to large format film. It must be realized that some of the abbirations do not appear on the film even thought they exist due to the fact they are a small pecentage of the light in a refractor. The Best thing for you is to aquire samll 4" refractor and a 8" dob reflector both being around f7 and observe with them and learn the pros and cons for your self in your inviroment and situation, Then go for the scope of oyur dreams also Takahashi?? makes some very fine insturments that are newtonian schmidt camera combos, that are very good and worth investigating. regards Tom

• Re: Scopes - daViper - July 14, 1999 - 02:01 UTC