From: "Russell Jocoy" 
To: astroguy{at}nas.com, atm{at}shore.net
Reply-To: "Russell Jocoy" 






>From: "Kreig McBride" 
>Reply-To: "Kreig McBride" 
>To: 
>Subject: ATM folded refractors, large refractors, "play value"
>Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 16:23:13 -0800
>
>
>Having observed through hundreds (thousands?) of telescopes,   I have found
>a few, very sweet performing scopes, both reflectors and many refractors.
>Very large scopes (20" and up, often perform poorly unless EVERYTHING is
>aligned perfectly, the optics are excellent, the support system really
>supports, and the scope is properly mounted with no sag or "kick
back".  No
>surprises here.  The few large scopes that do perform nicely are a joy!!!!
>
>In regards to smaller instruments, convenience and ease of set up are
>important, and views from smaller scopes can also be a joy, again if all
>the
>systems are working properly. My favorite views of all time are through a
>14" f/7 newtonian, found in Canada, several  6" to 16"
reflectors, a couple
>of large newts, and literally dozens of refractors.
>
>What has this to do with refractors??  I own and use both 5" and 8"
>refractors and would not trade them for anything else.  They are straight
>through, not folded, the images are super!! Even with secondary color, (who
>cares?)  The 8" f/13.3 is indeed a large instrument but still very
>portable.
>Time from car to complete set up is 20 minutes or less if you dont watch
>the
>clock.  :-)   Not bad considering the 1.1 degree field of views and/or the
>400x magnifications on the planets.  Yes it is worth working with a large
>(long) instrument.  If you dont own a large refractor you cant really
>comment on how worthwhile they really are as your comments are truly
>speculation.
>
>One other subject rarely discussed is the "play value" of any
instrument
>you
>use.  Is it fun to use? Does your instrument bring out the
"kid" in you?
>If
>it does, you have a great scope.  If the "play value" is
missing then time
>to look at why.
>
>It does not matter what kind, size, or type of telescope you use. What does
>matter is if you are pleased with what you have.
>
>Kreig McBride
>Bellingham, WA
>Telescope Optics Workshop
>www.wwu.edu/~skywise/optics.html
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
("atm{at}shoe.net")

     KREIG,   here, here,   I believe your statements as true as the stars
in the sky. You can have a great
mirror in a crummy mount and fight for a good view forever.
                                             RUSS...
("atm{at}shore.net")

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