Questar - Is it any good?

[douglas_clark]

I've been thinking about getting an astronomical telescope for a while. It needs to resolve discs, it needs to allow digital camera attachments, and it needs to resolve galaxies. The advertising says that a Questar would meet my needs, and have the benefit of being dual use as an ultra telephoto lens.<br /><br />Your views would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />douglas

 

[tfwthom]

Can you really afford a Questar? I know the owners swear by them but $4k is a lot to spend on a 3.5" scope.<br /><br />I'm guessing that you have a digital SLR so that you can remove the lens and use a T-mount.<br /><br />You might want to think about a TeleVue 76 or TV85. <br /><br />The fowl weather post has a shot of a peach-faced lovebird that I took through my TV85. (film test so not the best) http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=askastronomer&Number=149805&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=<br /><br />You might want to read this on birding optics http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/optics/scopes03.aspx Go down to The Astronomicals <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[douglas_clark]

TFWThom,<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to reply. Your raptor photographs are very impressive, BTW! I was thinking about second hand, rather than new. Having read your post and Crazyeddies, I'm going to research it more.<br /><br />douglas

 

[douglas_clark]

crazyeddie,<br /><br />Thanks for the reply. I was quite taken with the arguement that buying a cheap telescope might just put me off observing. But I'll need to reconsider that after your very helpful post.<br /><br />douglas