User Product Reviews

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Comment by Blaine Hebert on June 2, 2015 at 11:01pm

Comment by Fredrich Clarkson on December 9, 2014 at 5:54am

I see there hasn't been any activity here for quite some time. I wonder are there any people out there that have used the Astro Tech 8" RC? I use a C 11 inch with Hyperstar and would like to get something a little smaller weight wise. Comments would be appreciated.

Rick
Tucson

Comment by Clas Gripenberg on May 30, 2013 at 3:51am

BT2EQ6 Bluetooth Module for EQ6

A few days ago I received a BT2EQ6 Bluetooth Module for EQ6 from Doug Anderson's Shoestring Astronomy. It works very well with my Bluetooth laptop and I got rid of an other cable.

Cheers,

Clas

Comment by Astro-Photographer Jules Vieira. on January 12, 2013 at 12:23pm

I love my PENTAX K-5 and Pentax K10D and my Nikon D3100 14.2 Effective MegaPixel and 10.2 Effective MegaPiexel Pentax and Nikon Pro-DSLRs. Canon lenses are NOT my favourite, but the interface of Nikon and Pentax have always been my selection Pro-DSLRs of use after my Meade Pro II Chilled C.C.D. Cameras of Astro-Photographic use. If you have any questions on Meade, Pentax and Nikon Cameras for Astro-Photography, Please leave me "ASTRONOMY Magazine December 1982 backissues" Astro-Photographer "Jules Vieira" on how to use your Cameras for Astro-Photographic use using DeepSky Stacker or Registax V5.0 and Stellarium, have happy clear Stellar-Star Skies and Astro-Photographic Skies. Sign "Astro-Photographer Jules Vieira of Canada,Ontario Summer Skies Clear of Oakville, Ontario, CANADA?!!!

Comment by William Neff on December 9, 2012 at 8:23pm

Hello all: Just a note about the CANON 60Da for astrophotos, I purchased on of these last week, tested at home and all was fine, went in the field for a real test to learn about 3 hours of imaging a computer warning lost connection, camera turned off and would not re-start, returned to OPT got another one, NEW, here in the field first nithe no issues, second night camera would not work, ready for another trip to OPT, I wish I new the problem, been using the Canon 400D for 6 years with no issues, same cables, power at camera......be aware.

Comment by Jordi Artigas on March 3, 2012 at 10:51am

Hi Jules, do you know a DSS like software that works in iMac?

Comment by Steve Coates on February 14, 2011 at 5:54pm

Good to know, thanks.

Comment by John O'Neal on February 14, 2011 at 5:40pm

Steve,the AT8IN is a bit difficult to collimate. Basically, the shorter the focal length, the more difficult collimation is. At f/4.0 the curvature of the mirrors are pretty steep compared to the flatness of a mirror at f/10. This curvature makes even the slightest movement much more exaggerated than than of a flatter mirror.
That being said, collimation is not a problem if you're aware. Take smaller steps, that's all. I particularly like the large knobs. Plus the addition of locking knobs. (The locking knobs are shaped differently, so you can feel the difference in the dark.They're also colored differently.)
I've also noticed that because of the stability of the tube and the strength and superior orthoganality of the focuser that this scope requires much less collimation than my former 8"Newt.

Comment by Steve Coates on February 14, 2011 at 12:39pm

Nice review John. I've been real happy with the 6" RCT. Astro-Tech has an excellent product line to include the RCT and refractors. How hard is it to collimate the 8" Newt, I've heard they can be difficult but I never knew why (if that is the case).

Comment by John O'Neal on February 13, 2011 at 4:01pm

I think what impressed me most about the Astro-Tech scopes, is that they are designed specifically for astrophotographers. Every other telescope I've ever purchased was designed for visual use and if you wanted to use it photographically you had to modify it. Move the mirror and it's cell forward, or add an extension tube or buy a different focuser, or a field flattener or focal reducer, etc.
The Astro-techs come ready to use photographically. If you want to use them visually you have to go through some modifications. I thought this was a totally fresh,new concept.

Comment by John O'Neal on February 13, 2011 at 10:13am

Hi, Group, my new Astro-Tech 8" f/4.0 Imaging Newtonin (AT8IN) finally arrived (February,2010) and I must say it is a real treat. I’ve always been told that you can’t improve on the Newtonian design, but to my surprise Astro Tech did just that. They didn’t change the optics, they changed everything else, including the tube.

For starters, the tube extends about 8 inches out past the front of the secondary mirror. In this added space several baffles line the inside of the tube. This baffled extension keeps any stray light from entering the tube, essentially darkening the background sky and increasing contrast at the camera/eyepiece. In case some stray light should be near the imaging train and not get caught in the forward baffles, there are baffles down the length of the tube as well.

Of course, the scope sat in my observatory for the obligatory week long cloudy period that follows the purchase of any new scope. And the cloudy period ended on the night of full moon, which doesn’t even surprise me any more…

I must say, this scope is FASSSSSSSSSST…. And will require some getting used to. And it's WIDE... WOW, I got the entire Pleiades in the camera image. That’s awesome in an 8 inch scope…

Also, take note of the large collimation screws and locks on the back end of the tube. And while you're there, check out the fan that is included in the base price of the scope. The finder and focuser extension tube for visual use are also standard features. Even the rings came with the scope. It’s a real bargain considering I had to purchase all these items as “EXTRAS” on my old 8 inch Newt.
I've had the AT8IN for a year now and I am still in awe of the performance I get from this scope. I've used Newts all my life and this is the unequivical winner, hands down!
AT8IN Page at Astronomics