Cave Astrola 12.5"


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Brand and Model:Cave Astrola 12.5"
Price ($USD):discontinued
Type:Newtonian
Attributes: un-checked Go-To un-checked PEC
Aperture:318mm (12.5")
f Ratio:f/6
Focal Length:1908mm
Finder:8 X 50
Electric Power:110V AC
Mount:German Equatorial
Tripod:Steel pier w/ Casters
Weight (lbs):250 lbs.
Dimensions (w/h/d):16" X 84"
Description:http://www.omahaastro.com/cave/account_chavez.htm

Vote Highlights Vote
Cave Astrola 12.5"
This OTA on a current high end mount is a 10 because the optics are simply that good. The mount is insufficient as were all of that era, but even at F5 barlowed up to over 700 X on an ideal night Saturn is like a color picture from Hubble in real time.

Overall Rating: 7
Optics:10 Mount:5 Ease of Use:3 Value:8
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=575818


Cave Astrola 12.5"
I've owned my 12.5" f7 for over 30 years, In those 30 years I've never seen a CAT of comparable aperture perform anywhere near this scope. The stars came into sharp focus flat across the field as tiny points of light (as it should be).
The only down fall of this great scope is its mount. It shakes in the slightest wind, making it difficult for photography. Even if your 6' tall you'll always need a ladder for viewing near the zenith. They don't make em' like this any more.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Mount:7 Ease of Use:9 Value:10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=354551


Cave Astrola 12.5"
I am the original owner of a 12.5 f7 on transportable mount purchased in 1977 for about $1300. Not having an observatory for it but building a permanent pier for the GEM, it's still a monster to carry around and setup. I added handles to the tube rings so I could carry it myself but I'm not as strong as I was in 1977.
I went for the "electric declination" package but by todays standards it's way behind the times. I miss a lot of faint fuzzies because I don't know exactly where I am. To upgrade the mount with encoders is not worth it because it won't correct for the shake in a slight breeze. What is needed is a Losmandy Atlas or some other huge GOTO GEM for the OTA.
I also own a 12" Meade SCT and even though my Cave has a superior view I've found hundreds of objects that I must of passed right over when I used the GOTO.
If your a purist...the Cave is for you, but make sure you know the sky very well and are in good physical shape.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Mount:5 Ease of Use:8 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=592763


Cave Astrola 12.5"
Problem with the transportable base with vibration on the 12.5 f5. Steve Jenner

Overall Rating: 7
Optics:10 Mount:3 Ease of Use:9 Value:5
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=504723


Cave Astrola 12.5"
Now there are two "10's"!
Mine born 09/70, 12.5" Deluxe Model Semi/Transportable
F/7 Newtonian GEM.
Still the BMW of Scopes.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Mount:9 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=330205


Cave Astrola 12.5"
Cave Astrola 12.5" F/6 manufactured on Jan 22, 1976 #M761380 engraved on primary mirror. Astrola mount 1.5" shafts, 8" diameter pier, rotating rings, RA drive AC 110v, 8x50 finder and 2'' focuser. This scope is an optical masterpiece. The inside and outside of focus diffraction pattern is identical. The detail on Jupiter is enough to keep you busy for hours. Detail on Ganymede is visible under good seeing conditions. The color variations,contrast and sharpness is excellent. The Encke's division on Saturn is routinely visible and subtle differences of colors are visible on the globe and within the rings. Inner ring divisions give the impression of a "combed" or "raked" effect. The Astrola mount is stable and tracks very well. It's got a little backlash but I can live with that. I'm fortunate to have found this scope. It brings a whole new level of observation for me!

Rolando Chavez

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41390

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