Takahashi FS-102

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Takahashi FS-102
My third Tak having previously owned an FS78 and a TOA 130.I loved them all,with each having good and bad points but I have to say that I like the 102 the best.This 4'' beauty really has been an incredible scope for me and one that I definately will not part with.It likes to ''dig deep'' when it comes to increasing magnification! All Taks do,but the combination of size and aperature win out for me with this scope.I notice absolutely no false color on any object whatsoever.I would truly recommend this scope to anyone who wants a ''serious'' piece of astronomical equipment.
This model as well as other Taks really retain their value as well on the used market!

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=577231

Takahashi FS-102
It is now 2008 and the FS 102 has been replaced by the TSA 102.The used market is the place to look for an FS 102 if you can find one.This scope on my GM 8 mount as well as my Pentax XW/XL series and Orion shorty plus barlow,(YES ORION), eyepieces produce the handsdown best images of the planets that i've ever seen through any instrument.Jupiter is saturated with banding and detail.The moons look like small pinpoints of light and take on a very distinct planetary appearance.The long focal length allows for a very decent image scale that does not break down readily with increased magnification as other scopes may.I have owned over 16 telescopes and this combo for lunar/ planetary/double star work is unsurpassed!I really can't comment on the Tak mounts but have heard that they are incredible as well!
This is my third Tak,having owned an FS 78, and a TOA 130.All were awesome but the 102 is and has been my favorite.
There is something about the Taks that are above and beyond great?I used to think that these things as well as other APO refractors were all a bunch of overhyped,overpriced finesse equipment that was totally unnecessary in the hobby,but as i've grown and progressed in the hobby,i've learned that you get what you pay for and these Taks deliver for me time and time again.If you can afford one,it will be a wise investment.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Mount:10 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=579968

Takahashi FS-102
I've owned many scopes. This was my favorite (in retrospect). A foolish sale on my part. Takahashi is almost Borg-like in their fondness for adapter systems, but you honestly couldn't do much better than one of these on an EM-10/11.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Mount:10 Ease of Use:8 Value:8
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=581701

Takahashi FS-102
Light weight and very nice views, I will be very honest here if you want high mag forget it. The focal length will not allow it. Perfect wide views yes, no probs and I will never sell my Tak but for DSO you will require another scope. Now, for the same cash as the new Tak version do you buy the WO flt 132???? I would. Don't get drawn in to Tak are the be all and end all of scopes there not and there seems to be some kind of one up man-ship with them. A classic scope, oh yes but its still a 4" refractor that performs again and again and will do so for the rest of its life unlike the meades and celestron's that after a few years wear, that my view anyway.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=590460

Takahashi FS-102
Superb telescope in all departments

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Mount:10 Ease of Use:9 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=592999

Takahashi FS-102
I picked up my FS102 on the used market so I'm the second owner of this fine instrument.

Everything you have heard about this lovely scope is true. It's simply an outstanding performer on so many levels. Impressive deep sky penetration and wonderful planetary performance too.

Using the Tak with binoviewers takes planetary observing to a new level. Such wonderful contrast!

When observing Vega, absolutely no false colour was seen, either at outside or inside of focus.

Decided to replaced the standard focuser with a Feathertouch upgrade, which is a real treat.

This scope represents a tremendous value on the used market now if you can find it.

Two thumbs way up!

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 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=609959

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