Good optics, but totally charmless to deal with inmy experience

Overall Rating: 5
Price:8 Service:1
Weight: 10
Date: 06/26/2009 04:07:39 pm PST

Replies: 0

I couldn't believe what a difference this filter made. Even from a dark-sky site, and with a 16" Dobsonian, the difference when viewing the Veil was astonishing. It was easily visible without the filter, but with it, the Veil looked just like photographic images, with fine detail easily visible.

I bought mine second-hand but would certainly buy one new if I had to. Not exactly cheap but if DSOs are your target then I think one of these is a great investment.

Overall Rating: 10
Value:9
Weight: 10
Date: 02/16/2008 03:35:27 am PST

Replies: 0

I'd agree wholeheartedly with the comments above. Ninian has been very helpful to me on a number of occasions, for example having a custom adapter made. This was done quickly, at a fair price and with no fuss.

He can sound somewhat terse on the 'phone but is always polite and to the point. I much prefer this as an alternative to what I've occasionally experienced, a five minute monologue from an unlistening sales assistant who won't shut up long enough to listen to my requirements or answer questions.

I seldom buy kit new these days but will use Venturescope when I do; I recommend them highly.

Overall Rating: 10
Price:9 Service:10
Weight: 10
Date: 12/12/2007 10:33:45 am PST

Replies: 0

I bought the guaranteed 1/6 wave de luxe version but the optical report showed it was at least 1/8 wave over the whole surface. Planetary views were great, no false colour, very high contrast, compared well to an FS102 and MN56.
Baffling works well, little glare when panning near a full moon
for example.
When used with optional full-aperture solar filter, views were
superb, loads of granulation visible and good detail on spot groups. The filter itself is a solid metal screw-in assembly - won't slide off - with a sheet of Baader film.
Focuser was sensitive, I believe a micro-focus option is now available but can't comment. The 6x30 finder supplied was fine for me, I didn't often look for DSOs. The 'optional' dew-shield is really a must, but worked well. Again, solid metal screw-in design.
Adequate deep-sky, limited by aperture, but I don't think that is what this scope is about. Scope light and portable, might make a good travel scope. Easily handled by a Vixen GP. Only negative is cool-down time which I found to be about 45 mins - 1 hour, to be expected with this design.

An attractively priced alternative to a 4/5 inch apo with superb planetary and lunar performance. Superb optics.

(Note; I bought the OTA alone, my comments relate to that.)

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Ease of Use:9 Value:10
Weight: 10
Date: 03/25/2003 11:35:10 pm PST

Replies: 0

I bought my Tak about 2 years now as a portable alternative to light bucket reflectors. I've found it gives pin-sharp views of planets and tight doubles and takes high power well when UK seeing permits. It also gives a meaningful improvement, on all objects, over a couple of 80mm apos I've tried.

I probably used it more often in the first month than I used my reflector in the previous year. Of course, aperture fever then set in and I had to have a 5". I bought a second-hand FS128 and sold the 102. Big mistake. The 128 was better than the 102 on DSOs but only marginally so on planets and the moon. However, I really returned to refractors for portability and the 128 is MUCH bigger than the 102. Certainly too massive for a lightweight mount. I part exchanged the 128 with the chap who bought the 102, which I am happy to say is mine again. It now sits on a Vixen custom alt-az for grab and go views, or a GM8 for high power work.

Finally, I have to say, much though I love the Tak the best view of the planets I've ever had was through an Orion Optics 250mm f/4.8 Newtonian on an exceptionally steady night. Deatil on Saturn in particular was incredible. When all else is equal then I think that more aperture really does win!

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:8
Weight: 10
Date: 02/01/2003 08:25:42 am PST

Replies: 0