Swift Telescopes info needed

Hi,
I am looking to purchase a used telescope and have found an "Aerolite
Astronomical Telescope Model 859". I think the maker is Swift but I am
told the scope does not have the name Swift on it.
I haven't seen the scope in person as yet. I'm just going by what I was
told on the phone.
I was also told it's 910mm focal length. Does this sound familiar to
any Swift telescope anyone knows of?
Going by the description it's a refractor since the eyepiece is on the
end and it's on a tripod. There is a Swift 859D but it's a Dobs.
Any help appreciated,
Thanks,
James

wrote:

I was also told it's 910mm focal length. Does this sound familiar to
any Swift telescope anyone knows of?


My Meade 4500 reflector has a 910mm focal length so I don't know what
can be read into this. However, I don't believe I have ever seen a
Swift reflector.

Going by the description it's a refractor since the eyepiece is on the
end and it's on a tripod.

Well, the eyepiece certainly is not gonna be in the middle ;o)
but. . .get the guy to describe which end the ep is located.
and. . .ask him if there is a big lens closing off the tube or if the
tube is open.
then. . .you'll have a better understanding of what this pig in a poke is.


Martin

My Meade 4500 reflector has a 910mm focal length so I don't know what
can be read into this. However, I don't believe I have ever seen a
Swift reflector.

I am quite sure that I saw ads in Astronomy Mag back in the early 90's for
swift reflectors, 4.5 inchers on an EQ mount, similar to your Meade 4500.

jon

Jon Isaacs wrote:

I am quite sure that I saw ads in Astronomy Mag back in the early 90's for
swift reflectors, 4.5 inchers on an EQ mount, similar to your Meade 4500.


I do believe that you are correct, Jon.



Martin

On Wed, 08 Dec 2004 11:07:34 -0800, "Martin R. Howell"
wrote:

wrote:

I was also told it's 910mm focal length. Does this sound familiar to
any Swift telescope anyone knows of?


My Meade 4500 reflector has a 910mm focal length so I don't know what
can be read into this. However, I don't believe I have ever seen a
Swift reflector.

Many years ago, Swift used to sell refractors that were kind of
a poor man's Unitron, but quite serviceable. Now, I'm sure they
are just re-branding whatever junk they can find.
-Rich

Thanks for the help to all. I think I just need to go have a look at
this thing in person. It's about 70 miles away and I was just trying to
get an idea of what it was before commiting to the trip. It comes with
HM20mm, SR4mm, and HM6mm lens, a Barlow, and sun filter as well. He's
asking $200 but is open to trades for other items. I really wanted a
goto scope but I think this will get me started since it has setting
circles.
Thats a good idea about asking if the upper end is open. I asked him
many times where the ep was and he finally said on the end and not on
the side although I still wonder if I made myself clear. This is why I
figured it was a refractor and not a reflector.
Swift was the only maker I could find that had a model 859 although
it's an 859D and is a dobs.

thanks,
James

Thanks for the help to all. I think I just need to go have a look at
this thing in person. It's about 70 miles away and I was just trying to
get an idea of what it was before commiting to the trip. It comes with
HM20mm, SR4mm, and HM6mm lens, a Barlow, and sun filter as well.

He's
asking $200 but is open to trades for other items.

For $200 plus $40 shipping you can get yourself a much better scope. Those
eyepieces are the tip off.

Setting circles, on a small shaky EQ mount, not of really any use. Those
eyepieces, they are most likely 0.965 rather than the standard 1.25 and are of
the most inferior type. Most likely you could buy an equivilent new scope for
less.

Here's the place with the deal:

http://www.speednetllc.com/dbaastron...20December.htm

Check out the 6 inch Dob...

jon isaacs

On 8 Dec 2004 13:39:38 -0800, wrote:

Thanks for the help to all. I think I just need to go have a look at
this thing in person. It's about 70 miles away and I was just trying to
get an idea of what it was before commiting to the trip. It comes with
HM20mm, SR4mm, and HM6mm lens, a Barlow, and sun filter as well.

If that's an eyepiece sunfilter he's selling with it, tell him to
smash it with a hammer before he sells it to someone and they burn
their eye out.
-Rich

Thanks for the link. One question I have always had about dobs is, How
do you point a dobs? Do they have setting circles? I have had a few
inexpensive refractors all with setting circles but never a dobs.
I forgot to ask him about the eyepiece size. I was aware that the
better eyepieces use the 1.25 form factor but forgot to ask. I'm going
to call him back tonight and try to clarify what were talking about. I
have a few items that I no longer need (or want) that I was going to
try and trade him with. Wouldn't hurt to try:-)

Thanks,
James

If that's an eyepiece sunfilter he's selling with it, tell him to
smash it with a hammer before he sells it to someone and they burn
their eye out.
-Rich

Good catch. I had noticed that one too, I am quite sure it is an eyepiece sun
filter, and as you say, its a dangerous thing and should be disposed of
immediately.

Also, as far as I know, Swift Astronomical scopes were essentially the same
quality as Tasco and similar vendors. Anyone have any better information?

jon