Helios....any good?

can anyone advise on the quality of the optics on Helios scopes?

thanks in advance for any experiences or advice

Simon

Err - Simon mumbled something like:
can anyone advise on the quality of the optics on Helios scopes?

thanks in advance for any experiences or advice

Simon

Well, I've had the 102 f/5 refractor, the 80mm f/5 (still got it), the 120mm
f/8 (still got it), a CR-150-HD (I know, but it's the same optics) and the
120mm f/5. None of them were perfect, but for the price they are great
buys, apart from the focussers which are definitely iffy - maybe the great
Dave Cook could do the deed on yours if you get one :O) Add a contrast
booster filter and they are excellent scopes.

Of course, if you are talking about non-refractor scopes here then I can't
help you :O)

Arthur

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Err - Simon mumbled something like:
can anyone advise on the quality of the optics on Helios scopes?

thanks in advance for any experiences or advice

Simon

Well, I've had the 102 f/5 refractor, the 80mm f/5 (still got it), the 120mm
f/8 (still got it), a CR-150-HD (I know, but it's the same optics) and the
120mm f/5. None of them were perfect, but for the price they are great
buys, apart from the focussers which are definitely iffy - maybe the great
Dave Cook could do the deed on yours if you get one :O) Add a contrast
booster filter and they are excellent scopes.

Of course, if you are talking about non-refractor scopes here then I can't
help you :O)

Arthur

--
52:30:25N, 1:17:51E
http://www.ambermile.co.uk


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Simon wrote:
can anyone advise on the quality of the optics on Helios scopes?

If you are referring to the Helios-branded Synta ones, of the ones I
have looked through, they have varied from quite good to very good. I
get the impression that Synta's QC is a tad lax. I have not seen any
real lemons, and neither have I seen any that are superb. That said, I
think they are pretty good value for money.

Best,
Stephen

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Simon wrote:
can anyone advise on the quality of the optics on Helios scopes?

If you are referring to the Helios-branded Synta ones, of the ones I
have looked through, they have varied from quite good to very good. I
get the impression that Synta's QC is a tad lax. I have not seen any
real lemons, and neither have I seen any that are superb. That said, I
think they are pretty good value for money.

Best,
Stephen

--
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ Stephen Tonkin | ATM Resources; Astro-Tutorials; Astro Books +
+ (N51.162 E0.995) | http://www.astunit.com +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

"David Harris" wrote in message
...
Simon wrote:

can anyone advise on the quality of the optics on Helios scopes?
thanks in advance for any experiences or advice
Simon

Hi Simon,

I have a Helios F5, 200m reflector from SW Optics. I'm not very
experienced with it, but it clearly
shows Jupiter and the four moons, excellent Lunar/Solar views, and I have
managed to photograph a
few DSO's with it. Unfortunately, being disabled, Im not allowed out after
dark (?)..... well, not
at 3am anyway, so can't comment in its "real" capabilities, at least until
winter arrives, but for
£420 delivered I have a fair bargain I reckon.

BTW, who is Dave Cook and what does he do with focussers... that's the
only gripe I have with mine,
the focusser is a bit wobbly ...

hth

David

I too have the same model plus a 114mm version. I have had no complaints
(apart from wobble) and would agree that they are value for money.

HTH

Martin A
http://mysite.freeserve.com/nebula1

"David Harris" wrote in message
...
Simon wrote:

can anyone advise on the quality of the optics on Helios scopes?
thanks in advance for any experiences or advice
Simon

Hi Simon,

I have a Helios F5, 200m reflector from SW Optics. I'm not very
experienced with it, but it clearly
shows Jupiter and the four moons, excellent Lunar/Solar views, and I have
managed to photograph a
few DSO's with it. Unfortunately, being disabled, Im not allowed out after
dark (?)..... well, not
at 3am anyway, so can't comment in its "real" capabilities, at least until
winter arrives, but for
£420 delivered I have a fair bargain I reckon.

BTW, who is Dave Cook and what does he do with focussers... that's the
only gripe I have with mine,
the focusser is a bit wobbly ...

hth

David

I too have the same model plus a 114mm version. I have had no complaints
(apart from wobble) and would agree that they are value for money.

HTH

Martin A
http://mysite.freeserve.com/nebula1

Ive got the Explorer 200 f5 (had it 2 years) and I love it, better image
than a celestron g8 n and cheaper ;-)

Col.

"Simon" wrote in message
...
can anyone advise on the quality of the optics on Helios scopes?

thanks in advance for any experiences or advice

Simon

Ive got the Explorer 200 f5 (had it 2 years) and I love it, better image
than a celestron g8 n and cheaper ;-)

Col.

"Simon" wrote in message
...
can anyone advise on the quality of the optics on Helios scopes?

thanks in advance for any experiences or advice

Simon