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Decision time.... Europa 200 w/HEQ5 or Explorer 200 w/HEQ5
I'm looking at either of those two scopes now... and I'm in something
of a bind. I've decided that I want 8", and the HEQ5 mount rather than the EQ5 (which I hear is borderline for an 8", plus the motors and built-in polar alignment scope seem like a good bet). I have found a shop that has the Europa 200 1200 mm, with HEQ5 mount, Hilux coating, 2" focuser upgrade and 9x50 finder for a grand total of... well.. nearly a grand (£874), and already on order for the middle of May. That'd come with two Plossi eyepieces (25mm and 10 or 9 mm). I could also get the Explorer for substantially less (£580). It'd come with just the one 28mm eyepiece, so I'd probably buy a 10mm and perhaps a 2x Barlow. Lead time on that is unknown though. We're looking at probably £650-80 here I suspect. Any advice as to whether paying the extra £200 for the Orion would be worth it, given the Hilux coating and 2" focuser? Or would I be happy with the Skywatcher? This hobby that I'm embarking on is getting pricey :-O |
#2
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Oh Colin,
It can get so very exspensive, espcially when things are slack at work and one spends days perusing online astro catalogs. I reckon the Orion is better VFM cos of all the extras you get built in... Rob "Colin Johnson" wrote in message om... I'm looking at either of those two scopes now... and I'm in something of a bind. I've decided that I want 8", and the HEQ5 mount rather than the EQ5 (which I hear is borderline for an 8", plus the motors and built-in polar alignment scope seem like a good bet). I have found a shop that has the Europa 200 1200 mm, with HEQ5 mount, Hilux coating, 2" focuser upgrade and 9x50 finder for a grand total of... well.. nearly a grand (£874), and already on order for the middle of May. That'd come with two Plossi eyepieces (25mm and 10 or 9 mm). I could also get the Explorer for substantially less (£580). It'd come with just the one 28mm eyepiece, so I'd probably buy a 10mm and perhaps a 2x Barlow. Lead time on that is unknown though. We're looking at probably £650-80 here I suspect. Any advice as to whether paying the extra £200 for the Orion would be worth it, given the Hilux coating and 2" focuser? Or would I be happy with the Skywatcher? This hobby that I'm embarking on is getting pricey :-O |
#3
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"Colin Johnson" wrote in message om... I'm looking at either of those two scopes now... and I'm in something of a bind. I've decided that I want 8", and the HEQ5 mount rather than the EQ5 (which I hear is borderline for an 8", plus the motors and built-in polar alignment scope seem like a good bet). I have found a shop that has the Europa 200 1200 mm, with HEQ5 mount, Hilux coating, 2" focuser upgrade and 9x50 finder for a grand total of... well.. nearly a grand (£874), and already on order for the middle of May. That'd come with two Plossi eyepieces (25mm and 10 or 9 mm). I could also get the Explorer for substantially less (£580). It'd come with just the one 28mm eyepiece, so I'd probably buy a 10mm and perhaps a 2x Barlow. Lead time on that is unknown though. We're looking at probably £650-80 here I suspect. Any advice as to whether paying the extra £200 for the Orion would be worth it, given the Hilux coating and 2" focuser? Or would I be happy with the Skywatcher? This hobby that I'm embarking on is getting pricey :-O Colin I have the Helios 200mm F5 with an EQ5 mount, 2" 1 1/4" (including upgrade) Focuser, 20mm and 10mm EP, 2X Barlow and built in Polar Alignment scope, 9 x 50 Finder. Bought last year for £450, plus a single drive motor (£90). I have had absolutely no problem with it (apart from vibrations) and would reccommend to anyone on a budget. I think many helios owners would agrree with me. Good luck Martin |
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