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Used scope recommendations for ~$1K?

ZWO AM3 Equipment Buying Advice
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Atticus Bhat avatar
Atticus Bhat avatar
Like the title says, I'm in the market for a new (to me) scope with a (flexible) budget of around $1K. I've already done some research of my own and want to see if I'm on the right track.

More details about what I'm looking for:
  • Good imaging performance - at the very least, better than my WO Z61.
  • Visual isn't a priority, but I'd like the capability to be there. All of my visual accessories are 1.25".
  • Light enough to be carried by my AM3, after all the relevant imaging bits have been put on. I don't have the counterweight currently but am not opposed to using one.
  • Reasonable pixel scale with an IMX533 or 571.
  • I'd prefer to buy a used scope, but am not necessarily entirely opposed to buying a new scope if it's a good deal.


I appreciate any suggestions!
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Clayton Ostler avatar
Clayton Ostler avatar
When you say better than your ZWO scope. What kind of things are you looking to upgrade? Are you looking for more aperture? Are you looking for a longer focal length? Is there a desire to have better glass? I'm not an expert by any means but I might be able to make some suggestions if I know what you're trying to upgrade.
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Rafael Amarins avatar
Rafael Amarins avatar
If you could find a Svbony SV550 122mm triplet + field flattener I would say it is a good deal - you would have to add a counterweight but the AM3 could handle it with no issues. This scope is very light for its size and has a decent color correction - better than your doublet and ~ 4x more light gathering. 
Otherwise a good 4" triplet should be a good match for the am3 with no CW
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Atticus Bhat avatar
Atticus Bhat avatar
Clayton Ostler:
When you say better than your ZWO scope. What kind of things are you looking to upgrade? Are you looking for more aperture? Are you looking for a longer focal length? Is there a desire to have better glass? I'm not an expert by any means but I might be able to make some suggestions if I know what you're trying to upgrade.

 I'm mostly looking for a bit more aperture. I've been very happy with the optics in the Z61, but the aperture is definitely limiting for smaller targets.
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Clayton Ostler avatar
Clayton Ostler avatar
Atticus Bhat:
Clayton Ostler:
When you say better than your ZWO scope. What kind of things are you looking to upgrade? Are you looking for more aperture? Are you looking for a longer focal length? Is there a desire to have better glass? I'm not an expert by any means but I might be able to make some suggestions if I know what you're trying to upgrade.

 I'm mostly looking for a bit more aperture. I've been very happy with the optics in the Z61, but the aperture is definitely limiting for smaller targets.

My AstroT AT80EDT is a good scope, you could likely get the scope and the flattener/reducer for under 1k.  I use mine as a bit of a swiss army knife, I have a 1x flattener, an 0.8 reducer/flattener and a 0.65 reducer flattener, it covers a lots of focal length options and all gives full flat coverage of the asi533 with good pixel scale.
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Atticus Bhat avatar
Atticus Bhat avatar
Clayton Ostler:
Atticus Bhat:
Clayton Ostler:
When you say better than your ZWO scope. What kind of things are you looking to upgrade? Are you looking for more aperture? Are you looking for a longer focal length? Is there a desire to have better glass? I'm not an expert by any means but I might be able to make some suggestions if I know what you're trying to upgrade.

 I'm mostly looking for a bit more aperture. I've been very happy with the optics in the Z61, but the aperture is definitely limiting for smaller targets.

My AstroT AT80EDT is a good scope, you could likely the scope and the flattener/reducer for under 1k.  I use mine as a bit of a swiss army knife, I have a 1x flattener, an 0.8 reducer/flattener and a 0.65 reducer flattener, it covers a lots of focal lenghts and all give full coverage of the asi533 with good pixel scale.

 That's good to know, thanks! I didn't know there were so many flattener/reducer options for that scope. Definitely intriguing.
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dummieastro avatar
dummieastro avatar
Two thoughts. Try to double your aperture and double the focal length or you may be wanting to upgrade again.  I use the AM3 with and without a counterweight. One of my cameras is the ASI533 MC Pro. If you want a refractor I recommend the Askar 103 Apo at that price, which I own.  For an inexpensive scope it is pretty satisfying. 

CS,

Bob
Atticus Bhat avatar
Atticus Bhat avatar
Two thoughts. Try to double your aperture and double the focal length or you may be wanting to upgrade again.  I use the AM3 with and without a counterweight. One of my cameras is the ASI533 MC Pro. If you want a refractor I recommend the Askar 103 Apo at that price, which I own.  For an inexpensive scope it is pretty satisfying. 

CS,

Bob

 Good suggestion. I've looked at the 103 but was a bit wary of putting it on the AM3. I'll definitely consider it more closely knowing you've got a similar setup. Are you using the ZWO tripod?
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dummieastro avatar
dummieastro avatar
Yes, ZWO tripod with the PE160 pier extension.
Aloke Palsikar avatar
Aloke Palsikar avatar
I recently got an Askar SQA55 Petzval refractor.  It is a f/4.8 and has great optics and features.  Comes around $750-800.  You may want to check this one out as it is equivalent to William Optics Redcat 51 but at a lower price

Hope this helps

Regards