I've had a lot of fun with my inexpensive Skywatcher 200 PDS. I just wondered what the best Newtonian is out there at roughly the same focal length?
What is the best 8" F5-ish Newtonian you can buy?
Well Written Engaging
There are several to choose from. Keep in mind there brands in Europe that aren't found in the US. I was just shopping for an 8" Newtonian (800mm focal length) and went for a TS Optics from Germany with a carbon fiber tube for $1200. Metal tubes are cheaper and so, less rigid. They flex more with temperature changes. I also considered a Boran-Simon (from Israel) and Sharpstar. Both were more costly but faster f/ ratio. Skywatcher and Orion also make newts which seem to be more common in the US. I hope I made a good choice.
Helpful
Consider building your own. I just completed an 8" F/4 Newtonian. Primary from Lightholder, Antares secondary. The optics are excellent, American made if that matters to you, for about the same price as the TS scope.
Well Written Concise
Andy Wray:
I've had a lot of fun with my inexpensive Skywatcher 200 PDS. I just wondered what the best Newtonian is out there at roughly the same focal length?
Besides the ONTC carbon tube there's not really any 8" out there thats going to perform better than your SW. I have a 12" ONTC with OOUK mirrors/cell and its not without its flaws, sure the tube is rigid but if the mirror isn't supported good that's all useless. I've ordered a custom mirror cell from Aurora precision because whats in there now is mediocre at best.
If I could do everything over again, I would still learn the hard way. Now I know I can build something better than what any of these manufacturers are pumping out.
Helpful Engaging Supportive
Not sure you'll find some that really will outperform the 200PDS, or at least out perform it to a point where it's worth a massive investment - given that a Newtonian is technically quite a "simple" design.
And no idea if you did some upgrades to your PDS or not. but there are minor inexpensive upgrades you can do to that scope too.
- Hunting for light leaks.
- flocking the scope (basically putting non-reflective material on any smooth surface to prevent light scattering and leaks)
- A ring for the main mirror (A ring at the main mirror, covering up the mirror mounts, apparently this helps with star shapes)
Either way, the main upgrade would be a carbon Newtonian. Getting rid of flex and temperature changes.
So possibly The Orion CT8 200/900 F4.5. ?
Or Carbon versions of TS Optics.
There might be higher end ones out there, but I'm not sure how much better they would actually be.
At some point the costs are just going to give diminishing returns.
And no idea if you did some upgrades to your PDS or not. but there are minor inexpensive upgrades you can do to that scope too.
- Hunting for light leaks.
- flocking the scope (basically putting non-reflective material on any smooth surface to prevent light scattering and leaks)
- A ring for the main mirror (A ring at the main mirror, covering up the mirror mounts, apparently this helps with star shapes)
Either way, the main upgrade would be a carbon Newtonian. Getting rid of flex and temperature changes.
So possibly The Orion CT8 200/900 F4.5. ?
Or Carbon versions of TS Optics.
There might be higher end ones out there, but I'm not sure how much better they would actually be.
At some point the costs are just going to give diminishing returns.
Helpful
Some of the Newtonians for sale by various vendors are just re-branded versions of the GSO Newtonian, so they are not all unique choices. GSO has an F5 and also an F4 version if you wanted something a little faster than what you have. SkyWatcher has a Quattro that is F4 also I think.
If you want something a little different, the Sharpstarthat @Boommutt mentioned already and the Takahashi Epsilons (130D and 160ED) are hyperbolic newtonians that have a much faster focal ratio. They cost a lot more too though.
If you want something a little different, the Sharpstarthat @Boommutt mentioned already and the Takahashi Epsilons (130D and 160ED) are hyperbolic newtonians that have a much faster focal ratio. They cost a lot more too though.
Helpful
Im savning up for the Wixen R200SS.
its the lightest 8" F4 on the market and I love the espression of it.
its the lightest 8" F4 on the market and I love the espression of it.
I faced the same questions when decided to build my own 6" Newtonian. I started to describe how I did in the topic below, which I will continue. Hope it helps in any way.
https://www.astrobin.com/forum/c/astrophotography/equipment/building-an-150mm-newtonian-scope-from-concept-to-results/
BR,
Fabiano.
https://www.astrobin.com/forum/c/astrophotography/equipment/building-an-150mm-newtonian-scope-from-concept-to-results/
BR,
Fabiano.
Im savning up for the Wixen R200SS.
its the lightest 8" F4 on the market and I love the espression of it.
You and me both my friend. Superb optic and construction
What is the best imaging Newtonian you can recommend at a focal length of 800-1000 mm?
If price is no problem, what Newt do you recommend at that focal length? preferably the fastest optics as I don't have too much free time.
Directly addresses best Newtonian at similar focal length to author's scope.
Do you rather use Reflector or Refractors and why?
So I'm currently on the verge of buying a new Telescope budget isn't very hight at about 1000 - 1500 dollars. I've been very unsure about which one would suit me better. I currently have a WO Z61 with a fieldflattener at 360mm and a very ...
Discusses reflector vs refractor choice with similar budget considerations.
Coma corrector suggestions for SkyWatcher 150PDS
Hello everyone! I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a coma corrector to pair with this telescope (SkyWatcher 150 pds)? I have the Baader mpcc iii which i’m not happy with as it is quite susceptible to tilt, Although, it does a great job i...
Addresses coma corrector for very similar SkyWatcher PDS model telescope.
Travelnewton - Quattro 150 or 130 PDS?
Hi, I'll be spending 10 days on La Palma this May, and I'd like to take a small Newtonian with me. I have a 55x40x25cm carry on backback which can be a lil bit stretched, I'll be flying Business class anyways, so that shouldn't be an ...
Compares specific PDS Newtonian models relevant to author's scope type.