Re: [Utah-astronomy] 8" Zerochromat refractor--I want one now!
From: "Erik Hansen" <erikhansen@thebluezone.net>
There have been a few folded refractors at RTMC and they work very well, to me a long focal length refractor lacks versatility.
So, I guess you don't wanna go halfsies on one then? IMO, it's not just the fact that it's folded that makes this an intriguing design. (Although I think that's a nice feature--if it's not hard to transport and mount, it seems like it improves the versatility. But I get what you mean and that's ultimately just a matter of taste/favored viewing targets and modes, right?) The significantly unusual characteristic of the Zero's design is that its big objective lens is just one piece of glass (a simple lens)--and therefore the scope is relatively inexpensive for the large aperture with apo-type performance--can't imagine what a flourite or HD 8" objective would cost. The Zero's price is such that it'd be conceivable to have your versatility (in whatever moderately-priced form you like it) and the long focus refractor too. In any case, I thought it was pretty great to be able to see one in person and I assume there's some refractor's-are-neat folks on the list who might be interested to hear about it as it's a pretty obscure design. I'll eventually get something up on CloudyNights with some pictures (for those who watch the Refractors forum). (Are we going to have another cloudy/wet weekend? Sheesh. In the words of Governer Bangeter: "It's a hell of a way to run a desert." But, at least there hasn't been the widespread flooding like in CO.) John
no halfsies, I have learned my lesson on that.
From: "Erik Hansen" <erikhansen@thebluezone.net>
There have been a few folded refractors at RTMC and they work very well, to me a long focal length refractor lacks versatility.
So, I guess you don't wanna go halfsies on one then?
IMO, it's not just the fact that it's folded that makes this an intriguing design. (Although I think that's a nice feature--if it's not hard to transport and mount, it seems like it improves the versatility. But I get what you mean and that's ultimately just a matter of taste/favored viewing targets and modes, right?) The significantly unusual characteristic of the Zero's design is that its big objective lens is just one piece of glass (a simple lens)--and therefore the scope is relatively inexpensive for the large aperture with apo-type performance--can't imagine what a flourite or HD 8" objective would cost. The Zero's price is such that it'd be conceivable to have your versatility (in whatever moderately-priced form you like it) and the long focus refractor too.
In any case, I thought it was pretty great to be able to see one in person and I assume there's some refractor's-are-neat folks on the list who might be interested to hear about it as it's a pretty obscure design. I'll eventually get something up on CloudyNights with some pictures (for those who watch the Refractors forum).
(Are we going to have another cloudy/wet weekend? Sheesh. In the words of Governer Bangeter: "It's a hell of a way to run a desert." But, at least there hasn't been the widespread flooding like in CO.)
John
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy
Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com
The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club.
To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".
participants (2)
-
Erik Hansen -
John M. Craig