Thanks Vlad for the great vid, really appreciate taking the time out to do all this. I agree the C8 is just a perfect all rounder, jack of all trades master of none 😂 After 10+ years in the hobby I think my top 3 would be similar to yours, a good 4" refractor, 8" sct and 16" dob. That will cover most visual and photography needs (I think)
I agree with you on the c8. I started with a 8 inch newtonian at f5 and every scope i bought after that was successively smaller focal length. After thousands of dollars later I realized with the c8, its all about the reducers. It's one scope to handle any object, very economical and compact.
I can hardly believe that a guy with so much experience with so many telescopes would pick the telescopes that i own! I have a Celestron 4" refractor (500mm) from 2005 that was my first scope and still gives me great visual pleasure! (I also have a 115mm triplet that is a gem.) Plus, i own a Celestron C8 that is my only reflector. Both telescopes perform beautifully on my lowly AVX mount. I have a wide selection of 1.25 and 2" eyepieces, so great versatility. Plus, YOU got me interested in EAA after i had sworn off astrophotography. I very much appreciate your vast experience, and how you share that with us plebes. Thanks, Vlad, for all you share with this great community of your viewers. 😊
Thanks for the kind words! 👍 Sounds like you have a nice stable of scopes, and I'm sure that EAA will open an entire new side of the hobby up to you! I find EAA as an excellent branch of visual. Not a replacment for visual.
@AVTAstro I have only an old 4" CGT 1000mm addition to the 104, 115 and C8. I want that T-shirt "Visual is not dead!" Ha! But, thanks to you, I'll try EAA as soon as my ZWO comes in. Practicing with SharpCap in the meantime. Thanks for your encouragement. 😊
Great video with good reasoning. The 8" SCT is such a versatile scope, for value you cannot go wrong with the Edge HD. I just love refractors however, not just the contrast they provide but also how they look on a mount. My only scope ended up being an ES ED127CF. It is similar to an 8" SCT in capability and is also slightly lighter. Downside is extra cost but it looks so good when set up :D
I stumbled on this video after spending weeks researching telescopes and eventually pulling the trigger on a EVO 8 Edge HD (which I haven't had a chance to try out yet) and I feel a lot more confident about my decision. To me it seemed like a great versatile OTA on paper but seeing people with a lot of experience validate that is a great confidence boost.
I own: Celestron EHD 800 TeleVue NP101 Kasai Nerius 102SDP All of them are perfect for their field. For visual observing the 102SDP Isa class of its own. Sharp as it gets on sun (Herschel prism), moon and planets.
Another great informative video Vlad, thank you! I am lucky to have a large number of scopes (Reflectors: 10, & 12 Dob, Maks: 3.5, 5 and 7 inch, Refractors: 3,4,5,6 - 3 are Takahashi … and so on). The Astro bug is a bad one! I was thinking that my Takahashi Fluorite FS100 or the TSA102s beat them all as the ultimate scope , including the the TSA120s BUT just as you have been saying … I keep going back to my Intes Micro deluxe M715 7 inch Rumak !!!! The 7-8 inch aperture is such a great catch-all one that I have to agree with you. I admit that I have yet to own an 8 or 9.25 inch SCT and fear that I will probably end up having to get one thanks to you 😳😵💫☺️👍👍 Keep up the great work. Neil
Agree with you 100% on a 8” SCT as a one and done, do it all scope. The Celestron EdgeHD series is as good as it gets for a mass produced SCT even vs some of the higher end custom stuff. Like most people in the hobby I was constantly searching for that magical unicorn scope that does everything well with no limitations/drawbacks. It doesn’t exist! There are always some disappointing drawbacks and compromises. After years of trying out high-end Maks, refractors, Big Dobs and a smattering of the more exotic lesser used designs I’ve always come back to the scope I started the hobby with. An 8” SCT by Meade or Celestron. Currently run a 8” EdgeHD on a Avalon mount. Perfect combination without breaking the bank. Portable and easy setup. That is I can still pick up the OTA on the mount/tripod and carry it outside and it breaks down pretty compact for transport. For anyone doubting the Edge SCT image vs say a good APO refractor I would say it is about on par with any 4”-5” Higher end refractor as far as acuity, sharp crisp image, color correction, with nice contrasty black backgrounds and pin point stars. It’s also a brighter image for dim DSO, will show more resolution detail because of the larger aperture. Very “refractor like”IMHO. I often use it with a Bader binoviewer and get amazing views for visual. Just an all around great do it all scope with compromises I can live with. You need to get another one for your collection. I saw a bare spot in your telescope room lol.
I have this combo, and i love it! It's perfect, the native FL, the reducer, the Hyperstar. I can do everything with it, both visual and AP. Difficult to beat.
Most used telescope for astrophotography is Edge9.25, then Edge11 and then your Edge8. Data are from looking in AstroBin + Cloud Night. Esprit 100Ed had Tak numbers as well. Only Tak that made top 10 is Epsilon 130.
@@scuba5k Looking at the Edge 8 or the Astro Tech 115mm APO. Both should work on an AVX mount. One issue I worry about with a SCT is the need to collimate frequently when transporting over forest roads/backroads.
Poor man's option: Skywatcher 200p f5 newt (Good luck finding used). Celestron az 102 (used). Skywatcher Eq 5 mount with Enhanced dual axis drive motors. Adapted starsense cradle from celestron 114lt. Used svbony cameras and guidescope. Wait for a 16" truss dob, for a used bargain.
Wow I only watched the video and didn't look at the description or the comments and I was thinking SCT SCT SCT :-) And you picked my dream scope the Edge 8 HD! To me this is the most versatile and goldilocks size of scope for from long FL to F2 setups. From deep space to planets this thing does it all! And flat field to the edges (hence the name :-). I am just getting into the astro world but I think unless something better comes out, I will complete my kit with a Edge 8. Just have to put my kids through college first as that starts a whole new rabbit hole full of my money :-)
@@anata51279.25 The 9.25 maybe the best all-round scope in terms of visuals but not when it comes to weight. Just the OTA is nearly 7lbs heavier than the 8" which means that you then need a heavier tri-pod and mount. The pounds can add on quick to your setup. It's why many people consider the 8"SCT to be the "Goldilocks" of OTAs. It's like the perfect balance between visual performance and portability.
Hi Vlad, thanks again for sharing your knowlege! I have one more question, what mount would you use for a (good) 4 inch APO? (with accessories could go up to 6,7 or even 8kg). Is there some mount that could do both AltAz and EQ, and also not to be too big (to be grab and go as much as possible). I read in some forums that basic EQ5 mount can be converted to AltAz with some minimim fillig, so do you think this could be the way to go? Best would be that I can observe nature during day in altaz mode(I have nice view to the bay with hundreds of ships passing every day) , and do visual and even EAA during night in EQ mode (I am not interested in AP, and neither to GOTO, just visual mainly and some EAA, and terrestrial during day ). So is there a one mount which can do it all, or you would recomend that I buy 2 separate mounts, and which ones?
Hi, I enjoy using EQ mounts with a small refractor as they give you tracking at night even if you're not using the GOTO. For the day its a total no-go though. Its just too heavy and cumbersome to use in Alt-Az mode. Personally I would start with a manual Alt-Az and add and EQ mount if you find it lacking for your nighttime viewing. Below are two mounts that I have personally own and use and love! Twilight I Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Telescope Mount: amzn.to/3MoJFm9 Celestron Advanced VX Mount with Dual Saddle Plate Polar Axis Finder: amzn.to/3XlIhHd
Hi Vlad, thanks for the response. Twilight looks nice, but I ordered similar svbony sv225 mount, since it has 10kg capacity (at least they say so in specs). After that when I save some money, one day, maybe I ll get ZWO AM5 on carbon tripod, as it looks like it fill all the requirements: Lightweight, small, can be altaz or eq, and also can do goto. But it is pricey, especialy in Europe. Have a nice day and please continue with nice yt videos!
Hi Vlad! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, I realy appreciate it a lot! Your channel is awesome! Can I please ask for an advice? I want to buy my first scope (currently i have just binos and few astronomy books), I would like also to be able to use it as spotting scope (40% of time like long range spotting scope, with ranges up to 5 miles, for ships in the bay and nature, and 60% for basic astronomy, only visual for now, maybe in future some EAA, but this is now not a must ). I was thinking between: C5 spotting scope, Mak 127 from Skywatcher, or some better APO ED doublet 100mm. I would like it to be like grab and go on some basic AltAz mount (like the ES MAZ01-00, which should hold up to 8kg by specs as I see). Is it maybe best to go with Tak FC100DC (DF?), to buy it like a lifetime scope and to pass it to my kids on day, or maybe you would recommend some other ED doublet in 100mm range, like cheaper and "almost as good" as the Tak? (To be with all accesories
I use a 5" Mak as my grab and go. Super simple and provides great views. Is it the scope that I will pass on to my son? Not a chance. The Tak would be though. Overall I think that if you want a lifetime scope just get the Tak. Once you have the best, your not going to be wondering what your missing. $2-3k over a lifetime of use is really very, very little money even over say 10 years. Just do the math: 3000÷10÷12= $25 a month. I mean I think that's pretty reasonable🤑
Thank you for the video. Three great instruments, but all relatively big and expensive (that is even without mentioning the mount an 8” Edge needs). Therefore, these are great choices for people with your extensive experience, but I would not advise this to beginners. Maybe it would have been good to add something like that to the video. Looking forward to more video’s!
Yeah I hear you, but as a lifetime scope I think that any of these are quite affordable to anyone. Also quite manageable physically(even the 16" dob if all your doing is rolling it around assembled). Maybe I will hake a video about the top 3 beginner scopes one day.
Thanks Vlad, I have a Skywatcher skymax 150 mak, I can get an Explore Scientific 102 ed apo at a really good price and I was thinking of getting it, I don't think it would be any better apart from cool down and a better FOV, that's my thoughts on it, would you agree?
@@AVTAstro I know this was a never ending battle, but leaving the image a side, are the c8 hd and mak 180 on equal ground or does the edge hd still have a edge on visual even for planets and moon ?
Great video and agreed, but you were killing me holding your Tak in one hand like that! I wanted to jump through the screen and hold the other steady 😁. You should warned people that they should not try this at home. "I'm a professional. Never try this at home."
This isn't such an unusual pursuit for me. I planned to replace my problematic 4" f/10 achromat with a 6" f/5 reflector. I am disabled and ruled out having a large dob. Been about 5 years and still no regrets, but was able to find a way to get an etx90 very affordably as well. It is a moon killer. If I had to pick one between them it would be the 6" reflector tho
Well there is no question that having multiple scopes is where its at! In reality i would hate to be constrained to only 1 scope. I think 2 is really the min to cover most observing needs.
Hello. Your videos are very specific and substantive! Do you have the same opinion on APO 5 ”and SCT EDGE HD 9.25 pointing to SCT is better? Both IMHO, are still portable, and I interesting to buy, but asking for independent opinion. I worry about that there isn’t such leap between them as 8” has forward apo4”
Remember I never said that an SCT is better than and APO. It's just better if your going to ownn only 1 scope! C9.25 vs 5" APO does not change much of what I said in the video. Being a younger guy I would have no issues handling the scope. It is quite a bit larger then the c8 though. Much larger and heavier then you would think until you see them both in person. Having said that the c9.25 is still only a 20lb scope so not bad at all.
Great video and very helpful. I'd politely like to mention that some sections were very hard to understand. Did that lav mic work at all? Seems like picking up tons of room atmo. Regardless the audio thanks again for your thoughts on the topic. 👍
Hey, yup it was already mentioned that this video is hard to understand at times. The phone unfortunately was not connected to the mic for this video:( The other thing thats a personal goal for me is to work on not mumbling through content and to sound more clear😃 I do appreciate the constructive feedback👍
What do you think of VX mounts Vlad? I'm thinking of getting a Newtonian 8" and do to its mirrors what I did to my 6" Newtonian. I was offered some decent money for my 6".
Dear vlad sir Thanks for the video I am new to the hobby but i really wanted guidance for purchasing one only scope due to my budget Because of your mature experience and years of observing and experimenting with lot of scopes i could make a sincere decision for one final choice Thanks for your kind guidance God bless you sir
Thanks so much for sharing your experience and knowledge over all the years and the great gear, wow what a list! I have watched many of your videos and am a Subscriber-thank you I am just staring out in this hobby and about ready to dive off into the deep end. I am looking to gear up for the trip down the Astronomy Trail and wanted to pack a great setup… I have been reading and researching for over two months on what I think is good starter package and will serve me well and can grow into. I plan on starting visual for sure until I get to know the sky and equipment… really like the idea of EAA and look forward to that as well as a cool crisp night with my face to the scope-lol I tried to consider quality, portability, versatility and in my choices. I am a sucker for good tools and equipment coming from the building trades over the years so I want quality, good value and willing to pay for it. I was not surprised that much of what I am leaning towards is on your list so I feel better about my choices, so here is my list. * Cannon 15x50 IS Binoculars along with a Oberwerk Mono Pod as needed * APM 100 45Deg SD APO Binoculars Telescope on an Orion Monster Parallelogram Mount - Figured I can use this for Astro and Terrestrial viewing. * Lunt LS 100MS Double Stack Solar Refractor that converts to a 100mm Triplet APO for Night Viewing. I think Solar Viewing will be amazing and gives opportunities during the day for viewing plus the solar activities will be ramping up over the next few years🌞 *Celestron SCT 8” HD Edge mounted on a Skywatcher EQ6 R Pro for all the same reasons you mentioned Might follow up with a Tele Vue 85 APO or similar for wide field asto… I like the idea I can use this for Astro, Bird Watching and Spotting. Let me know your thoughts and if have any advise. Cheers and Clear Skies!
Hello,Erik The Canon IS binos will be fine. The APM 100 / 45 ' will be a hassle as you approach zenith (pointed sraight up). All P-mounts are clumsy with a big footprint. The easier approach would be a binoviewer. That said, one of the best visual mounts (made in USA) is Tom Peter's Discmount DM-6 , and it can easily handle the APM binoscope or a heavy refractor /SCT/Mak. A great companion to the DM-6 is the smaller DM-4...or the Stellarvue M2C. For tracking mounts, The SW Pro is fine, but the Losmandy G-11 (made in USA) is better quality. Honestly, I don't bother with solar gear. The SWPC dashboard has all the images and data I need. Your TV 85 is a great choice. I'd get that first..or something comparable.
@@sneakerset Thanks for taking the time to give some constructive feedback-much appreciated and timely!! Regarding the APM: I was having second thoughts on the large parallelogram and payload fearing it would be unstable/shaky and not give the results I have envisioned. I am really attracted to the large bino telescope for its light gathering and viewing perspective they give but from a comfortable chair or gravity chair. I figured with the parallelogram I could ease back and still use the 45 deg without straining my neck, maybe not? If I decide on the APM Bino couldn’t I still use the 45 deg if I used and Alt Azm mount/tripod that can lift them up to proper height? Maybe that is a pipe dream?
For visual you would only see a diffrance in the outer ~20% fov when using 100* eyepieces. If your using 82* or less eyepieces honestly u will not see much if any diffrance at all.
I wish someone would make image representations of what visual observation looks like through each of the products. I have looked for like half a year, to help me decide which system to save for and learn more about.. I'm willing to take a bigger financial hit for better resale or slightly better visuals. @@AVTAstro
Recently, the Hyperstar (~f2) has come out with a less expensive (~$400 vs $1,00???) that works with the C6. Would you consider that path as a less expensive alternative that also provides the same flexibility as the c8, but at a lower cost?
Hey Tom, I did not know about that. Thanks actually pretty cool! I think if budget was a major hurdle then yes I would do the c6 route. To me people get caught up in the numbers a bit much sometimes. Think about it in the case of keeping a scope for life. What's, say, and extra $1000? $1000/ even 10 years. is only $100/ year and less than $10 a month! Do millions of people not subscribe to Netflix(or whatever else) every month at a greater cost then that? Anyhow everyone's finances have their own priorities and situations, the above is just made to illustrate that what seems like a large amount of money is really not considering how long astro equipment will last.
A stupid question since I am thinking about buying a Celestron 8" or 9.25". In direct viewing to observe planets, will the quality be really better compared to my Nikon P1000 camera which cost less than a quarter of those telescope with a maximum focal lenght of 3000mm/125x magnification??? I would hate to get the same result for that much money... 🙂
If you are asking if the camera alone will be able to capture the planets as well as a c8/9.25 then the answer is a 100% no! Its great that it apparently has 3000mm(witch I'm 99.9999% sure is digital zoom) but your still limited to the light grasp and resolution of its tiny lens. It would be like having a 3000mm 40mm(objective diameter as and example idk what the actual lens diameter is on the camera) refractor. It would produce a VERY dim and low resolution image. Hope this makes sense and helps.
@@AVTAstro Thanks for your prompt reply and input! You are great! I was afraid to buy one and not see much than brighter 'white spots' in the sky for that much money since I don't plan to spent hours stacking images to get a picture already available everywhere. I do prefer to see in 'direct' mode through the eyepiece. 👌
Glad to help! So that's why I'm primarily a visual guy. There is no way that your going to outdo what the Hubble(and hopefully soon James Webb) does right? Its cool to capture some images, but for the the real thrill is seeing the actual photons that left Jupiter hit my eyeball!
How about comparing Edge HD 8" with RC 8 in astrophotography, which one will be better? As they are the same apeture and RC type is said to have no coma, I am not sure whether it is correct.
I’m surprised... if you’re into visual observing I’d have expected the 16” binoscope (JMI or other), assuming the optics were top notch, to literally blow everything else away. What made you completely leave it out?
Well the topic of the video is what one scope I'd want to live with for the rest of my life. A 16" binoscope is just way too big for that. It was a cool scope though👍
Really great video! On the question of what equipment to purchase. I am primarily a planetary visual observer and was trying out planetary filters and light pollution ones also. Currently own a nice Baader Moon and Skyglow filter which I really like, but when say using it on Jupiter it has a (subtle) contrast boosting effect and shows the more natural look which I really like. I find the Baader M & S filter is maybe not dark enough and seems like Jupiter is allways a bit washed out of fine details; I have tried a lightest Neutral Density ND0.3 (50% transmission) filter (Japan made) but it still did not help much, the Baader was better and brighter (maybe too bright). My question is did you ever try the Baader Contrast Booster filter and if so what is your opinion of the use of it on Jupiter? Or what have you heard on this? Heard it was a super great Mars filter. I know seeing is going to be a big factor too; but I never liked the traditional planetary filters as they unnaturally color the planets very badly and the dim the view too much. I know you have a filter video too but the Baader filters seems to be a talk on astro forums and some say the Baader M & S is better, some say the Baader Contrast Booster is the planetary filter of choice. HELP!!! Or please make a video on this issue.
You already have the best filter. I have a contrast booster and its not much different from the m&sg. I already have a video on filters, so id check that out if you have not already.
@@AVTAstro Thanks for answering my question. Yes I have seen the filters video that you made, very much enjoyed that one too. I have heard that if you stack the two Baader filters thats even better, heres a quote on Star Gazers Lounge "The stacking order is important with the Contrast booster is directly on the eyepiece and the neodymium Moon and Skyglow filter is added to the contrast booster filter is when it works best". Vlad have you ever tried this stacking combo and see if this is actually better than either on their own? If you haven't if you do try it I would love to know the results. As always thanks.
@@AstroRef68 Yes they do dim the view compared to without them. You need to cut down the magnification a little to keep the target bright. But this is a small trade-off for the benefit of extra contrast with these high quality Baader filters IMO.
Great video I don’t know if you had a look on 15” obsession with dank M binoviwers I love it on anything planets deep sky . I have seen astrophysics scope visually not anything closer to obsession. Like you said aperture make the difference too .
Well on deep sky the bigger the better. That does not make it a good only scope. My 7" APO and 24" dob are by far my least used scopes even though they show the most!
I don’t understand how you put sct next to apo I had 10”lx200 and 15” obsession Obsession was blowing a way sct on my video astronomy side by side at the same time. In some astronomy club same thing 6” Newtonian was blowing a way 10lx200 on planet mars
Really depends on the SCT you have. Some of them are real dogs. The New EdgeHD's have awsome optics on the ones I have had. I also own a Meade 12" LX-200 ACF OTA that has amazing optics.
@@AVTAstro that sound posible i had a friend had lx50 10" and was real good my lx 200 you woud say same optics but wasn as good I had celstrob 8" sct it seems to be much better than i have now 9.25 its hard t say sct drive me crasy on focuser only focuser i like are on refractor but good one are not on my budget as far as 15" obsession to me is the best on sharpnes
If money would be no problem, I would choose the best APO refractor I can find under 6 inch. I don't know, it's something about image of a good refractor that can't be found anywhere else :)
Well I own an AstroPhysics 130GT witch is the best 5" refractor out there. That's kind of the point of the video, in the even owning the best refractor if i was limited to owning only 1 scope I'd still choose the 8" Edge HD for all the reasons stated in the video👍
Well the contrast and overall sharpness is what you would imagine to be. They are superb! And idk its much of a secret that refractors are my favorite scope design:)
Well related to this subject, people always ask me how many telescopes i have. I tell them the truth: "I DONT KNOW!" That way when my wife asks me i don't need to lie to her😅🤣🤣🤣🤣
Its a much larger OTA and does not hyperstar to f/2. Also as i said in the video i like that the c8 has 2000mm focal leanght for the planets and EAA of small DSO.
Yeah i hear you, i do need to work on trying to kind of present the content better. The other issue in the video is that my wireless mic did not work so it was recorded with camera mic😭
Can't disagree too much but I also don't know how many people would watch a 30sec video qith zero context to why I said a cirtin scope is the top choice ...
Thanks Vlad for the great vid, really appreciate taking the time out to do all this. I agree the C8 is just a perfect all rounder, jack of all trades master of none 😂 After 10+ years in the hobby I think my top 3 would be similar to yours, a good 4" refractor, 8" sct and 16" dob. That will cover most visual and photography needs (I think)
My pleasure! And the c8 is defiantly: "a perfect all rounder, jack of all trades master of none"!!!
I agree with you on the c8. I started with a 8 inch newtonian at f5 and every scope i bought after that was successively smaller focal length. After thousands of dollars later I realized with the c8, its all about the reducers. It's one scope to handle any object, very economical and compact.
It a very good jack-of-all trades!
Brandon Runyon.....agreed 👌🔭
I can hardly believe that a guy with so much experience with so many telescopes would pick the telescopes that i own! I have a Celestron 4" refractor (500mm) from 2005 that was my first scope and still gives me great visual pleasure! (I also have a 115mm triplet that is a gem.) Plus, i own a Celestron C8 that is my only reflector. Both telescopes perform beautifully on my lowly AVX mount. I have a wide selection of 1.25 and 2" eyepieces, so great versatility. Plus, YOU got me interested in EAA after i had sworn off astrophotography.
I very much appreciate your vast experience, and how you share that with us plebes. Thanks, Vlad, for all you share with this great community of your viewers. 😊
Thanks for the kind words! 👍 Sounds like you have a nice stable of scopes, and I'm sure that EAA will open an entire new side of the hobby up to you! I find EAA as an excellent branch of visual. Not a replacment for visual.
@AVTAstro
I have only an old 4" CGT 1000mm addition to the 104, 115 and C8.
I want that T-shirt "Visual is not dead!" Ha! But, thanks to you, I'll try EAA as soon as my ZWO comes in. Practicing with SharpCap in the meantime.
Thanks for your encouragement. 😊
Great video with good reasoning. The 8" SCT is such a versatile scope, for value you cannot go wrong with the Edge HD. I just love refractors however, not just the contrast they provide but also how they look on a mount. My only scope ended up being an ES ED127CF. It is similar to an 8" SCT in capability and is also slightly lighter. Downside is extra cost but it looks so good when set up :D
Yup refractors are so nice to look at. Also nice to look through;)
I agree I wish I can afford
I stumbled on this video after spending weeks researching telescopes and eventually pulling the trigger on a EVO 8 Edge HD (which I haven't had a chance to try out yet) and I feel a lot more confident about my decision. To me it seemed like a great versatile OTA on paper but seeing people with a lot of experience validate that is a great confidence boost.
Glad you decided on that scope! Aswome choice!
I own:
Celestron EHD 800
TeleVue NP101
Kasai Nerius 102SDP
All of them are perfect for their field. For visual observing the 102SDP Isa class of its own. Sharp as it gets on sun (Herschel prism), moon and planets.
Sounds like a very nice bunch of scopes you have👍
Another great informative video Vlad, thank you!
I am lucky to have a large number of scopes (Reflectors: 10, & 12 Dob, Maks: 3.5, 5 and 7 inch, Refractors: 3,4,5,6 - 3 are Takahashi … and so on). The Astro bug is a bad one!
I was thinking that my Takahashi Fluorite FS100 or the TSA102s beat them all as the ultimate scope , including the the TSA120s BUT just as you have been saying … I keep going back to my Intes Micro deluxe M715 7 inch Rumak !!!!
The 7-8 inch aperture is such a great catch-all one that I have to agree with you.
I admit that I have yet to own an 8 or 9.25 inch SCT and fear that I will probably end up having to get one thanks to you 😳😵💫☺️👍👍
Keep up the great work. Neil
Sounds like you have a very nice scope lineup!
Agree with you 100% on a 8” SCT as a one and done, do it all scope. The Celestron EdgeHD series is as good as it gets for a mass produced SCT even vs some of the higher end custom stuff. Like most people in the hobby I was constantly searching for that magical unicorn scope that does everything well with no limitations/drawbacks. It doesn’t exist! There are always some disappointing drawbacks and compromises. After years of trying out high-end Maks, refractors, Big Dobs and a smattering of the more exotic lesser used designs I’ve always come back to the scope I started the hobby with. An 8” SCT by Meade or Celestron. Currently run a 8” EdgeHD on a Avalon mount. Perfect combination without breaking the bank. Portable and easy setup. That is I can still pick up the OTA on the mount/tripod and carry it outside and it breaks down pretty compact for transport. For anyone doubting the Edge SCT image vs say a good APO refractor I would say it is about on par with any 4”-5” Higher end refractor as far as acuity, sharp crisp image, color correction, with nice contrasty black backgrounds and pin point stars. It’s also a brighter image for dim DSO, will show more resolution detail because of the larger aperture. Very “refractor like”IMHO. I often use it with a Bader binoviewer and get amazing views for visual. Just an all around great do it all scope with compromises I can live with. You need to get another one for your collection. I saw a bare spot in your telescope room lol.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the scope👍👌
This guy has an enthusiasm that is contagious🤪
lol
Good info about your comparisons !
Glad to help, thanks for the feedback!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thought process.It makes perfect sense.
👌🙏👍
Glad it was helpful!
I have this combo, and i love it! It's perfect, the native FL, the reducer, the Hyperstar. I can do everything with it, both visual and AP. Difficult to beat.
very cool!
Most used telescope for astrophotography is Edge9.25, then Edge11 and then your Edge8. Data are from looking in AstroBin + Cloud Night. Esprit 100Ed had Tak numbers as well. Only Tak that made top 10 is Epsilon 130.
Good data points. Thanks for sharing👍
Really great advice. Currently very torn between a 4 APO and edge HD 8, so this was right on point.
Glad it was helpful👍
Aperture is king 👑
I would go with the edge 8”
@@scuba5k Looking at the Edge 8 or the Astro Tech 115mm APO. Both should work on an AVX mount. One issue I worry about with a SCT is the need to collimate frequently when transporting over forest roads/backroads.
Poor man's option:
Skywatcher 200p f5 newt (Good luck finding used).
Celestron az 102 (used).
Skywatcher Eq 5 mount with Enhanced dual axis drive motors.
Adapted starsense cradle from celestron 114lt.
Used svbony cameras and guidescope.
Wait for a 16" truss dob, for a used bargain.
Yep. Love the Edge. I chose the 9.25. I like it for the same reason - versatility.
Very, cool! I love the 9.25" as well, just not quite as portable.
Wow I only watched the video and didn't look at the description or the comments and I was thinking SCT SCT SCT :-) And you picked my dream scope the Edge 8 HD! To me this is the most versatile and goldilocks size of scope for from long FL to F2 setups. From deep space to planets this thing does it all! And flat field to the edges (hence the name :-). I am just getting into the astro world but I think unless something better comes out, I will complete my kit with a Edge 8. Just have to put my kids through college first as that starts a whole new rabbit hole full of my money :-)
Glad the video was helpful. Hope you get that scope you want well before your kids are done with college;)
Celestron EdgeHD 8"
Yup that's the one!
I had it, 9.25 and 11 Edge. 9.25 Edge is the best. Most universal scope: mobile, planets, a lot of DSO to image and see, f7 and f2.
@@anata51279.25 The 9.25 maybe the best all-round scope in terms of visuals but not when it comes to weight. Just the OTA is nearly 7lbs heavier than the 8" which means that you then need a heavier tri-pod and mount. The pounds can add on quick to your setup. It's why many people consider the 8"SCT to be the "Goldilocks" of OTAs. It's like the perfect balance between visual performance and portability.
🎉 I wish if there was a bit cheaper option...?
Is there any smaller SC? 😊
i agree the 8" SCT is a power scope
👍
Hi Vlad, thanks again for sharing your knowlege! I have one more question, what mount would you use for a (good) 4 inch APO? (with accessories could go up to 6,7 or even 8kg). Is there some mount that could do both AltAz and EQ, and also not to be too big (to be grab and go as much as possible). I read in some forums that basic EQ5 mount can be converted to AltAz with some minimim fillig, so do you think this could be the way to go? Best would be that I can observe nature during day in altaz mode(I have nice view to the bay with hundreds of ships passing every day) , and do visual and even EAA during night in EQ mode (I am not interested in AP, and neither to GOTO, just visual mainly and some EAA, and terrestrial during day ). So is there a one mount which can do it all, or you would recomend that I buy 2 separate mounts, and which ones?
Hi, I enjoy using EQ mounts with a small refractor as they give you tracking at night even if you're not using the GOTO. For the day its a total no-go though. Its just too heavy and cumbersome to use in Alt-Az mode. Personally I would start with a manual Alt-Az and add and EQ mount if you find it lacking for your nighttime viewing. Below are two mounts that I have personally own and use and love!
Twilight I Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Telescope Mount: amzn.to/3MoJFm9
Celestron Advanced VX Mount with Dual Saddle Plate Polar Axis Finder: amzn.to/3XlIhHd
Hi Vlad, thanks for the response. Twilight looks nice, but I ordered similar svbony sv225 mount, since it has 10kg capacity (at least they say so in specs). After that when I save some money, one day, maybe I ll get ZWO AM5 on carbon tripod, as it looks like it fill all the requirements: Lightweight, small, can be altaz or eq, and also can do goto. But it is pricey, especialy in Europe.
Have a nice day and please continue with nice yt videos!
This is a great video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I agree with you! The 8” edge hd with Hyperstar is awesome!
Thanks👍
very good discussion of image scale and f-ratios
Thanks, glad you found it informative.
Hi Vlad! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, I realy appreciate it a lot! Your channel is awesome! Can I please ask for an advice? I want to buy my first scope (currently i have just binos and few astronomy books), I would like also to be able to use it as spotting scope (40% of time like long range spotting scope, with ranges up to 5 miles, for ships in the bay and nature, and 60% for basic astronomy, only visual for now, maybe in future some EAA, but this is now not a must ). I was thinking between: C5 spotting scope, Mak 127 from Skywatcher, or some better APO ED doublet 100mm. I would like it to be like grab and go on some basic AltAz mount (like the ES MAZ01-00, which should hold up to 8kg by specs as I see). Is it maybe best to go with Tak FC100DC (DF?), to buy it like a lifetime scope and to pass it to my kids on day, or maybe you would recommend some other ED doublet in 100mm range, like cheaper and "almost as good" as the Tak? (To be with all accesories
I use a 5" Mak as my grab and go. Super simple and provides great views. Is it the scope that I will pass on to my son? Not a chance. The Tak would be though. Overall I think that if you want a lifetime scope just get the Tak. Once you have the best, your not going to be wondering what your missing. $2-3k over a lifetime of use is really very, very little money even over say 10 years. Just do the math: 3000÷10÷12= $25 a month. I mean I think that's pretty reasonable🤑
@@AVTAstro Yeah, I was thinking the same way, thanks for the advices !
Always enjoy your videos.
👍
12:38 timestamp is pure comedy, love it, cheers
Lol, glad you enjoyed that one!
Thank you for the video. Three great instruments, but all relatively big and expensive (that is even without mentioning the mount an 8” Edge needs).
Therefore, these are great choices for people with your extensive experience, but I would not advise this to beginners. Maybe it would have been good to add something like that to the video.
Looking forward to more video’s!
Yeah I hear you, but as a lifetime scope I think that any of these are quite affordable to anyone. Also quite manageable physically(even the 16" dob if all your doing is rolling it around assembled). Maybe I will hake a video about the top 3 beginner scopes one day.
Thanks Vlad, I have a Skywatcher skymax 150 mak, I can get an Explore Scientific 102 ed apo at a really good price and I was thinking of getting it, I don't think it would be any better apart from cool down and a better FOV, that's my thoughts on it, would you agree?
Wider FOV is what you are getting with the 102ED!
@@AVTAstro I know this was a never ending battle, but leaving the image a side, are the c8 hd and mak 180 on equal ground or does the edge hd still have a edge on visual even for planets and moon ?
Great video and agreed, but you were killing me holding your Tak in one hand like that! I wanted to jump through the screen and hold the other steady 😁. You should warned people that they should not try this at home. "I'm a professional. Never try this at home."
Oh yeah, I guess I don't even notice it. LOL. I handle scopes so much that I have a very good feel for holding them. Still no drops!
This isn't such an unusual pursuit for me. I planned to replace my problematic 4" f/10 achromat with a 6" f/5 reflector. I am disabled and ruled out having a large dob. Been about 5 years and still no regrets, but was able to find a way to get an etx90 very affordably as well. It is a moon killer. If I had to pick one between them it would be the 6" reflector tho
Well there is no question that having multiple scopes is where its at! In reality i would hate to be constrained to only 1 scope. I think 2 is really the min to cover most observing needs.
Hello. Your videos are very specific and substantive!
Do you have the same opinion on APO 5 ”and SCT EDGE HD 9.25 pointing to SCT is better? Both IMHO, are still portable, and I interesting to buy, but asking for independent opinion. I worry about that there isn’t such leap between them as 8” has forward apo4”
Remember I never said that an SCT is better than and APO. It's just better if your going to ownn only 1 scope! C9.25 vs 5" APO does not change much of what I said in the video. Being a younger guy I would have no issues handling the scope. It is quite a bit larger then the c8 though. Much larger and heavier then you would think until you see them both in person. Having said that the c9.25 is still only a 20lb scope so not bad at all.
My favorite would be a 16" RC from the most expensive maker. I could sell it and get all the scopes I want from the money.
Not the point of the video at all, but good dream🤣😅👍
Great video and very helpful. I'd politely like to mention that some sections were very hard to understand. Did that lav mic work at all? Seems like picking up tons of room atmo.
Regardless the audio thanks again for your thoughts on the topic. 👍
Hey, yup it was already mentioned that this video is hard to understand at times. The phone unfortunately was not connected to the mic for this video:( The other thing thats a personal goal for me is to work on not mumbling through content and to sound more clear😃
I do appreciate the constructive feedback👍
What do you think of VX mounts Vlad? I'm thinking of getting a Newtonian 8" and do to its mirrors what I did to my 6" Newtonian. I was offered some decent money for my 6".
The Celestron AVX? Yeah I have had several of them over the years. Its a good mount as long as you don't go over about 20lb on it for visual use.
@@AVTAstro I thought the same, none of my mounts can handle what they're rated for. Without exception they start to get shaky.
Dear vlad sir
Thanks for the video
I am new to the hobby but i really wanted guidance for purchasing one only scope due to my budget
Because of your mature experience and years of observing and experimenting with lot of scopes i could make a sincere decision for one final choice
Thanks for your kind guidance
God bless you sir
I'm really glad i could be of help! God bless you as well!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience and knowledge over all the years and the great gear, wow what a list! I have watched many of your videos and am a Subscriber-thank you
I am just staring out in this hobby and about ready to dive off into the deep end. I am looking to gear up for the trip down the Astronomy Trail and wanted to pack a great setup… I have been reading and researching for over two months on what I think is good starter package and will serve me well and can grow into. I plan on starting visual for sure until I get to know the sky and equipment… really like the idea of EAA and look forward to that as well as a cool crisp night with my face to the scope-lol
I tried to consider quality, portability, versatility and in my choices. I am a sucker for good tools and equipment coming from the building trades over the years so I want quality, good value and willing to pay for it. I was not surprised that much of what I am leaning towards is on your list so I feel better about my choices, so here is my list.
* Cannon 15x50 IS Binoculars along with a Oberwerk Mono Pod as needed
* APM 100 45Deg SD APO Binoculars Telescope on an Orion Monster Parallelogram Mount - Figured I can use this for Astro and Terrestrial viewing.
* Lunt LS 100MS Double Stack Solar Refractor that converts to a 100mm Triplet APO for Night Viewing. I think Solar Viewing will be amazing and gives opportunities during the day for viewing plus the solar activities will be ramping up over the next few years🌞
*Celestron SCT 8” HD Edge mounted on a Skywatcher EQ6 R Pro for all the same reasons you mentioned
Might follow up with a Tele Vue 85 APO or similar for wide field asto… I like the idea I can use this for Astro, Bird Watching and Spotting.
Let me know your thoughts and if have any advise.
Cheers and Clear Skies!
Thanks for the support and feedback, i appreciate it!
Building trades? Man you’re out of your comfort zone 😂 but maybe you can weld one up 🤔
Best trying it before buying expensive pieces
Hello,Erik The Canon IS binos will be fine. The APM 100 / 45 ' will be a hassle as you approach zenith (pointed sraight up). All P-mounts are clumsy with a big footprint. The easier approach would be a binoviewer. That said, one of the best visual mounts (made in USA) is Tom Peter's Discmount DM-6 , and it can easily handle the APM binoscope or a heavy refractor /SCT/Mak. A great companion to the DM-6 is the smaller DM-4...or the Stellarvue M2C. For tracking mounts, The SW Pro is fine, but the Losmandy G-11 (made in USA) is better quality. Honestly, I don't bother with solar gear. The SWPC dashboard has all the images and data I need. Your TV 85 is a great choice. I'd get that first..or something comparable.
@@sneakerset Thanks for taking the time to give some constructive feedback-much appreciated and timely!!
Regarding the APM: I was having second thoughts on the large parallelogram and payload fearing it would be unstable/shaky and not give the results I have envisioned. I am really attracted to the large bino telescope for its light gathering and viewing perspective they give but from a comfortable chair or gravity chair. I figured with the parallelogram I could ease back and still use the 45 deg without straining my neck, maybe not?
If I decide on the APM Bino couldn’t I still use the 45 deg if I used and Alt Azm mount/tripod that can lift them up to proper height? Maybe that is a pipe dream?
Is the Edge HD 8" really much better than a Nexstar 8SE? I'm only interested in visual use.
For visual you would only see a diffrance in the outer ~20% fov when using 100* eyepieces. If your using 82* or less eyepieces honestly u will not see much if any diffrance at all.
For me it would have to be a universal set up for day/night. So I could get some Ha double stack in my life.
Fair idea for those that are into solar a lot! I personally use the Daystar Quark with any refractor that I have 5" or below.
I wish someone would make image representations of what visual observation looks like through each of the products.
I have looked for like half a year, to help me decide which system to save for and learn more about.. I'm willing to take a bigger financial hit for better resale or slightly better visuals.
@@AVTAstro
Recently, the Hyperstar (~f2) has come out with a less expensive (~$400 vs $1,00???) that works with the C6. Would you consider that path as a less expensive alternative that also provides the same flexibility as the c8, but at a lower cost?
Hey Tom, I did not know about that. Thanks actually pretty cool! I think if budget was a major hurdle then yes I would do the c6 route. To me people get caught up in the numbers a bit much sometimes. Think about it in the case of keeping a scope for life. What's, say, and extra $1000? $1000/ even 10 years. is only $100/ year and less than $10 a month! Do millions of people not subscribe to Netflix(or whatever else) every month at a greater cost then that?
Anyhow everyone's finances have their own priorities and situations, the above is just made to illustrate that what seems like a large amount of money is really not considering how long astro equipment will last.
This is a tough one Vlad, between my 8 inch edge and my 5 inch Triplet, my Refractor wins strictly because of Astrophotography.
Yeah i hear you. If i was more into astrophotography i would fir sure go with the APO!
A stupid question since I am thinking about buying a Celestron 8" or 9.25". In direct viewing to observe planets, will the quality be really better compared to my Nikon P1000 camera which cost less than a quarter of those telescope with a maximum focal lenght of 3000mm/125x magnification??? I would hate to get the same result for that much money... 🙂
If you are asking if the camera alone will be able to capture the planets as well as a c8/9.25 then the answer is a 100% no! Its great that it apparently has 3000mm(witch I'm 99.9999% sure is digital zoom) but your still limited to the light grasp and resolution of its tiny lens. It would be like having a 3000mm 40mm(objective diameter as and example idk what the actual lens diameter is on the camera) refractor. It would produce a VERY dim and low resolution image. Hope this makes sense and helps.
@@AVTAstro Thanks for your prompt reply and input! You are great! I was afraid to buy one and not see much than brighter 'white spots' in the sky for that much money since I don't plan to spent hours stacking images to get a picture already available everywhere. I do prefer to see in 'direct' mode through the eyepiece. 👌
Glad to help! So that's why I'm primarily a visual guy. There is no way that your going to outdo what the Hubble(and hopefully soon James Webb) does right? Its cool to capture some images, but for the the real thrill is seeing the actual photons that left Jupiter hit my eyeball!
How about comparing Edge HD 8" with RC 8 in astrophotography, which one will be better? As they are the same apeture and RC type is said to have no coma, I am not sure whether it is correct.
So in all honesty I have never used a RC scope. I'm sure I will come across one eventually. Best, Vlad.
RC is supposed to be the sharpest imaging telescopes.
@@rdallas81 I have already got my GSO RC8 and its first picture is so nice as expected.😁
@@高乐-r3o Yeah.
RC probably has the best astrophotography abilities. Very clean!
I’m surprised... if you’re into visual observing I’d have expected the 16” binoscope (JMI or other), assuming the optics were top notch, to literally blow everything else away. What made you completely leave it out?
Well the topic of the video is what one scope I'd want to live with for the rest of my life. A 16" binoscope is just way too big for that. It was a cool scope though👍
Really great video!
On the question of what equipment to purchase. I am primarily a planetary visual observer and was trying out planetary filters and light pollution ones also.
Currently own a nice Baader Moon and Skyglow filter which I really like, but when say using it on Jupiter it has a (subtle) contrast boosting effect and shows the more natural look which I really like. I find the Baader M & S filter is maybe not dark enough and seems like Jupiter is allways a bit washed out of fine details; I have tried a lightest Neutral Density ND0.3 (50% transmission) filter (Japan made) but it still did not help much, the Baader was better and brighter (maybe too bright).
My question is did you ever try the Baader Contrast Booster filter and if so what is your opinion of the use of it on Jupiter? Or what have you heard on this? Heard it was a super great Mars filter.
I know seeing is going to be a big factor too; but I never liked the traditional planetary filters as they unnaturally color the planets very badly and the dim the view too much. I know you have a filter video too but the Baader filters seems to be a talk on astro forums and some say the Baader M & S is better, some say the Baader Contrast Booster is the planetary filter of choice. HELP!!! Or please make a video on this issue.
You already have the best filter. I have a contrast booster and its not much different from the m&sg. I already have a video on filters, so id check that out if you have not already.
@@AVTAstro Thanks for answering my question. Yes I have seen the filters video that you made, very much enjoyed that one too. I have heard that if you stack the two Baader filters thats even better, heres a quote on Star Gazers Lounge "The stacking order is important with the Contrast booster is directly on the eyepiece and the neodymium Moon and Skyglow filter is added to the contrast booster filter is when it works best". Vlad have you ever tried this stacking combo and see if this is actually better than either on their own? If you haven't if you do try it I would love to know the results. As always thanks.
No I have not tried that. Sounds interesting thought!
Filters are another extra glass
@@AstroRef68 Yes they do dim the view compared to without them. You need to cut down the magnification a little to keep the target bright. But this is a small trade-off for the benefit of extra contrast with these high quality Baader filters IMO.
Great video
I don’t know if you had a look on 15” obsession with dank M binoviwers
I love it on anything planets deep sky .
I have seen astrophysics scope visually not anything closer to obsession.
Like you said aperture make the difference too .
Well on deep sky the bigger the better. That does not make it a good only scope. My 7" APO and 24" dob are by far my least used scopes even though they show the most!
What one shot Zwo camera ? Zwo 533 or 2600 or something else ?
You know I'll be honest, I'd as someone that is more into AP. As far as I know the 2600 is similar to the 533 but larger sensor size.
I don’t understand how you put sct next to apo
I had 10”lx200 and 15” obsession
Obsession was blowing a way sct on my video astronomy side by side at the same time.
In some astronomy club same thing 6” Newtonian was blowing a way 10lx200 on planet mars
Really depends on the SCT you have. Some of them are real dogs. The New EdgeHD's have awsome optics on the ones I have had. I also own a Meade 12" LX-200 ACF OTA that has amazing optics.
@@AVTAstro that sound posible i had a friend had lx50 10" and was real good my lx 200 you woud say same optics but wasn as good I had celstrob 8" sct it seems to be much better than i have now 9.25
its hard t say
sct drive me crasy on focuser only focuser i like are on refractor but good one are not on my budget as far as 15" obsession to me is the best on sharpnes
Thanks!
Thanks a million, for the Super! Really appreciate it!👍👍👍
If money would be no problem, I would choose the best APO refractor I can find under 6 inch. I don't know, it's something about image of a good refractor that can't be found anywhere else :)
Well I own an AstroPhysics 130GT witch is the best 5" refractor out there. That's kind of the point of the video, in the even owning the best refractor if i was limited to owning only 1 scope I'd still choose the 8" Edge HD for all the reasons stated in the video👍
@@AVTAstro how is the contrast of that 130? :)
Well the contrast and overall sharpness is what you would imagine to be. They are superb! And idk its much of a secret that refractors are my favorite scope design:)
@@AVTAstro my dream is a huge bino made from two refractors like this but my wallet keep waking me up 😂
Nice upload 👌🔭
Thanks!
"how many scopes have you owned"?
Vlad- "yes"
Well related to this subject, people always ask me how many telescopes i have. I tell them the truth: "I DONT KNOW!" That way when my wife asks me i don't need to lie to her😅🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@AVTAstrogreat answer lmao
So let me get this straight if you could only have one telescope here are my top 3?? WTF I'll stick with an 8in SCT
Video would be no fun with only 1 scope;)
…and why not as first choice an 8 inch Mak Newt…checks all the points…
Its a much larger OTA and does not hyperstar to f/2. Also as i said in the video i like that the c8 has 2000mm focal leanght for the planets and EAA of small DSO.
Baader Morpheus review please
Ill see if i can get a few of these for a review.
Your very hard to understand at times. !!! Great content though.
Yeah i hear you, i do need to work on trying to kind of present the content better. The other issue in the video is that my wireless mic did not work so it was recorded with camera mic😭
I do appreciate the constructive feedback though👍
MAN ITHINK ONLY American people can understand you.
Maybe;)
You do know what you are talking about...
Id say i know enough. Im sure there are a few ppl in the hobby that know more, but there are a lot more that know less;)
@@AVTAstro Very few and most. LOL.
I had a difficult time trying to understand you as your mouth does not open very much when talking. I understand if you have had jaw surgery though.
Jaw surgery is a first👍lol Thanks for the feedback I'll work on it.
Sorry but the sound is atrocious.
Yes, well stated before. But thanks for the feedback!
Sound is great actually
C8??' hhahaha
yes!
@@AVTAstro hhahaha
Bloody hell. You are beating around bush. Get to the point. You stretched 30 second video into 17min.
Can't disagree too much but I also don't know how many people would watch a 30sec video qith zero context to why I said a cirtin scope is the top choice
...
You should actually do more research on astro photography with topsoniums you actually can and do some very good stuff
Will do sir! Thanks.