New scope recommendations

[John_Gill]

Hi,

I currently use a Celestron 8" EdgeHD scope for astro-imaging and I am in the market for a good 4" scope.  I have about $ 3000 to spend and I have narrowed down my choice to the 4 scopes listed below.  Perhaps the experts can help me get the best bang for my bucks.  If there are other better scopes, in a similar price range, then please feel free to make suggestion, recommendations, etc etc  ….

TS Optics Imaging Star 100 mm f/5.8 Quadruplet Astrograph - FPL-53 Apo Objective
APM APO Astrograph 107 / 700 mm - f/6.5
Explore Scientific FCD100 Series 127mm f/7.5 Carbon Fiber Air-Spaced Triplet ED APO
Williams Optics 2018 Gran Turismo 102 Twenty Years Anniversary Edition

Look up
John

[jkmorse]

John,

I would seriously give a look to adding a Takahashi 130ed to your list.  It is a superb scope and right in your price range.  And at f/3.3, it is also super fast for astrophotography.

Best,

Jim

[John_Gill]

Thanks Jim, but I see the pricing is about $ 10 000 over my budget …. if you have any spare cash ….

[chris.bailey]

I think Jim meant the Epsilon 130D not the 130ED Refractor. Tak are a little confusing in their product id's!

[jkmorse]

Yep, and the one I meant is only $3000.  Check out the images listed as "Older Images" as you scroll down on my opening webpage at http://jimmorse-astronomy.com/.  The first 7 of those were shot using the 130D Astrograph as well as M42 and the Pieiades further down a bit.  Its a beauty. 

Best, Jim

[John_Gill]

Thanks Jim and by the way, I did enjoy reading bits and pieces from your website.  Interesting and funny stuff!

[jkmorse]

Too bad I am as behind answering your note as I am updating the website