Like many other amateur astronomers, I own several telescopes, binoculars and mounts for different observation purposes such as the observation of planets, galaxies or gas nebulae. As soon as astrophotography becomes an issue, there are other requirements for the equipment, such as a large illuminated image circle. Find here some information and reviews of the instruments I mainly use.
Takahashi FSQ 106-ED
4″ f/5 flat-field Super Apochromat
This 4″ apochromatic refractor from the Japanese telescope maker Takahashi is a perfect astrograph with a modified Petzval design and an excellent instrument for visual observing.
Celestron 11
11″ f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain
An all-round scope, with its great aperture and its long focal length mainly used for planetary imaging and observing faint small Deep-Sky objects. A true work horse for different astronomical observations.
GSD Dobson 300 deluxe
12″ f/5 Newtonian-Dobson
Aperture, aperture, aperture! This scope is an impressive and powerful observing instrument for faint Deep-Sky objects, good quality at an unbeatable price. The telescope is still transportable in my mini van. The telescope was “pimped up” by Wolfgang “Howdii” Howurek and got a new rocker box.
Fornax 51 mount
German equatorial mount, 30 kg load capacity
This German equatorial mount from the Hungarian company Fornax 2002 Ltd. is my platform for astrophotography. The low periodic error of +/- 5-6 arcseconds and the equable running of the motors supports long-term astrophotography. The Pulsar drive controllerof Andras Dan enables Goto and helps to minimize time for locating the targets.