The Apertura CarbonStar REDEFINES budget Newtonian Astrographs - FINALLY!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2024
- My Patreon: / cuivlazygeek
Apertura CarbonStar with coma corrector: bit.ly/3W7ZFiA
Apertura CarbonStar standalone: bit.ly/3UB9kNg
Modernizing the Apertura Imaging Newtonian Telescopes: bit.ly/3UhczZ3
Apertura Cheshire Eyepiece: bit.ly/3WenNjA
Apertura Collimation Laser: bit.ly/3y5Sr4p
Camera used for testing: bit.ly/3Jti7KQ (HPS) or bit.ly/3M8IkPS (Agena) or tinyurl.com/2227k637 (FLO)
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My equipment
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00:00 Introduction
04:38 Unboxing
11:40 Optics and Setup
15:03 Collimation
16:46 Attaching camera and focuser
18:27 First Impressions Summary
19:33 Use-case / WHY this scope
22:42 Test setup
26:11 Out of the box results
35:57 Results after 5 minutes tuning
41:01 Recommendation - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
My Patreon: www.patreon.com/cuivlazygeek
Apertura CarbonStar with coma corrector: bit.ly/3W7ZFiA
Apertura CarbonStar standalone: bit.ly/3UB9kNg
Modernizing the Apertura Imaging Newtonian Telescopes: bit.ly/3UhczZ3
Apertura Cheshire Eyepiece: bit.ly/3WenNjA
Apertura Collimation Laser: bit.ly/3y5Sr4p
Camera used for testing: bit.ly/3Jti7KQ (HPS) or bit.ly/3M8IkPS (Agena) or tinyurl.com/2227k637 (FLO)
Amazon affiliate: amzn.to/49XTx01
Agena affiliate: bit.ly/3Om0hNG
High Point Scientific affiliate: bit.ly/3lReu8R
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I also absolutely love that it looks like the front ring and the spider are a single machined part so no more worrying about centering the spider and also I suspect itll hold collimation heaps better
Cuiv, love your channel. Some great product reviews. Thank you.
I've been looking forward to this. Thanks for the thorough review!
Glad it was helpful!
50 minutes of Cuiv! That's not lazy! Let's start watching.
There's a video un TH-cam of a new SkyWatcher Newt (p200, p250 and p300). Maybe it's the same as this apertura one but with skywatcher branding. In that case it would be easier to get in Europe.
I'm toying with the idea of sending a 200mm F4 new with a starizona nexus (making it a 600mm focal length F3) with my Samyang F2 piggibacked on top to a remote observatory since I hate only using my equipment once every 3 month due to work and it would be nice having a cheaper option than the TS-Opticsw or Orion Uk Newts.
I hope you enjoyed!
Thanks for the comprehensive review. I received my CarbonStar last week and it brought rain and cloudy skies with it. I am hopeful for a clear night in the next few days. I checked the collimation on mine with laser and Cheshire collimators and collimation was perfect out of the box. Your review helps me feel confident I made a wise choice with the CarbonStar.
Great to hear the collimation was good from the get go! Hope you get clear skies soon!!
Excellent review. Appreciate all you do for the Hobby!
Thanks Robert!!
Thanks Cuiv for another excellent video. 50 minutes packed with little gems of information. When you explain it it all seems so straight forward. Keep up the good work. I currently have a SW 72ED, and this galaxy season I have been considering where my astrophotography journey will develop. I think the Carbonstar is a serious option for 2025.
Thanks for your feedback and for your support!! It's definitely a good option :) Refractors are easier but reflectors are so much fun :)
I share your excitement Cuiv! What a beautiful, near perfect "out the box" newt! Thank You for such a comprehensive, very informative review! I look forward to seeing your future images using this beautiful 'scope!
My pleasure Wesley! Thanks for your feedback as always!
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve always wanted to try a Newt but was nervous about the extra complexity. Your video gave me faith I could figure it out. I ordered one from HighPoint this morning!!
Woohoo!! Congratulations!!! Enjoy it!!
I have to admit that I have a bond with my Quattro 10". I've gone through basically everything you've gone through with your Quattro 150P, but I did end up with the slightly better version of the focuser so I'm still using the stock focuser. It's probably Stockholm Syndrome, but even if Apertura made a 10" version of the CarbonStar I wouldn't consider it. And, honestly, depending on the personality of who I was talking to I would even recommend the Quattro over it because, like I said, there is a bond that forms when you have to modify so much of a telescope and learn exactly how everything works.
I have a Quattro 250p 10" and took it from box to mount in October, have not moved it since as it is too heavy for me alone. I haven't had to collimate or do anything to it, it was good to go out of the box but I live in the woods with no lights on around me. I added an EAF, fan on the rear, but that was all the altering done. I guess I got lucky!
I have 3 Newtonians and I "modded" and upgraded all 3 of them. I fixed all their issues so I actually don't have a real honest reason to get another Newtonian. That doesn't mean I won't, but at the same time I have put work into my current ones so I feel attached to them. Same thing with my car too.
X@@astroattorney
Yeah I know the feeling - it's one of the reasons I built my dual barrel Frankenscope - in a very real sense, my Quattro 150P is worth more to me than the Carbon star because of all the effort I put into it!
@astroattorney, awesome to hear things worked out for you from the get go!
Great info. Thanks for taking the time to review this properly. I’m in the market for reflector and I’ve been on the fence on what to do. I hate that sky watcher has made theirs so difficult to work with.
Yeah this is much better out of the box than sky watcher...
Been waiting for this for sooooo long
Perfect timing for my lunch break! 🎉
I like making people's lunch breaks brighter :)
Fantastic video, Cuiv! I especially enjoyed your final thoughts. The mischievous glee on your face was phenomenal. 😁 Hopefully, what you found in the Carbon Star is somewhat applicable to Apertura's other reflectors. My 10" F4 reflector arrived this week... 🤓
Hehehe I love this feedback thank you! And enjoy your new 10", that's a massive scope!!
Thanks for the comprehensive review !
My thoughts, 1) a 6 inch reflector is light to begin with, and while I like the carbon fiber, in my opinion, that is not a major advantage on that size scope. On a 10 inch its a game changer. 2) The pinched optics bothers me, that points to a build -quality control issue, you shouldn't have to remove a primary and adjust it on a NEW scope. (I own three Orion reflectors never had a quality build issue of that magnitude. 3) question the quality of the included flat field coma corrector based on your results. I own a Badder MPCC mark III and it has nearly eliminated all coma in the all four corners on my F3.9. Conclusion: There are similar scopes in the same price range : Thanks again Cuiv ! appreciate the effort and time you put into making this video, cheers !
2. Cuiv've already mentioned that the pinched optics might because the manufacture doesn't want the damage to the primary during oversea transportation.
1) the Skywatcher Quattro 150P disagrees! It is noticeably heavier, although I'm sure the carbon tube is only part of it
2) I understand on the pinched optics. I've seen newts that had the inverse problem and had a primary that was too loose. That is a very insidious problem that is difficult to diagnose, so I'd take pinched optics over that any day!
3) The results were to reflect what a beginner just following the basic steps in the manual might get (and I skipped the final star collimation). Currently I get good star shapes across the field of view :)
Of course all valid criticisms, which is why I was very open about any shortcomings I saw!
I was reviewing the included documentation for this scope and have to disagree with your comments in point #2. At least from the perspective about it being a build-quality issue. The manufacturer is very transparent about this in their documentation.
They state: "When the telescopes are transported, the optics need to be well secured so that they are not damaged. This requires that the primary mirror clips be tight and secure from the factory. Some users might find that they want to adjust the primary mirror clips to be sure that they are not placing undue pressure on the optics, which can distort their fine optical figure."
While I think you can argue you may not like their approach, it is clearly not a build or quality issue. As a matter of fact I've never before seen a manufacturer address this so directly, and the steps needed to correct the issue are extremely well documented.
Also regarding your concluding remarks, where can you find a similar scope? The closest I could find is from Teleskop Express (TS Photon model) and while a good scope, it does not appear to be as well made as this one and the price is about the same.
Hey we love the long videos brotha. I have been waiting for a review of this telescope for a while. I grew up with reflectors and have wanted to get one for astrophotography! Also as someone who has a built evo 9 and love of all things jdm i love love carbon fiber anything
Glad you do like those long videos - they're a lot of work to make! And yeah, carbon fiber has such a unique allure :)
I hope they will release an 8" version. I can't see such model
So do I.
Me too.
I have the same swq 150 Cuiv does.. and find it very lacking unless significantly upgraded.
fr
Yep! I hope it's in the cards :)
If you’re looking for something of similar quality at 8 or more inches, take a look at the ONTC telescope. They are highly customizable from the factory.
Beautiful build quality and at a great price point. I think it will be a good seller.... great video, Cuiv 😊
Yep, it's good to see such a nice alternative!
what a great scope. really considering getting one for myself. either that or the 150p quattro
Awesome review!! Appreciate it, Cuiv!
1 question: Can I attach a dew heater to this scope's primary mirror to avoid condensation on my primary mirror?
Very nice review, Cuiv. I’ve been using the CarbonStar 150 Newtonian for the last to months and agree with your comments. It’s a high quality, beginner friendly Newtonian that has both aperture and speed. Beginners shouldn’t shy away from this excellent scope.
That's awesome, glad it's been working well for you!
Whenever I feel down I come here and watch a Cuiv video for a little pick me up.
Glad to bring happiness hope you're feeling less down now!!
Cuiv is definitely always upbeat, smiling, and happy. I agree with you, I always feel good when watching him anyway because I am naturally a happy guy, but somehow afterward I feel even better!
Taking delivery of one today…can’t wait for clear skies
Congrats!!!
Thanks for an excellent video and your attention to detail. Question, what was the diagonal Spike on the bright star even after you did the correction for the pinched optics? This might be a fun little scope to venture into Newtonian OTA.
Yep I'm not sure! I need to figure it out sometime!
Thanks for your thorough and honest review. I think my trusty WO Star 71 petzval is going to have some company!
Woohoo! I always wanted to get the Star71, it's good to see it will have company!
Outstanding video Cuiv, thank you ! This will be a serious contender to replace my 80ED refractor, gain 90mm FL and it's more than a full stop faster !
HI Cuiv, thank you for this excellent video! I took delivery of one today and noticed the secondary adjustment screws are VERY tight. Did yours have this as well? Im hesitant to apply the amount of torque needed to "break them free" so I can collimate the scope.
Mine were tight but not egregiously so - I liked it that way since it held collimation quite well! Maybe shoot an email to Apertura so you have advance permission in case something goes wrong?
Glad to see this.
Great review Cuiv! I've been using mine for the last 5 weeks. The only issue I've noticed is bright stars just out of frame tend to have reflected star spikes that ended up in my images. I'm thinking the anodized red spider reflects a bit too much, my 6" GSO F/4 newt doesn't have this issue. Going to do a few tests and try to cover the struts to dampen the reflection and hopefully its a fix! This was also with a Nexus 0.75 reducer and going to try it out with the 0.95 later as well.
Good idea! I may paint the inside of the spider with black musou paint, see if it makes images better!
this is amazing all I wanted. If they sell when I need a second scope I will buy this for sure.
Yep, it's the perfect little newt
Would love it if you could share whether focuser does tilt under an APS-C camera + filter wheel, such as QHY268M with a matching fw.
Great video Cuiv. Any issues with star shapes due to focus tube intrusion into tube? Doesn’t appear to be from your video. Looks like a fun scope
Nope, the tube doesn't intrude in the light path!
Bonjour. Merci pour cette nouvelle vidéo. Puisque vous possédez les deux instruments, savez-vous si le réducteur de focale 0,85x vendu avec le Skywatcher 150/600 PDS Quattro est compatible avec le Apertura CarbonStar ? Cela permettrait d'avoir un rapport f/D=3,4 sur ce dernier et qui le rendrait encore plus rapide. Merci pour votre réponse.
What do I think? Well, I think you are the geeky-est AP nerd out there. Please don't ever change that. Also, I like the more in depth and longer videos.
I'm going to buy this scope in the next few weeks (thanks for convincing me), but I too would like a mirror mask to cover up the mirror clips, hopefully Apertura will make one available soon.
Keep up the good work, and until the next video... Clear Skies. 👍
Thanks mate! I love being a geeky AP nerd haha :)
Wow 😮 Now I wish for an 8 inch version of aperura scope.
That would be awesome!
Been waiting for this review. I love my quattro 150p. Did take quite a bit of work but i enjoyed the tinkering. Im really hoping they release a 10in version. Im currently wanting a 10 in mewt to replace my 8in sct
I'm so excited to buy one of those carbon Stars I almost had the money to buy one had some car troubles now I've almost got the money again fingers crossed.
I want it so bad I'm salivating
Great video... looks like a great package too.
Why did they use a Crayford focuser instead of a good rack and pinion focuser?
I've had issues where baffles do more harm than good by forcing warm air into the light path while it is escaping. Will the baffles on this scope force warm air into the light path in the same way, or are they vented somehow? This might be more of an issue with planetary photography, but it still can cause some weird issues with stars.
Both have their advantages, the lack of backlash on a Crayford focuser is nice but I agree a rack and pinion is easier for beginners...
Love watching you putting new Astro gear to a torture test! One thing that I find strange about the sensor size illumination situation is that this should be a lot better. Many beginners will use a camera they already have which most likely would be either a full frame or APS-C DSLR. APS-C should be the bare minimum sensor illumination!
Overall I think it's perfectly fine for an APS C size sensor, especially after collimating it better after shooting the video. I think they're too conservative here
When you showed the non reflective interior at the 12 minute mark you can see a reflection from the bottom of the focus tube, I wonder if that contributed to only the top spike on the star being extended
Thanks Cuiv, I've been looking forward to this review. Looks like a great scope. I've only ever had Newtonians and, while they are big and heavy and need careful setup and balancing to track properly, my 8" gathers light a huge lot faster than the tiny William Optics (though I really want one of those too!) Apertura don't seem to have gotten to the UK so far but will keep an eye out. Out of interest, do you know where it was manufactured?
Yep, Newts are such a sweet spot between performance and price, I love those things!
I would assume the bulk of the scope is made in China, probably mostly GSO parts ..
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I notice that their website says “This focuser features a linear bearing design, which, while closely resembling the Crayford-style focuser, utilizes a flat rail running on dozens of ball bearings. These hard ball bearings provide more points of contact for a strong and fluid focusing mechanism capable of smoothly moving all types of imaging equipment. “. So not exactly a Crawford. I upgraded my Newt (Orion Optics UK - not the same as US) to a Baader Diamond Steeltrack which has no movement under any load. It’s fabulous
Wow the hype is real! I mean I knew this review was coming but what a beautiful thing. And so light. What is it just over 4kg? That I could even see working well with my little potable rig based on my ioptron CEM26.
This video is sincerely making me consider this scope (I actually have it in my cart right now). My main concern is all the accessories I would potentially run with it. As I haven't owned a newt before, I'm unsure if the focuser and tube could handle all that weight. I'm looking at a 533, 8 position filter wheel, OAG, and the EAF.
Newt's scare me.
I think something like this will be ny next scope. Happy to learn Apertura are doing a good and dedicated job.
Yep, it's good to see they're really doing their best on this project!
I love this. I only wish it was an 8” 1000mm like my current newt
I think they're looking into an 8" version
Going back in time to 2004. I got an 80mm cheap achromat and a 130mm Newtonian telescope. I set up both during a summer night, I used to live in a Bortle 3/4 area. I managed to find the Andromeda galaxy on my own, which was a huge success- again I'm on a manual German eq mount, I just learned it how to use them. The galaxy looked AMAZING in the 130mm Newtonian! In the slow 80mm achromat, it was nothing but a fuzzy dot. That's when I became a Newtonian fan and being one ever since!
Even for beginner observers: Get a Newtonian!
Yesss, Aperture rules and so Newtonians rule :)
I am considering getting a longer focal length telescop later this year.
What I settled on before this video is the AT102EDL F7 with the Hotech SCA Field Flattener.
It does come with a travel bag and taking it on trips (low weight) or moving it around between sessions wil be a must.
Not sure what the community here thinks about my option or the video option.
I think both are very valid options!
This made me rethink getting a newt. I have had a small refractor but considering this. Should I get the laser or Cheshire Collimator? Will my HEQ5 be able to carry this - seems like it will based on the weights.
If you get this one, I would recommend getting both laser and Cheshire - or an OCAL collimator. And it's quite light, so the HEQ5 shouldn't have issues
@@CuivTheLazyGeek thanks for the response. what is the logic behind getting both collimators? how often do these scopes need collimation? if its once a year, I can get a more sophisticated friend help me :)
Hello Cuiv. For information, Teleskop Service in Germany makes a very similar telescope: the UNI/Photon line. I have used one for more than one year now, and I am very pleased with the quality of the images. My only complaint would be the focuser, since I am not a big fan of Crayford style ones.
That's awesome! And I agree Crayford focusers are difficult to use especially for beginners... But no backlash is nice...
Might get answered later in the video as im like 10 mins in, but is it possible to use the Coma Corrector that came with the Quattro 150p with this scope? I have the 150p and CC and would love it if i could save a few bucks!
Awesome scope! Love it 😎👍
It's really good :)
In addition to the work required to trick out the skywatcher there is also cost. This adds to the bottom line price comparison. Nice work.
Exactly!
Nice example for the $$$! Thanks for the review!
I have a homemade Dob built around a 10" (250mm for you heathens) Meade research grade mirror 24 years ago. After blackening the mirror bevel I mounted the mirror with no mirror clips by using silicone aquarium sealant. Put blobs of sealant on the mirror mount and support the mirror on 3 spacers while the sealant sets up (nails /pencils /washers /whatever). No need for clips but I did put perimeter blocks with more sealant to hold it from falling out. No intrusion into the light path!
20+years later after much bouncing around in my vehicle and being banged around in the house and garage and it's still holding with no problems, no movement on its slightly flexible, unmodified, stress-free mount. So... All of that is too say that those clips are not needed unless you maybe want to keep them attached out of the way for those times you transport it. Lots of cool tricks in that ancient ATM book!
That's awesome on the sealant trick! I'll keep it in mind :)
Hi King! I built a 10" Dob in 1983. That was 41 years ago! Time flies. That was fun. I still have it but I didn't protect the mirrors so it is now pretty much unusable.
@@dannylgriffin Danny, maybe send the mirror and diagonal of for recoating! I'm sure the glass is fine unless it got pitted, in which case a regrind, polish, refigure and coat might also be needed. I don't know but it also might be cheaper buying a new 10" these days. Seems like telescope mfg's are practically giving away really nice scopes these days compared with back then! But on the other hand you might get away with cleaning and recoating. I don't know if they are still in business but Galaxy optics used to do any of the above in a reasonable time frame. /Dave
So happy with your review. I just received mine but haven't had any hope for clear skies. Would love to see you do something with a mirror mask and how that works. Can't wait to get mine out for first light.
I have a mirror mask design on thingiverse if you search for it! Including photo of the primary
Cuiv- what are your thoughts on the focuser? You and I both struggled with the Quattro focuser and replaced it with the Cyck focuser. Will the focuser on this scope hold when hanging an OAG, filter wheel and APS-C sized camera?
You may need to replace the thumbscrew with a hex bolt to get enough tension for heavy equipment, but for now it seems to work very well, no slippage or anything!
Hello Cuiv! I think the fuziness you see on brighter stars is due to the tip of the focuser tube protruding on the light path, appart from also the mirror clips, check if this is not the case? If so you need to move the primary upwards on the tube to get the focal point "out". Cheers
Yep I thought of that as well, but it's not the case, it's well behind the baffles...
@@CuivTheLazyGeek huumm..thats odd, there's clearly something obstructing the light path, I see you are using an OAG, maybe the pick up prism is too far in? Cheers
That sounds pretty exciting to be honest
Really excited to pick one of these up! Hopefully soon!
It's pretty good :)
Hi Cuiv, would you mind giving us a measurement from the top of the focuser to the inside of the tube so we can check which coma corrector does'nt protrude inside/into the light path ?
I read some folks can't use the Starizona Nexus for example without shortening the tube so it you have any insight on this it could be useful.
I have the feeling that the 0.95x CC is a well known generic coma corrector, not bad but not the best, a GPU CC would probably be better for example. Thank you for your work & videos :)
Er, yeah I mind since I need to remove the CC and I still need to take flats for a previous session lol. Maybe next time I do so and I remember! In the meantime, I'm sure asking Apertura directly would give a much faster response!
I saw multiple examples of ppl using it with the Nexus in the comments, one of them did have to use the primary collimation screws to push the primary all the way in
Its actualy a GSO designed telescope based on thier latest upgade of thier 6 inch f/4 imaging newtonian..Its sold as a GSO brand outside the US and european market..
That's great to know there's an alternative!
This is the scope this segment needed!
Buyers remorse having a mostly stock Skywatcher Quattro 150.
Yes, exactly! I'm sure you'll love your Quattro in the end, I love mine because of all the work I put into it haha
What about the Aptura Carbonstar RC? 6" baby Hubble with a superior optical design? Looking forward to that review.
How much would guess your scope with accessories weigh?
Hi Cuiv, do you know if Aperture sell as something else in the UK? Done a few web searches and can’t find them or CarbonStar at all in the UK
Seems that for now it's US only :( Although HPS does ship abroad...
That explains it! Thanks for responding- clear skies
Any thoughts on the Sharpstar 150mm f/2.8 HNT Hyperbolic Newtonian Astrograph - Red # 15028HNT-RD?
None, since I haven't tested it! It looks good though, but I heard people had trouble collimating it!
Thanks!
You bet!
Great review Cuiv just a shame about the pinched optics but like you say it's an easy fix so not a big issue, I do have a question regarding the Stellarmate pro though if you don't mind me asking, I saw a video a few weeks ago regarding a software update on the autofocus as I remember that you were having issues to begin with, have they now been resolved with the update? As I'm really looking for something that I can use in the field & as much as I love NINA the mini PC route is becoming more & more of a pain to set up due to Windows developers making it harder to do.
I need to test this yet! Because of the dual barrel frankenscope I'm kind of stuck with NINA for the synchronized dithering...
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Ah yes of course I forgot about the Frakenscope
Will this work on OSC filters - just got a 6nm dual
Band Altair Astro filter
Yep, that will work
Good review, seems to be a nice small telescop but unfortunately it does not seem to be available out of the US
Yeah seems at this stage it's only HPS, so would require shipping abroad...
So, someone may have already posted this, but I'm curious about your experience with the DUO. The specs show an image circle of 28mm and the DUO requires full frame (~44mm). Is the image circle in the specs incorrect?
The image circle in the specs is without noticeable light fall off, but it doesn't just stop - enough light reaches the Duo sensor. My Duo video tests were all done on the CS as I recall!
How did your focus hold up through your imaging session with the carbon fiber tube, did it noticeably maintain prime focus (which is pretty tight at F4) for longer?
Also, although there is obviously a need to block light at the back of the primary, isn't there something to be gained by having a fan blowing air over the back of the mirror, flowing around it, across its surface as the mirror mask redirects its flow, and then up the tube, to help with cooling, disrupting the boundary layer, and preventing thermal tube currents?
I have one and I didn’t need to refocus. I had pinched optics on mine as well but it was an easy fix. Using it with the Starizona Nexus 0.75 coma corrector/focal reducer which takes it to f3. Super Fast!!
@@aaronwilliams3949 Thanks for the info! So basically you just need to loosen the primary mirror holder baffles to avoid pinched optics and it'll work just fine with the starizona coma corrector right? 😊
It seems to keep focus pretty well, but of course glass expands and contracts too, so a carbon tube isn't the end all solution
I just checked HighPoint Scientific and I see they have a CarbonStar 8” RC!!?
Now that would be a scope worth a review
They seem on fire 🔥 :)
how do you think it will work with the Starizona Nexus?
At least one other is using it with it. You may need to move the primary mirror with the collimation screws to adjust where the point of best focus is (and to avoid the focuser protruding in the light path)
Hoping to see a review of the 'ASIAir killer' ToupTek AstroStation soon :D
Yep, I hope to get a sample soon too!
Hahaha you make me happy with your exited happiness!
Always happy to make people happy!
possible to use this instrument visually?
Just purchased this scope after watching your review (using your link) :) My first newt!
Congratulations!! I hope you enjoy it!! You'll learn some new stuff for sure :) and thanks for using my link!
I'm looking this scope and Nexus 0.75 CC/FR combination :D
Cool F3 result ':)
Question: would Blurexterminator change a very small galaxy (similar to one of the elongated stars it made round) the same way it did elongated stars?
It's actually very smart, it makes the difference between small galaxies and stars in my opinion!
My stars look like birds 🤷🏻♂️
Now to get it in 8" or 10"!
I hope at least the 8 inch is in the plan!
quote of the century - 'skywatcher i hope you're taking notes'' - never a truer word spoken
Yeah, and my guess is that they are NOT taking notes but I hope I get proven wrong!
Can you please weigh the OTA assembly, with rings & Vixen bar. The CarbonStar is quoted at 4.6KG compared to the TS Optics 150/F4 carbon which is 4.0KG. I suspect the extra 600gms maybe the coma corrector. I also suspect this is a re-badged GSO (exclusive to certain dealers) scope.
I'll have to do it but probably not soon as it's now on the dual barrel frankenscope
Cuiv, and anyone else who would like to comment, do you have any insights on why you have chosen 6” aperture newts in recent years over the 8” or 10”. Is it because of one or more of the following?
the sweet spot for sampling with most astrocamera sensors,
a more pragmatic size weight consideration when setting up,
the reduction in the effect of wind buffetting,
The ability to use lighter mounts,
Are there other reasons as well?.
I have used an 8” f4 astrograph newt for many years, originally for visual as well as astrophotography, and it has been a remarkably flexible OTA. However these days with my aging eyes. Eq mount and live stacking I’m really not doing any visual observing anymore. Have you noticed the impact in the loss of aperture when you downsizes to the 6” or has this really made very little difference due to the camera sensor size placing limits on the FOV? Have you noticed any compromise in the reduction of focal length on exposure times?
Also for anyone worrying about the horror stories about collimation on fast newts, let me reassure you that I was worried by this when starting out and purchasing a fast newt, and it really was and is, a non issue. There are many more things about getting started in astronomy to worry about than collimation, which is a simple process to learn and easy to execute. At least for parabolic mirrors anyway. I can’t speak to the difficulty of collimating hyperbolic optics but maybe someone with an RC or hyperbolic newt can comment.
I certainly love the sound of a faster scope for the light pollution in my area (according to LP maps I apparently have just as bad LP as probably your area). However I have kinda narrowed my search of scope to something in the 180mm-300mm focal length because I'd want to get some of the larger nebulas/andromeda in one shot (something my seestar struggles with without attempting a manual mosaic or something). This scope does sound interesting if I ever do want more 'zoomed in' images, so might jot it down for far future if I ever get around to having two setups lol.
Legit question though, why does it seem like all newts/reflectors all start at like 500mm focal lengths and go up from there? Is it just not possible to make a wider field reflector say sub-300mm Focal length? Or just not really anyone asking for that? I know hyperstar/RASA exists but for the expense and effort, doesnt seem like the most beginner friendly.
Most Newts will have F4 as a base, and so that makes them start at such focal lengths. The specialized newts like Takahashi Epsilon or Sharpstar HNT will have F2.8 or F3, so you go towards the range of FL that works for you, but they're a lot of work to collimate apparently
Now I'm torn in two!!! Do I go for a Celestron C6-A w/Hyperstar or an Apertura CarbonStar? Choices, choices?!?! 😄
300mm focal length vs 600mm. Depends on what you want to image. Personally, I'd go for the newt. F4 is still very fast. F2 requires more expensive filters and the focus point is more sensitive.
The Newt is less of a specialist scope, and has more room for growth overall (such as monochrome with EFW) and sharper star (and the cost of 2 stops difference!)
It's actually a GSO scope that Apetura have simply put their name on. They will be sold with a lot of different nametags.
Second comment to say that, do you have a source to that GSO scope? I guess the differentiation then comes with the pre collimation and the provided butt plug for the scope :)
Thanks for this review. I keep looking at this CarbonStar. I think now I'll just go ahead a get one.
So… my AT115EDT is at f/5.6 and 644 mm with the reducer. This rig is one stop faster. Is there any advantage for me to get this?
Probably not for you, but I nearly bought a carbonstar to fit it onto my eqm-35 due to its light weight. I ended up buying a 130pds (130mm f5) with a x1.0 CC because it was about half the price and almost exactly the same weight.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it! I think the newt is more compact and lighter (and yes one stop brighter, but then it has a central obstruction) but besides this I don't think you'd benefit
@@CuivTheLazyGeekThanks guys, I was going to ask the same question.
Would be interesting to see if the red color is causing issues. I also wonder if you new Batman appetizers would help this telescope.
I'm thinking of painting the back of the spider black with musou paint, to see if it makes any difference
From your videos Cuiv you seemed to really enjoy those forty hours on the Quatro, but I see your point with this scope and if didn't already have a medium sized refractor of a similar focal length I would most likely buy one. As a beginners scope considering you will have to buy a mount and if you want to do photography the camera, guide scope or OAG, EAF and a mini pc this is going to be a very expensive first step. A small refractor on something like a Star Adventurer GTi is going to be a lot cheaper and easier to set up, In fact I leave mine set up by the patio doors ready to take outside if I get an unexpected break in the clouds. I take your point with Sky Watcher but to be fair most of their Newtonians are really aimed at visual astronomy but can of course be upgraded for astro photography. The Quatro is different and is aimed at the astro photography market which makes it a very disappointing offering given the modifications that have to be made to make it perform properly. I still think many begginers are going to go for something a lot cheaper that the Apertura, the See Star 50 for example cannot be beaten on price and ease of use, but as a next step scope I believe this could do very well and certainly give Sky Watcher something to think about.
Yep absolutely agree :)
This apparently is the GuanSheng GSN550c, rebadged as Apertura.
What filter did you use?
Just luminance
@@CuivTheLazyGeekthanks 😊 Great review!
Super good video. Merci
But not sold in Europe!
🥵
Sorry about that :( I'm told GSO sells very similar scopes, but not sure if they're sold in Europe...
Cuiv, You need to look at the focuser drawtube entering the light path. It seems clear from your video that it impedes on the light path. Forget about mirror clips or pinched optics. Yes they matter. But understand the diffraction caused by a huge drawtube in the light path.
It doesn't though! At good focus it's behind the baffles
Can you show the mirror cell? The standard GSO 150mm mirror cell is abysmal...
Search on thingiverse for Carbonstar mirror mask, I've uploaded a photo there.
@CuivTheLazyGeek thanks Cuiv, you're certainly not lazy!
On minute 16:30 it's clearly visible the crayford focuser rail, this should introduce some reflections. Anyway, I don't agree that the pinched optics is a minor issue, this should be solved at QC. On the other hand, SW mirror was loose upon receiving, I prefer a loose mirror instead of a pinched mirror. Looking forward your corrected images.
At that time the focus tube was fully racked in, but once in focus the focuser tube isn't visible in the primary, so I don't think it's an issue... At least I see none of the reflection issues I had with the Quattro, which were a nightmare to fix!
I have a different view of the mirror - I much prefer getting a pinched mirror rather a mirror that's far too loose - the pinched mirror will have immediate, obvious impact with an obvious solution. A too loose mirror can introduce some much more difficult to diagnose symptoms! But yeah ideally the mirror should NOT arrive pinched (or too loose for that matter) :)
I want the 200mm version of this.....
I think they're considering that!
I would like to see a strain wave mount that also had motorised polar alignment, its 2024 it shouldn't be that hard.
Ok, that might be a bit of a rant.
That would be nice indeed!