Takahashi TOA 150 first light

[BradH]

This is my second light with the scope. First light was very short peeking between the clouds. What I did see was Saturn, and it floored me with a sharp detailed view that looked like a picture.


Last night was my second night out and it was a great night. Seeing was very good and steady. First targets were M2, M5, and M13. The views were stunning, diamonds on black velvet. Next I was off to a few Nebulas M57, M27, M8, M17, and M20. I was so impressed with the views I forgot to try out my Nebula filters. There was lots of detail, and a nice 3D look to all of them, but the Dumbbell, Swan, and Lagoon really stood out.

Then off to Jupiter. I must have spent an hour or longer looking at Jupiter. I am still smiling from the amount of detail I saw in the bands. For a bonus I caught the GRP and shadow transit.

I went back and took another look at the Ring, and M13. I had to call it a night it was almost 5 am.

My scope history has been a Meade EXT 70, Celestron Nexstar 8, Meade LX200 12", Orion ED80, and TMB 130 SS. The Takahashi TOA 150 is in a class all by itself. I know it cant bring in the light that the 12" did, but with the contrast, pinpoint sharp views, and the ability to take lots of power, the TOA 150 is a winner and its staying put. There is an old saying you get what you pay for. This is the second product I can say this about. First was my AP900 and now the Takahashi TOA 150.

Thanks Brian for all the help.

Brad

[BT Technologies]

AWESOME first light report Brad!!!!

The first time I looked through the 150 it was a revelation in terms of image sharpness and contrast. I have owned and viewed through many many scopes and the this one really is in a league all by itself.

Did you receive the saddle plate that I sent? How is that working on the AP mount??

Originally Posted by BradH

This is my second light with the scope. First light was very short peeking between the clouds. What I did see was Saturn, and it floored me with a sharp detailed view that looked like a picture.


Last night was my second night out and it was a great night. Seeing was very good and steady. First targets were M2, M5, and M13. The views were stunning, diamonds on black velvet. Next I was off to a few Nebulas M57, M27, M8, M17, and M20. I was so impressed with the views I forgot to try out my Nebula filters. There was lots of detail, and a nice 3D look to all of them, but the Dumbbell, Swan, and Lagoon really stood out.

Then off to Jupiter. I must have spent an hour or longer looking at Jupiter. I am still smiling from the amount of detail I saw in the bands. For a bonus I caught the GRP and shadow transit.

I went back and took another look at the Ring, and M13. I had to call it a night it was almost 5 am.

My scope history has been a Meade EXT 70, Celestron Nexstar 8, Meade LX200 12", Orion ED80, and TMB 130 SS. The Takahashi TOA 150 is in a class all by itself. I know it cant bring in the light that the 12" did, but with the contrast, pinpoint sharp views, and the ability to take lots of power, the TOA 150 is a winner and its staying put. There is an old saying you get what you pay for. This is the second product I can say this about. First was my AP900 and now the Takahashi TOA 150.

Thanks Brian for all the help.

Brad

[BradH]

Brian

I got the saddle plate. Is really solid and works great.

I really like the focuser, it hold several lbs. with out moving and it silky smooth. I have had a feathertough before, and I feel the Tak focuser is almost as good if not as good.

With all the detail at the EP , I cant wait to image Saturn and Jupiter.

Brad

[BT Technologies]

The next thing to do is to start to take images through that instrument. You can start off by simply getting a webcam to do some planetary imaging. They are very inexpensive and give superb results.

Originally Posted by BradH

Brian

I got the saddle plate. Is really solid and works great.

I really like the focuser, it hold several lbs. with out moving and it silky smooth. I have had a feathertough before, and I feel the Tak focuser is almost as good if not as good.

With all the detail at the EP , I cant wait to image Saturn and Jupiter.

Brad

[jouster]

Did you keep the TMB?

[BradH]

I was one of the ones who had optic problems with the scope. I sent it back.

Brad

[Mike528]

Nice review Brad. The TOA-150's optics is a great. Mine performed just as good my 1st nite out with it although cool down was somewhat longer. Recently I had it out for my club's public star party and the theme that night was Saturn. I got alot of oohs and aahs. The rings were spectacular. The Cassini division very clear. My only concern is I might have to sell it due to serious back issues. I briefly posted it for sale but withdrew it. I will wait until summer to decide then. If I do sell it I still have my TOA-130S.