TAK Dilemma

[Sondwave]

Well I have a dilemma deciding on what to do with my TAKs. While on the waiting list for the TOA-150, I purchased the TOA-130S from TNR. With the saddle plate I purchased from BT, the TOA-130 worked great on my Atlas. Good balance, very little vibration. This was in Aug of 06'. Then I get the call in 1st week of Dec 06' from the dealer. 'Your TOA-150 is ready to be shipped!' I wasnt supposed to get one until spring of 07' which is why I purchased the TOA-130 (just to have something for fall/winter). So before I knew it, I had my card out and the scope was mine. Should I keep the TOA-130 or sell it? I am definately going to keep the TOA-150. But the TOA-130 is also a fantastic scope that I consider MUCH better in color correction going to rediculously high power! Views such as Saturn held firm - Cassini division was as clear and detailed as can be. In winter SIRIUS came in sharp and it's little companion faint Sirius B came very well! This scope is great. Should I sell or keep it? I already put feelers out there but still....

Mike...

[BT Technologies]

Hello Mike,

first off congratulations on your new TOA-150!!! They really are awesome performers (I have one) and are as beautiful to look at as well as through.

It basically comes down to finances IMO. If you can afford to hold on to the 130 I would do that. There are times for example when I want to grab the 130 and place it up on my mount for a quick view of something.

If I ONLY had the 150, then the number of times that I would take that scope out for a "quickie" would be a lot less.

Both the 130 and 150 are amazing instruments and they each have a place in terms of portability and decent aperture to limited portability and a lot larger apperture.

I like the convieince of having both so that's what I ended up with...

Originally Posted by Sondwave

Well I have a dilemma deciding on what to do with my TAKs. While on the waiting list for the TOA-150, I purchased the TOA-130S from TNR. With the saddle plate I purchased from BT, the TOA-130 worked great on my Atlas. Good balance, very little vibration. This was in Aug of 06'. Then I get the call in 1st week of Dec 06' from the dealer. 'Your TOA-150 is ready to be shipped!' I wasnt supposed to get one until spring of 07' which is why I purchased the TOA-130 (just to have something for fall/winter). So before I knew it, I had my card out and the scope was mine. Should I keep the TOA-130 or sell it? I am definately going to keep the TOA-150. But the TOA-130 is also a fantastic scope that I consider MUCH better in color correction going to rediculously high power! Views such as Saturn held firm - Cassini division was as clear and detailed as can be. In winter SIRIUS came in sharp and it's little companion faint Sirius B came very well! This scope is great. Should I sell or keep it? I already put feelers out there but still....

Mike...

[Gary Beal]

I'm with Brian, if you can afford both, then do that, at least until you have had both for long enough to know. Just ask Ken, he did virtually what you are thinking, and then went and bought another TOA130 as he missed his first one so much.
Me? I'm just happy with my TSA, but wish I had a 150, LOL.
Good luck,
Gary

[Sondwave]

Thanks Brian/Ken for suggestions.
I know its like overkill to have both. But my intention was to sell the 130 once the 150 was ready. It all just happend so fast. The 130 is a quick grab and go scope, isnt it! So I just might hold onto it for now. Unfortunately the night sky lately hasnt been so co-operative But I do have the Savoy MA SSP coming up so there is hope there.


Mike...

[neilfleming]

I think the question is more, "what else do you need"?

The sale of the '130 could fund a nice camera, upgraded mount, 67 flattener, narrowband filters, etc...

I've collected too much in the way of extra scopes, cameras, etc, and should "rebalance" my collection too <g>.

...Neil

[BT Technologies]

C'mon Neil... I know you are just "itchin" for the new FSQ!!

Originally Posted by neilfleming

I think the question is more, "what else do you need"?

The sale of the '130 could fund a nice camera, upgraded mount, 67 flattener, narrowband filters, etc...

I've collected too much in the way of extra scopes, cameras, etc, and should "rebalance" my collection too <g>.

...Neil

[Fatih Buyuktas]

Only Neil?
Count me in too, or I can buy someone's old FSQ when he upgrades

I would consider Mike's TOA-130s but with all other imaging equipment it'll be a bit heavy for my EM200.

[rcg]

Mike,
This is a dilemma many of us wish we had to resolve seriously though if you need other equipment the Tak will provide it through its sale. If however you cannot use the TAK 130 or need some more time to decide, I could put it to good use while you are deciding...Congrats on the new TAK, do they post first lights on this site?