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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

There are times when I would like to upgrade from the 4.5" to something larger. The next scope won't have an EQ mount if I can help it. I would prefer a fork unit. But I been reading about the Portaball set up.

Shown is a 8" ball. The maker of the mirror, Carl Zambuto, is regarded as a master builder and his mirrors are coveted. The reviews I have read are all good, and although quite expensive - $1500 to start -, it would be a nice scope to have. It sets up quickly, and the ball moves easily and stays put.

It doesn't come with eyepieces or accessories...all extra. But I understand the the views are spectacular. If I were to get one, I would grab a 10 or 12 inch set-up.

Has anybody had any experience with this type of scope?

[stargazer]

Joe,

A friend of ours has the Porta Ball scope and he says it is very easy to move and set up. He likes it. Now for me when it comes to the mirror I would go with Gomer from CAS for his mirror's are great. Hand done and worth every cent you pay. He did the mirror in my cannon and it was $680.00 for the blank and hand grinding and then $150.00 for the Diamond Bright Enhanced Coating. Dan is also doing the 20" mirror for us. We have been told from a dark site we can see what a 14" see's and can push a 16" with very little detail. So I may be biased but I will stay with Dan. I have heard good and bad about Zambuto's mirrors. I dont think the quality is the same. But this is just my humble opinion.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I have read extensively about the Zambruto mirror, and have never come across a bad review.

I have heard good and bad about Zambuto's mirrors

What negative things have you heard about them?

I like the simple set-up and breakdown of a Portaball scope. It doesn't look heavy or cumbersome, and I think it has a cool shape. It has fans for cool down, and auto collimations built in. The bad thing about these longer scopes is the need for a ladder or adjustable chair for viewing.

I remember at the Mars maddess, an astronomer from the CAS, brought a huge open air dob to the Adler. Had to be a 20" mirror, and had it attached to a trailer hitch set-up. I wanted to take a peek at Mars to compare with my meek 4.5". I had to climb a tall ladder to get to the eyepiece. Now....although the image of Mars was much brighter and a bit larger, I wasn't impressed on the view. Perhaps he kept the magnification down for easier tracking, but no filters were used, and it looked rather washed out. And I was rather surprized and dissapointed.

Yep...I would get me one of those portaball assemblies....now where did I put that extra $2.000.00 I had laying around?

[starbux]

What negative things have you heard about them?

One thing I've heard about them is that you need to keep the ball waxed like a surfboard in order to maintain smooth motion, and you can't just set the ota down anywhere without the base (or a special inner-tube type platform) unlike regular dobs where you can stand the ota on end somewhere while you move the base, as you will want to avoid scratching the ball wherever possible.

The dream reflector that I would get is the 10" F/5 Teleport: Cloudy Nights Review here. Weighing at only 32lbs total, it would be the ultimate grab-and-go scope. The same company also makes a 7" F/5.6 at 18lbs which is airline-transportable (Yes, you can put it in the overhead baggage compartment!). Neither is cheap, and both sell between $2k-$3k. But if I were saving money for a premium lightweight dob, these are the ones I would go for.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I have just finished reading the review on the teleport scope you write about, and must say it is quite a scope. The common thread here is the Zambuto mirror, which is the heart of the beast. What is he doing that others are not? Did he make a pact with the devil?

I like the performance the author wrote about, but I don't like the boxy look to it. The porta ball looks sleek and futuristic, but I know that is no criteria for a scope.

I like the built in accessory drawer and the light weight of the scope. I want to take a peek thru one of these.

That was a lot of reading.....I must rest.

[JayBee]

I've had some experience with a couple of portaballs. This is a serious premium scope. I don't think you'll find anyone who will have anything bad to say about the fit, finish, or optics. It is hard to over state the convience of being able to rotate the scope so the eyepice can be in a comfortable position. They fold up and fit into the lower ball as well.

That having been said, there are a few shortcomings to the design.

1) You cannot ever add goto. You can add tracking though.
2) You can get into balance issues with ver large or heavy eyepieces, as there is no good way to increase the friction. Bino-viewers are not practical.
3) As with many larger dobs, per haps more so, strong winds can also be an issue.
4) Oh yeah, did I mention the expense thing again?

If I had the money would I buy one? You Bet.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Jaybee,

Finally....a first person account on the portaball!

Tell me/us about the views thru the scope. Are they Sharp and wide? What size are the focusers...are they 2" eyepieces? Does it feel strudy and firm? And does it stay put where you leave it? I guess a camera is out, but I wonder if there is somesort of counter balance that can be achieved.

I don't need a goto, don't have a bino-viewer, (a friend of mine does and the view is spectacular), and I'm telling all of you...If I ever find $3.000.00 laying around, I'm getting one of these!