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[peetyg]

I am trying to figure out between Celestron Edge HD925 vs Stellarvue SV Raptor 105 Apo Triplet. My concerns are which scope will perform better with light pollution in where we live in Chicago. I do not see my self traveling much with scope but the Chicago metro area. Would eventually like to get into astrophotography. Also is an german equitoral mount a must? If so what do you recommend.

Thanks

Peety G

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Peety.

Welcome to the Chicago Astronomer..!

Tell us about your expectations on urban astronomy and we will have a better line of advice. In the city, aperture still rules, as is in the rural setting. With the general rule of 50x magnification per inch of aperture in mind, I push for light gathering abilities and magnification over image sharpness.

But on the two scopes you mention....

The Raptor...

No doubt, a top notch telescope.

It will deliver razor sharp views, good contrast and with the carbon OTA...light. The Crayford focuser is very nice.

But for your first solo scope. I think you will be disappointed. It's only 105mm (4.1 inches)....and not a great light gatherer for visual observing. It will provide beautiful images of the Moon...but everything else will be on the small side - although razor sharp. DSO objects will be on the dim side as well...and this is even smaller than a run of the mill 4.5 "Reflector telescope - but the crisp images make up for it.

There is no "Perfect" scope, but the Raptor would make a great second scope or reserved strictly for astrophotography - which will capture some great celestial time-exposure images. You will need a mount with motor drive, (perhaps go-to), and tripod for it. Also a finder scope.


But...for your first scope, I would get the Celestron HD 9.25...

With the great kick in additional aperture, (5+ inches), you will experience great visual images and high magnifications. You can also adapt imaging equipment to this set-up nicely.

One of our members got this telescope specifically, after researching extensively and asking opinions of the astronomers here at the Chicago Astronomer.

I dig it.

His Saturn is probably the sharpest I have seen, coupled with a Nagler 13mm 2" eyepiece.

It also is a total package. Mount, tripod, finderscope and go-to computer.

Here is a link:

astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Equipment&action=display&thread=2872

I think there is another link somewhere of his and perhaps Patrick will find it, as he was in the same place you are now Peety.

Again, both great scopes, but the Celestron wins out just by sheer aperture alone.

[patrickm]

Hi Peety,
Here's the original thread with the debate about which scope to buy:
astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Equipment&action=display&thread=2834

I LOVE my 9.25. It makes me happy, and the more comfortable I get with it, the happier I am.

Pros:
Amazing views with a truly flat field edge to edge.
Solid mount that, when properly aligned, drops objects squarely in the middle of the field.
You can easily image at F2 with Fastar system.
Fairly portable.
Yes, Saturn through my Televue Ethos 13mm looks unbelievable.

Cons:
Replaced the factory mount clutch knobs and declination knobs. Dec knobs especially were knuckle scrapers.
I have some unexplained condensate on my corrector plate that will not leave. Doesn't seen to be affecting views though.
Kinda heavy to lug around if you're not super committed, have a weak back, or are not able to lift bulky or weighty objects for whatever reason.
With practice, set up, telescope alignment, polar alignment, and telescope realignment takes about 25 mind. Take down take me 15 minutes.

I love this scope and wish I could lug it everywhere. If you live around Chicago, I would be happy to have you hang out for a night of observing sometime soon so you can see what you'd be getting and what you're in for.

Welcome to Chicago Astronomer Forums.
Patrick

[peetyg]

Thanks so much for your response. I look forward to meeting you both at some point.. I will go with the celestron set up.

Regards

Peety