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Subject: STARFINDER: buying opinion
From: Rudolf Klug
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Sun Mar 17 03:03:57 1996

Hello, Jacob,
and other MAPUG members (and possible starfinder buyers)
and supporting astromembers

Three weeks ago I asked a similar question. I got many reactions ( also through
private e-mail). Though a good newton is probably the best instrument to have
many observers are in favour of lx200 (lx50). Being a part-time student of computer-
science I really want to grab al those electronic masterpieces, but private astronomy
fulfillment can be tasted without computers (except for a drive of course).

I bought a meade 10" starfinder equitorial on 09 march 1996. I was used to observing
with 7x50 and 20x100 binoculars. With these binoculars I could browse through the
sky and just enjoy. However I wanted more, I want to be able to magnify and see more
detail. After reading lots of books and asking mapug and astro lists their opionion
I decided to go for the starfinder.

Btw, all of you who wrote kindly to me after I purchased the instrument : I didn't
tell you I bought one because it was a proof-of-the-pudding test; as soon as I
definitely was hooked to it then I would have told you so. But because of this
question I wanted to share my newest feelings with you.

YESTERDAY I CALLED MY MEADE DEALER AND TOLD HIM I WILL RETURN THE STARFINDER TO HIM.
I had a 14 days trial period. Now I'll go for a 5"refractor and portable mount (with
motor drive).

Here are my personal reasons why I did NOT enjoy the starfinder :
- I have a small balcony, and my neighbours enjoy having a streetlight and since
few weeks two outside lights. With binocs I can observe throug big rubber caps.
I tried the same with starfinder. No good, not even with a big towel over my head.
And reflections in windows also put light inside the tube from behind. The tube
is open on both sides (I always thought Newton's were open on one side only)
- Because the starfinder is open on the primary mirror side A lot of dust / sand
can and will go in their which means frequent cleaning of the mirror
- I'm 200 cm tall but after three consecutive observing nights I had sever pain in my
back and cramps in my legs ; the cramps are due to the weight, I do have to
carry everything out and in
- The pier is too small for my (big) hands, so if you want to fasten the screws
to attach the three legs you will really hurt your hand; of course
if you can leave it with one time assembly thats ok
(I have to use a bicycle ! so I have to disasemble assemble everytime)
- I never before watched through a newtonian reflector. I must say the way of
observing through the nose is tedious and I think after a while you won't like
to do it anymore (standing four hours in weird positions is not funny)
- To rotate the nose you have to rotate the whole tube which means untieing and
re-tightening the straps every time
- You will probably need to collimate the reflector often (if you carry it around
every time)
- The mounting legs don't have wheels, so it is difficult to adjust their position
to horizontal level and you can't move it without lifting all of it
- The documentation provided with the scope is a joke !!! Only if you are an experienced
observer the few pages will do.
- You can't attach accesories because the 10" tube and mirror are about maximum
for the mount; would be possible with the 8" though
- The screws to tighten the tube to the mount are round and you will need to replace
them or use gloves (without firm tightening you will loose the tube if you place
it pointing around the zenith)
- According to meade catalogue you can do 5-15 minutes photography without extra
declination corrector (that I do believe !)
- The contrast of images are no way comparable to my 20x100 binoculars
(of course there were more stars in the field of view)
- I also had problems with focusing UWA and SWA eyepieces , while SP eyepieces
were fine ( could be my eyes and my inexperience with observing thorugh ONE
eyepiece)
- if you want to photograph you will have to move the mirror while if you want
to observe you have to move it back (according to the socalled documentation)
Seems tedious too
- the tube is very easily damaged (just a moment not looking everywhere and you
have a 'moon crater' in your tube , not just in your eyepiece)
- the third observing session (yes, there were three consecutive clear skies !)
the motordrive was active but could not move the scope. I had to adjust the
screws in the motor-drive-box. (how often will it be necessary ?)

MY conclusion :
To enjoy a 10" starfinder you MUST :
- have a dark site
- not disassemble / assemble all parts every time
- be tall ( at least 190 cm) to be able to view without extra furniture
- be able to stand long times in uncomfortable positions
- have a semipermanent mounting place

If you fit these requirements : Y E S , the starfinder 10" will be great !

Else , don't or buy one with explicitly getting approval of the dealer to return
it within a reasonable time if you won't be happy with it ( the 6" is really
portable, but then a 5" APO will be much better).

As long as one will have to travel a few kilometers with a bike I must strongly
advice you to buy a refractor or binoculars, because even the tube with wedge are
not easy to transport (even the 7" lx200 maksutov is too much weight to travel
with; unless you own a car of course).

Please note, I received reactions from starfinder owners who love their scope
AND do astrophotography (with a few adjustments).

Kind regards from a telescope-observing newbie,
And thanks again to all who wanted to help me,
Rudolf Eduard.

" Let the splendour of a clear night-sky inspire Your life "
101460.2713 at compuserve.com
52.25 N && 5.25 E