In 2008 I purchased a Borg 101EDF4.1 Astrograph apochromatic refractor from Hutech Astronomical Products in California. The Borg astrographs have a reputation for high quality build, flexible design, and superb optics.  The Borg astrographs (they make several models) utilize a 4-element design with an ED super reducer optimized for full 35mm sized digital imagers.  The reducer unit on the back of the scope also has a superb Feather Touch focuser, a camera rotator to allow precise framing of objects, and a 2" filter drawer.

I also purchased a Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro mount at the same time as the Borg Astrograph.  Despite selling my LX200R, I did not want to give up goto capability.  The HEQ5 Pro mount comes with a Celestron-compatible goto system, and the mount itself has a reputation locally of representing good value.  It delivers very good tracking, and the heaviest component (the head) weighs 16kg (35lbs) - considerably lighter than the 30kg (65lbs) the LX200R weighed when in its JMI case.  My motivation for moving to this new gear (Borg Astrograph & HEQ5 Pro) is to upgrade my capabilities for imaging, while reducing the weight of the components I need to lug around.  The Borg 101ED Astrograph weighs a mere 6kg (13lbs), so I have accomplished what I was aiming for!  Now I have to climb a new learning curve, since I have no experience using a German equatorial mount for imaging.  I'm fortunate to know a few local RASC members who have such experience, and are willing to share their knowledge with me, so I expect to be up-to-speed on this new gear within a few weeks.

In October 2004 I purchased a Tele Vue 76 apochromatic refractor.  The TV-76 has superb optics, and a 5.5° wide field of view.  I have used it as a grab-and-go scope since it only weighs 6lbs. and it mounts on Tele Vue's Panoramic tripod.  This is an excellent tripod, designed for use with the TV-76. The TV-76 also makes a great spotting scope for birds and other wildlife.

In mid 2001 I purchased a Meade ETX-60AT Astro Telescope (very similar to the ETX-70AT on the Meade website). I have more capable telescopes to choose from for most astronomy now, so my use of the ETX-60AT had declined as I upgraded over the intervening years. This telescope is easy to use, low cost, and is a scope to have some fun with. The ETX-60AT offers a light weight option for astronomical observing, and it is quick and easy to setup.  It also travels well, so it is a "keeper" despite seeing limited use lately.

Have a look at my astrophotographs of the Sun - all taken through the ETX-60AT using an Identiview solar filter (from Scoptronix). Always observe the Sun safely by using top quality solar filters.  Never look directly at the Sun with your eyes.

Some astronomers look down on "go-to" scopes, but they fit my needs very well.  The HEQ5 combined with the Borg is portable enough to be transported in the car, and can be carried to an observing spot of my choice without strain.  Setup is quick and easy, allowing me to be observing within 15 minutes of arrival.  I don't have to hunt for celestial features using star charts, since the mount electronics point on-target most of the time.

Telescopes I no longer own

In July 2006 I purchased an 8" Meade LX200R, which is a Meade-modified Ritchey-Chréten design  telescope.  The optics of this telescope were superb, offering a flatter field for astrophotography than the LX90 I previously used.  This telescope also allowed me to advance to a new level of sophistication with my astrophotography, since it offered an improved platform for mounting guide scopes and camera gear. I ordered the LX200R with the UHTC coatings, which reportedly increased light transmission by up to 20% according to independent testing.  It also came with a 4 speed motorized micro-focuser and primary mirror lock, which was a big advantage over the LX90, since I could perform fine focus without the field of view shifting.

I reluctantly sold this telescope in 2008 because I was having difficulty lifting it when it was in the JMI case.

In August 2002 I purchased a Meade LX90 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.  This was the class of telescope that served the majority of my visual observing and photographic needs, and provided the "seeing power" required for serious amateur astronomy. The LX90 was a fully computerized "Go-to" scope, meaning it had computerized servo drive systems which located celestial features without reference to paper-based star charts.

This scope's accurate tracking  made it quite easy to take astronomical photos.  As I took many astrophotographs through this telescope, I honed my skills and technique over a number of years.  That's why I leave all my astrophotos posted on this website in chronological order - so everyone can see my progress.  I sold this telescope in 2006 in order to upgrade to the LX200R (above).