Jerry Wise Reviews

For my location and needs, the TOA 150 works better than I ever anticipated. Viewing conditions in the deep South are rarely optimal. Ive been through a number of OTAs looking for one with visual and DSLR Astrophotography performance. OTAs include a number of 6, 8, 9.25, 11, 12 and 14 inch SCTs. Also 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch refractors. The best refractor before the TOA was a Takahashi FS-152. The TOA is solidly built, has awesome optics and a great camera angle adapter. The focuser is fine and is only bested by a high end FeatherTouch. For DSLR imaging this scope has to be approaching perfection. Very easy to use and has no discernible color. Even in poor seeing the results are very good. The only negative would be the counter-weight collar. Attaching it is optional but if you choose to use it another 10 or so pounds is added to the scope weight. The objective is heavy on this scope (more quality and sturdy construction in the lens cell where you want it) and the counterweight centers the OTA a little better in the rings. Not required but a nice, if bulky, option to have. Oh, another downside if you love to spend money and search for the ultimate scope. The TOA 150 puts a damper on that. The only other scopes in this range I would consider now would be an AP 160 and then only if my name came up and I could get one new. Then there would be a final shootout for the ultimate 6 inch refractor.

For my location and needs, the TOA 150 works better than I ever anticipated. Viewing conditions in the deep South are rarely optimal. Ive been through a number of OTAs looking for one with visual and DSLR Astrophotography performance. OTAs include a number of 6, 8, 9.25, 11, 12 and 14 inch SCTs. Also 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch refractors. The best refractor before the TOA was a Takahashi FS-152. The TOA is solidly built, has awesome optics and a great camera angle adapter. The focuser is fine and is only bested by a high end FeatherTouch. For DSLR imaging this scope has to be approaching perfection. Very easy to use and has no discernible color. Even in poor seeing the results are very good. The only negative would be the counter-weight collar. Attaching it is optional but if you choose to use it another 10 or so pounds is added to the scope weight. The objective is heavy on this scope (more quality and sturdy construction in the lens cell where you want it) and the counterweight centers the OTA a little better in the rings. Not required but a nice, if bulky, option to have. Oh, another downside if you love to spend money and search for the ultimate scope. The TOA 150 puts a damper on that. The only other scopes in this range I would consider now would be an AP 160 and then only if my name came up and I could get one new. Then there would be a final shootout for the ultimate 6 inch refractor.

In the days of quick release finders this is a poor approach for a fine telescope. I bought it to get up and running quickly. I put an cheap right angle finder in it (fit fine). The rear screws have plastic, the front ones on mine did not. To take it off after observing you just undo the two allen screws holding the mount to the scope with an allen wrench.