Review of the William Optics Megrez 90mm f/6.9 Apo Refractor!
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
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Things aren't collectable because of some arbitrary age they are collectable because people choose to collect them. To be honest the collectaholic side of hobbies is the worst one, they take telescopes off the market while also pushing up prices, the telescopes just sit in their cases never getting used, please take up stamp collecting instead.
It is always a lovely day when Ed graces us with a video review!
Hopefully future generations get to enjoy the night sky as we have. I'm glad I live in an area where people don't appear to want to live, that should keep my night sky nice and dark for a very long time.
Mr. Ting, recently found your channel and you've made me dust of my two telescopes, a Mead 4420 and an old 80s C8. Had them out the past few nights and wondered why I haven't used them a year. Love your videos!
I was thinking an excellent video to see would be discussing visual filters and their uses, advantages and disadvantages.
If the comparison scope would be an A/P (or a Takahashi), you've got a good a scope! And at a $1,000, that's a huge bargain.
The struggle is real. An astronomer could go crazy worrying if he had the best equipment. I chanced upon an ES 102mm apo with fcd1 glass, and I am happy. 19 years?! Holy cow!
Hey ! Happy to see a video where Ed talks about a telescope I own ! It is indeed a very pleasant refractor to use. And I am very happy to see Ed compared it directly with the Stowaway ! I never had the chance to look through a Stowaway, but it makes me love my Megrez even more :p. Thanks for the nice video Ed !
Please review the Stellarvue SVR90T Raptor if you can.
All of the Raptors are very good.
FD stands for Fluorite Doublet. But there’s no actual fluorite crystal used in this doublet like a typical Takahashi doublet. Instead it uses FPL53 low dispersion glass to control false colour. I bought my 80mm version used. It looks lovely but the dew shield slides back when pointed high and the focuser isn’t strong enough to hold heavy eyepieces etc without losing traction.
Can you see the Cassini division in saturns rings with that telescope. I was very close to being able to see the Cassini division using an orion Observer 90mm refractor telescope with an astromania 6mm tmb eyepiece
You should be able to see Cassini's Division with your Orion 90mm refractor. The limiting factors are likely the seeing conditions and the unsteadiness of the mount. Keep trying, you'll get it.
Thanks for making my Sunday with a new video! I bought a Pentak J60 1980's refractor on a Takahashi-like Alt Alz mount. Do you have any thoughts about a video about telescopes by camera manufacturers like Pentax and Nikion? I have heard they are superb quality. From what I see so far, that's the case,they seem like a forgotten sector of the hobby. Cheers!
Would Ed consider discussing advantages/disadvantages of harmonic drive mounts?
I had one of these from about 2009 through 2017 as my only scope (poor grad student) and saw a ton with it. It was the biggest little scope I could afford at the time. My most memorable occasion was viewing the 2012 Transit of Venus, but there were plenty of other nice nights too.
I've always had a 90mm class scope since and someday (hopefully far from now) this size will be the last scope I own. My current 90mm class scope is...a Stowaway. It isn't going anywhere.
I'd love for you to find an Astro-Tech AT102EDL to review!!
It's a 4" f/7 doublet with a FCD100 ED crown & matched lanthanum element that's "supposed" to give a guaranteed minimum 0.95 Strehl with a 2.5" rotatable 2x speed R&P focuser, all in a package that can be found often on sale for below $1,000!!!! (normal Astronomics price ~$1,200 but the $999 sale is still going right now...)
I just received mine and will hopefully be having it DPAC tested to see how that "guaranteed 0.95 Strehl" works out in reality. It's a super nice scope tho, and is absolutely amazing for the price. I seriously believe it's the best refractor money can buy for it's price!!
I'd love for you to get your hands on one to review Ed, I'll send ya mine if you can't find one anywhere else!! (Seriously just let me know)
I haven't seen that model yet. I have seen two AT90s though. One was fine, while the other had misaligned optics.
Speaking of quality manufacturers, I don't think I've heard mention of Borg here or on your website. Forgive me if I'm wrong.
For some reason Borg telescopes are pretty rare in the US. I’ve only seen a few of them.
@@edting Thanks for the reply 🙂I do occasionally see them pop up on the CN classifieds. The most recent variant I saw was a 76mm F6.6 ED APO doublet for $675?! It could be reduced down to F4 with the dedicated reducer. One could even replace the objective lens with a 101mm ED lens or even use it with a bino-viewer, talk about versatile!
I could not decide which of these telescopes to buy: Orion starblast 6xt & Skywatcher heritage 150p. Which one is better to start amateur astronomy?
No question here. Get the XT6.
Ok, thanks
Ed, the best cases retail between $90-$600, depending on what they protect. That isn't something the manufacturers can absorb, not at the low end and not at the high end. The customer must pay. Could it be included with only a 10% profit margin? Sure, but to ask them to provide it free is a bit much in my opinion.
ED why would you review a scope that is NOT currently in production? I mean getting ones hands on one would be quite difficult on the second hand market?
My material has always been a mix of the old and the new. FYI, there are people here who *only* want reviews of old/discontinued equipment (their rationale: you can get reviews of new stuff anywhere).
@@edting Ed that rationale to me is crazy. Why would you want to listen to a review of a product that is no longer available/difficult to find in the second hand market? I would rather someone as qualified as you could review more new stuff, I would definitely watch that but really old William Optics stuff is so rare these days especially the fluorite APO.
19 years,,,,,,,I ordered a pizza and it took twice as long. you are lucky. LOL
what telescope should I get I have narrowed it down to two I would like any advise its the Orion 10012 SkyScanner 100mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope or HSL Reflector Telescope,76mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Astronomy Reflector Telescopes
any thoughts of reviewing the TEC 140? Saw it in the background in a previous video, and realized TEC is one of those companies that I don't see talked about often on here. UA-cam TEC 140 and the top video is just an unboxing with no field work on it
Last night 60% of 5min subs had Starlink trails
I don't know if it's just UA-cam being UA-cam, but there was way too many adverts in this one.
The Televue 85 is just a little smaller in aperture but also very nice. I like mine though it is quite a bit bigger than my Ranger. Still being made, since 1998!
Daniel Helmbrecht
Hey that looks like the Megrez I sold about 11 years ago or so!
Hey Ed. Thanks for the nice and timely review. Exelent as always. I am looking at the WO FLT-91 so appreciated your comments very much!
I've had only 2 refractors, a (very) cheap Skywatcher 102mm aperture achromat and a (very) nice Williams optics Z71. Visually the difference between the 2 was night and day, the WO apo had a small aperture but the view through it was so compelling. The cheap skywatcher (while great for the money) had too much chromatic aberration. Over time I found myself looking through refractors not for the view but to compare their sharpness, color correction etc. Eventually I decided that instead of obsessing over refractors I should be practical and focus on astronomy instead of the scope........so I went and got the cheapest APO I could find (the Skywatcher 50ED) which I use for astrophotography........and a large dob (skywatcher 12 inch synscan) which I use for visual astronomy. I think they complement each other very nicely.
I have the WO/TMB FLT 110, which looks very similar. Great optics. However, the dual speed focuser became a single speed focuser that I couldn't fix, so that got replaced with a Feather Touch focuser that I had to wait about 6 months to get. As always, I really enjoy your high quality videos and reviews.
Great presentation as usual Ed. When you said "wine colored red" this reminded me of the vivid description of Admiral Smyth of double star colors.
Hey Mr. Ting!! I just found your channel and wanted to say thanks, it’s been really informative. I just ordered an Orion skyline 8” and your first time buyer videos really helped point me in the right direction. Once again, many thanks and clear skies.
Hey Ed, nice to see some praise coming from high places for my underrated gem of a scope. You ought to have mentioned how hard it is to find an FPL53 doublet in this class. You have the TV-85, the Sky 90s, a few Borg scopes and…?
Not everyone wants or needs a triplet after all. The TMB92 is a good scope but it has a use case distinct enough from the 90FD.
What a wonderfully nuanced hobby we have! Thanks again for an entertaining review.
William Optics scopes used to cross my path all the time. For some reason I haven't seen many lately. Give it time, I'm sure more will come my way soon.
Recently got a WO GT 71 with reducer for wide field imaging. It truly is a work of art.
I'm a huge fan.
Rounds out my imaging collection nicely with my TEC 160FL and the Lunt 100MT Solar/Night Scope.
Nice collection!
@@edting Thanks! You were the inspiration. You started me on the journey 22 years ago!
Still on the waiting list for a 6" Astro Physics lol. 20 years and counting.
Roland recommended the TEC over the Tak. Hadn't even heard of them until he told me. The HUGE side benefit was because of their partnership I was able to get an AP Mach2GTO mount to go with it in just 6 mos instead of 2.5 years.
Once again you were dead on about AP mount quality. That thing is an engineering masterpiece. 7 times the price of my skywatcher eq6r pro, but so worth it!
If you ever make it out to Colorado, I'd love for you to check out the TEC 160 and my Teeter 18" Dob with the mighty Zambuto mirror.
the last few years I have been, quite unintentionally, looking for that fine line where a refractor is big enough, affordable enough and yet easy to use on affordable mounts. Mount killers (that is to say they have too much weight out on the ends that vibration becomes very annoying) have been easy to find, yet those that are easy on the mounts struggle to show things from the backyard in Phoenix - when we moved here that was not that big a problem; oh how things have changed. Almost makes me want to go back to SCT's. Sigh.....
The struggle is real, isn't it?
can we use it for Wildlife photography?
Thanks for your kind information
Faint praise?
How well does the Megrez 90 work with the William Optics Binoviewer? I have one that I use on a William Optics Zenithstar 61 for observing the Moon. Unfortunately, imo, the setup isn't worth much on planets; even Jupiter. Will I get a better look through the Megrez?
I have a binoviewer video in the works. This is a very complicated topic and I want to make sure I get it right.
The only negative review that I’ve seen is one from Germany. It really bashed the focuser. But it was just the one review.
By the way, William Optics originates in Taiwan. There are two brothers and William is the older. He once told me that he is self taught in optics.
@@edting I look forward to seeing it. Thanks, Ed!
👌🇺🇸
YES! Cases! or at least pack them in foam inserts I can use in a nice aftermarket case!
I liked the Meade/Celestron model of selling you a zippered canvas overcase for the stock foam.
Hi, my question is off the topic. As you have reviewed many vixen products, I am interested to know the suitability of vixen SX2 with star book 10 for astrophotography.
I don't find any video or written reviews in that regard. Thanks.
Love Your Video’s As Always Ed,I Think I Would Be Shot If I Bought Another Scope😂,And Some Stunning Images
Another great video Mr. Ting, thanks!
Would love to see your review of an Explore Scientific ED-152, there's just not much out there on it other than the ES site.
Also your impressions on items like the ZWO ASIAIR Plus and strain wave mounts would be very helpful!
I just picked up a used Stellarvue 90mm Raptor triplet for a little more than 1k. Curious about how it would compare.
Those Raptors are very good.
@@edting I’ve sort of become a collector of Stellarvue scopes. Now I have the 70, 80, 90, 102, and 130, all triplets in excellent condition. Is there any particular collector’s model I should keep an eye out for?
@@keithhanssen7413 Which is your favorite?
Ed. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I really enjoy all your videos. My question is on my 10 inch zhumell the coatings are wearing thin on the primary mirror. Who do you recommend to have it re-coated? Or is it better/cheaper to just replace? If so where should I go to replace? I appreciate your advice and keep the videos coming! Thank you, your my newest best friend! (According to my wife..lol)
Charles Duncan
I wouldn't worry about it. I've seen a lot of problems from people trying to "fix" their mirrors by cleaning or recoating them. I'd leave it alone and just keep using it.
Ok thank you for your time. Keep up the good work.
I haven't tried any of wo's stuff yet. Although I have a WO 80mm doublet megrez 'semi' apo 500mm fl tucked away waiting for me to build a tube for it. Not too likely anytime soon because I also have a sky watcher 80mm Equinox 500mm fl apo. Hmmm,... Binocular telescope build? Maybe that's why I bought it! 😉
I bought mine in 2007 from Kendrick's in Toronto. Great scope! Mine is all white with gold trim .. no black. Enjoy your videos 🔭👍
YOU are the best Ting to happen to this hobby/profession bar none. Just saying. Thanks so much :)
Ed, thanks for the review. I think the Askar/Sharpstar series would be an nteresting competitor, especially the Z4, which will fit in carry on luggage. While it comes in a great case, it isn’t quite carry on size. I can actually fit the Z4, a Hobym Crux 140 mount and a Radian CF tripod in a Pelican Air carry on case.
Oh I got the 80mm version of that. FPL53 glass I believe.
I have owned a Megrez 90 for many years. It’s is a very fun scope and a joy to use, and it produces very pleasing views.
I have my eye on the WO gt81 wifd to go on ZWO am5 mount. Using the aa+ control. Also going to go with zwo cameras. I am doing this as I am still new to all of this, and want a easier/ lighter way to go.
Love Ed Ting reviews, a youtube treat.
I have one of these and love it but I have to wonder what prompted the choice to review this discontinued model.
Thank you for reviewing. I will buy one soon.
Hey Ed, why did you deleted your last video ?
I uploaded a previous version with errors in it. Felt like an idiot! I will rerelease it soon.
@@edting thought it was a bit lol. Someone commented saying it was funny and clever or something like that and I took it as a joke I didn’t understand.
"I try not to make a lot of mistakes, but when I do, I make sure they are big ones!"
Hello Mr Ting. I have a question. Does a bigger aperture telescope works better in a light polluted urban area than a smaller one? I have a 8" dobsonian and I am tempted to get a 10". I am affraid that it would be affected even more by the light pollution. Do I make sense?
It's impossible to tell without seeing your conditions. Light pollution hurts everything. A 10" will show you more but its added bulk and weight makes you use it less, so it's often a wash. Put another way, if you take your 8" out to a dark site, it will behave like a 10".
@@edting Thank you! I get what you say! All the best! 🙂
The photos are better good.
I have to say that the depth of field in the talking head portion is delightful.
The DOF is off in the first 2 minutes because I accidentally left the Canon R6 in autofocus mode. I have made this mistake a few other times. The R6's autofocus does not work in video. I am extremely frustrated with this camera! The only way to trust the focus is to do it manually.
Hey Ed… I just recently acquired a small 60mm Refractor that has an issue that seems to be completely unheard of in the telescope world. I really need your help because this scope was free and is in good condition. See, the problem is that to achieve focus through the eyepiece, the eyepiece has to be racked out so far I’m actually holding the eyepiece in the air and the focuser physically cannot rack out far enough to achieve focus without coming out of the optical tube. Please help!
Are you using a diagonal?
@@edtingNo. The original kit came with one but It was gone
I have heard rumors of optical issues with their 130 mm or whatever it is 132mm scopes. Do you know if there is anything to this or if its been resolved?
Good question. Anyone know?
@@edting Yes please anyone chime in if you can provide info on his!
Thanks Ed.
Going by the reviews on U tube and in the astronomy media there seem to be a lot of decent refractors from various manufacturers around these days. I currently own a WO CAT51 and GT81 and am very happy with both. Would definitely buy another WO scope.
It's amazing how many high quality choices there are nowadays!!
I just bought an Astro-Tech AT102EDL. It's a 4" f/7 FCD100 & lanthanum doublet with a nice 2x speed 2.5" rotatable R&P focuser. I got the scope shipped to my house for..... $999.99!!!!
Such an amazing scope for less than a thousand bucks!! A scope like that didn't even exist a few decades ago and if it did it would've cost more than a new car.... It's just amazing how much high quality gear there is in the hobby now, and that's not even mentioning the new mounts and camera tech that's flooding the market!!!!
Great review, Ed. I had a 10th Anniversary WO 80mm. Great little scope, but 80mm just seemed too little for me - I'm solely visual. I've had a sorts of 4" scopes, and the APOs tend to be too big and heavy for grab and go for me (and the three William Optics I was worried about using because they were so pretty (and a substantial investment). I have an FD 90 now and it's a perfect grab and go for me. It's only a little bigger than the 80 (and the focuser is MUCH better). It's significantly smaller and lighter than the 4-inchers. And I'm not paranoid about using it "robustly" (I'm not afraid if it gets a little scuffed up from overuse). It's a really nice sweetspot.
For visual why a 💰💲 APO and not a Mak? 🤭
@@PureAwareness76 Field of View. for the same aperture, you can see 4x more sky (f/7 for the refractor; f/15 for the mak). That's a hard stop. Maks are essentially "always high magnification"
@@golookup
Of course, I know, but yet... 💰💲
@@PureAwareness76 ahh. If it's about money: buy a Mak (a 4-inch mak is inexpensive), it will like perform well for high power (Jupiter, Saturn, Moon, start clusters) and then buy an inexpensive 4-inch achromat for the wide field (it does well except for high power on Jupiter and Saturn). Cheaper than an APO. Or better yet: an 8-inch dobsonian. That's your most versatile inexpensive solution.
I don't mean to be disrespectful, but any telescope (that cost over $500) should be considered as a primary telescope.