The Explore Scientific David H Levy Comet Hunter 152mm Carbon Fibre Maksutov Newtonian
David Levy's reputation as a Comet and Asteroid Hunter needs little introduction in Astronomical circles: he has discovered 22 Comets and 41 Asteroids, many with the use of his beloved Minerva - a 6-inch f/4 Newtonian Reflector. Levy had mused that had he the opportunity to redesign the instrument that he'd opt for closer to an f/5 system, in order to improve off-axis star images.
Explore Scientific decided to join forces with the veteran observer and help him develop this completely new instrument - the Explore Scientific David H Levy Comet Hunter 152mm Carbon Fibre Maksutov Newtonian. Plumping for an f/4.8 design, this instrument is capable of delivering huge fields of view - 2 degrees or more of the night sky. At such a short focal length, it lends itself particularly well to widefield astrophotography.
The Comet Hunter is constructed using thermally inert and extremely robust - yet very light - carbon fibre. The whole telescope weighs in at around 8kg, and being so light, puts very little strain on mounts compared to other instruments of similar aperture. The tube is heavily baffled and internally blackened, offering fantastic contrast and a 2" graduated 10:1 Crayford focuser comes as standard. The Comet Hunter also comes with a brilliant 8x50 erect image illuminated finder, two seats for the finder or additional piggybacked accessories, extension tubes and a very sturdy flight case with foam cut lining.
Sky and Telescope's Dennis de Cicco wrote in his review of the instrument, "I found a lot to like about the David H Levy Comet Hunter… the scope offers first-class performance for observers and astrophotographers. And I'm particularly impressed with its quality of construction."
A percentage of the profit from the sale of the Explore Scientific David H Levy Comet Hunter goes directly to David's own Sharing the Sky Foundation, a not-for-profit outreach organisation dedicated to Astronomy. A great technical telescope with an ethical edge too!
Specifications:
Optical Design: Maksutov-Newtonian
Clear Aperture: 152mm
Secondary Obstruction: 49mm; 32% Obstruction
Primary Mirror Diameter: 152mm
Secondary Mirror Diameter (M.A.): 46mm
Focal Length: 731mm
Focal Ratio: f/4.8
Resolving Power: .77 arc seconds
Coatings: EMD (Enhanced Multilayer Deposition) Coatings
Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13.4
Maximum Practical Visual Power: 360x
Lowest Useful Visual Power: 22.8x
Focuser: Ten-to-One 2-Speed Crayford-Style, w/ Adjustable Tension and Lock
Viewfinder: 8x50 Straight; Correct Image;
Illuminated Reticle; Adjustable Objective and
Eyepiece Focus; Dual-Ring, Six-Point, Bracket w/Quick Release Shoe
Cradle: Dual Clamp-Ring Style with Built-In Handle
Saddle Plate: One-Piece Machined Aluminum
Extrusion; Fits Explore Scientific Mounts; Vixen Mounts; Meade LXD55/75 Mounts
Tube Diameter: 180mm
Tube Length: 696mm
Tube Construction: Carbon Fibre; Aluminum; Stainless Steel
Dewshield Inner Diameter:
6.875"
Optical Tube Assembly Weight:
15.4 lbs.; 7 kgs.
Shipping Carton Dimensions:
95 x 40 x 49 cm;
37.5" x 19.5" x 16"
Shipping Weight:
54 lbs; 24.5 kg
