My review is based on other Takahashi refractors Ive owned, this being my 6th Flourite version and the Little Brother to the FS102 and the newer version with the retractable dew shield. The Sky 90 gives you the inherinet Tak optics which are just as apparent in this smaller version as you would find in the 102, and almost like an FSQ 106, but not quite as detailed. Typical with the 90 and every Takahashi is the fit and finish, exceptional and durable, with a solid focuser, 1.25 ocular end and with additional adapters ( Ive installed a 2 ocular end with a camera angle adjuster ), this scope rounds out nicely. Whether your viewing interests include planetary or DS objects, this little scope at 500mm packs a punch. In minimal clear skies with 3 out 5 transparency, the E and F stars resolved within the Orion Trapizium, which told me how good this scope performs, EXCELLENT! For any looking for a smaller scope, or an exceptional travel scope which gives you pin point stars and a rich dark back ground, you wont be disappointed using the Sky 90, it gets my 10 out of 10 rating!!!    

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:50 PM

I bought my Sky-90 in October 01 to use as a grab-n-go, travel-worthy complement to my C-8.  The Sky-90 is smaller and lighter than a TV Pronto!  The OTA, 2 diagonal, half a dozen eyepieces, and the Extender-Q fits in a packback-style camera case that easily goes carry-on.  Its been across the country with me several times without any collimation problems.  

In March 03 I began film astrophotography with my Sky-90 and got great results right away.  The Tak photo accessories all work perfectly.  (The reducer/flattener is a must for 35mm and large CCD imaging, and I wouldnt want to go without the camera angle adjuster.)  Check out the ATWB gallery for the Sky-90 and youll see terrific images in both film and CCD!  

The build quality is superb - the (locking) focuser works flawlessly for both visual and photographic use, and its tension is easily adjusted.  The retracting dew shield works smoothly and is nicely flocked.   My only reservation is that the tube paint mars easily.  Tak offers touch-up paint.

My poor C-8 doesnt get any use now, its been completely replaced by the littel Tak!

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:42 PM

The SKY90 is a beautiful performer, top notch. Also its manufacturing detail is exquisite, fit, finish. Just a really high tech piece. No disappointments here
Thanks Anacortes & TNR

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:41 PM

I have used my (older-style) Sky-90 on deep sky objects (from the desert), planets (from my back yard), and Sun (with Coronado 90mm filter). Performance on all was outstanding, and collimation has remained perfect, despite the significant travel. One of its virtues is that it is compact enough to be carried on an airplane with a small mount, binoviewer, and several eyepieces all in a single Porter carry-on (the tripod goes in my suitcase). Next month its coming with me to Australia and New Zealand. At the current sale price, this must be the best bargin out there.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:39 PM

Perhaps if you wanted 1 telescope that could do
almost anything, then this telescope (along with a
lot of other telescopes) would be it.  Its small enough
to make it airline portable, cool down time is fast so that
it is a good quick-look telescope, and with the extender-Q
accessory, can be used to reach focus with certain
binoviewers.  If you want to use this telescope for planets, then
definately get the extender-Q adaptor.  The only real complaint
with theis telescope (other than its price), is that it shows
some color around bright objects (more or less depending on how good
the seeing is), unless you use the extender-Q adaptor.  The design of
the telescope is such that it is more affected by seeing than that of
other refractor designs.  Still, when the seeing is good, Ive been
amazed at how good this small telescope can perform on planets and deep
sky (unfortunately, that only comes roughly 1-2days/month in my area).

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:38 PM

I havent had the scope long, but so far Im impressed!  Mechanically, it exudes typical Tak quality.  I prefer the lightweight lens cap of the FCL90 over the manhole cover on my FS128.  This is no doubt due to Takahashis effort to build the best travel scope.  The dew shield retracts and extends smoothly, and has a locking screw to keep it there.  The tube is well-baffled, and lens elements are well coated.  When I have a new visitor at the observatory, I try to show them the difference between looking at their reflection in my Pronto, then the same with the Sky 90...no comparison!  The typical Tak focuser is very smooth, and at F5.5, is also very sensitive.  Though there have been reports of Sky 90s not holding collimation well, as of yet, I havent seen it in my example...well see with time.  With my 2 diagonal inserted directly into the 2 no-mar adaptor at the back of the focuser, I can achieve focus with any EP that I own.  CCD requires the included 2 extender in front of the filter wheel.  I plan on doing lots of CCD wide field imaging with it, so Ill also be purchasing the field flattener for this scope.  I intend to leave my Sky 90 piggy-backed on the FS-128 and it wont see much travel.  But if one desires a precision, top-of-the-line flourite that is small and easily mounted, I dont see how they could go wrong with the FCL-90.  Highly recommended!

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:37 PM