Takahashi FC-100DF Refractor OTA

Wonderful scope! The scope is light enough to use as a grab and go, but has enough power to provide really interesting views. I use it at home in downtown Atlanta for double stars, planets and the moon and from dark sky for everything. For planets it doesn't show color or details as well as my 6" refractor, but it also costs a fraction, weighs 20lbs less, and can be mounted in a flash. The view it provides is still plenty detailed and extremely satisfying. I've used it on double stars at ~300x (~75x per inch) and the image holds up extremely well. Like "I can't believe this" well. One of my favorite things about this scope is the very rapid cool down. It seems to make the transition from 70 degrees to 50 in around 20 minutes. Overall, I think anyone who buys this scope and has reasonable expectations for what 4" can do will be extremely satisfied. I know I am!

Of all the scopes that I own, this is the one I use most often because it has the best combination of portability and ability to view most objects.

Of all the scopes that I own, this is the one I use most often because it has the best combination of portability and ability to view most objects.

Of all the scopes that I own, this is the one I use most often because it has the best combination of portability and ability to view most objects.

The Takahashi FC100DF, in my opinion, is one of the best all-around scopes for people who live in areas with light-polluted skies. This scope is light enough to be considered grab-and-go, but large enough in aperture and long enough in focal length to do very nice planetary work. It can also hold its own with brighter deep sky objects, as long as you are reasonable with expectations and don't expect to see what you'd see in rural New Mexico with a 25" Obsession. If you want something even smaller, the FC76D is another option, although you will likely miss the additional resolution and light gathering of the 4" on the FC100D. Either way, they're a great way to get quick, razor sharp views.