Calling Dob users!

[russ.will]

I'm pondering a change in direction.

I bought the 200p/HEQ5 Pro on the assumption that it was good balance in terms of weight, portability, that it would let me view most objects and let finally let me have a crack at astro photography.

It has done all of those things, but with other commitments, I've generally found that I use it for visual 95% of the time. Working in construction means early starts and so AP is really limited to the weekends, assuming no cloud, full moon, etc. So, I'm coming to the conclusion that AP will have to wait until I can build an obsy and that's a long way down a list of more important things to spend money on.

So, as I'm primarily visual and lean toward DSOs for the most part, I can't see the need for an EQ mount and would like more aperture. This obvioulsy brings Dobs into the equation.

So, is there anybody (or an astro club) that has a 12-14" dob, that would be happy for me to pop a long and have a look through, when you're next observing. Anywhere along the A14/M11/A12/A120 quad is accessible, as I live in Cambridge, but work in Braintree.

I generally arrive with wine, if it helps.

Russell

[Moonshane]

I cannot help in terms of being local to you but there's a world of difference visually between and 8" and a 12" scope (as there is between a 12" and a 16" scope)

[russ.will]

I had assumed so, as there is quite a marked difference between my ED80 and the 200p.

That said, the ED80 seems to render stars with an innate contrast the 200p can't touch, so I'm always interested to see, with my own eyes, the truth behind the figures.

Russell

[Dave Dubya]

We have a 14-inch dobbo at the observatory now, although the obs is for society members only so that may not be what you want.

Otherwise, one of our members usually brings a 12-inch dob to our stargazing nights.

[russ.will]

Hello Dave,

I really should come along and see you lot - I work in High Garrett, so in terms of access, you're probably my most local Astro Soc, during the week.

When is your next mid week viewing evening?

BTW, I've just decided to take the plunge and list virtually everything I own (bar eyepieces) on UKABS. I guess it's a 300p Flextube Auto, either way now!

Russell

[squeaky]

Yes, you'd be more than welcome - I have a 12" Dob.

PM me for contact details and we'll try and grab a good viewing evening.

I'm VERY close to the A14 - Claydon, just North of Ipswich.

[russ.will]

Hi Richard,

Sorry, I forgot to set this thread to instant email notification - I wasn't being ungrateful, honest! It's even more annoying as I was staying in Rendlesham Forest on Fri/Saturday nights, with no scopes and how clear was it? Crystal.

As it happens, I've taken the plunge and bought a Flextube 300 Auto, that I'm picking up on Saturday. I'll be able to answer my own question soon enough.

Cheers again,

Russell

[squeaky]

You were probably even closer to me than you knew because I was visiting with a mate over to the East of Ipswich.

So now you'll have the same beast as me

[russ.will]

Maybe we should meet in the forest and compare beasts?

Joking aside, I think we will be going there again. I was surprized how clear it was and apart from a hint of glow in the west (Woodbridge/Melton?), how dark it was too.

Russell

[squeaky]

Let me know when and I'll do my best to join you

[ccbmedic]

And a good night of viewing we had matey and it sure is a beast. Makes mine look like toys!!!

[russ.will]

You're not kidding. I'm no lightweight and it makes me look like a toy.

[squeaky]

Actually I was very impressed by the views I saw through your 127 Mak, Chris.

So much so that I now own one myself...

..as a spotter scope

Heh, not really, but on days when I don't feel up to lugging the whole 300P kit around I can at least "point and shoot" with the Mak.

[Lowen22]

So, three years has passed… Did you get the 300p if so what are your thoughts now that you have had time to enjoy it?

[MikeWilson]

I'm interested to know too.. Are you still watching this thread chaps and if so do you still have your 300P flex tubes?

[Alexgopro]

Also interested!

It appears squeaky hasn't been active in a couple years but Russ.Will has been on! 

An epic continuation to a story from around 3 years ago? Pure gold.