Recommended telescope height for viewing?

[CVB]

Enjoying my new hobby! But I do find that I can't seem to find a good height for viewing. At times my scope is low and after about a half hour my back hurts from twisting and bending. Are there any guidelines you can share that makes for comfortable viewing?

Thanks!

[damnut]

Hi There,

Three things really help ;--

1. Pillar extension, this raises the height of your scope so a little less bending.

2. RACI finder. (right angle finder, again less contorsion)

3. Observing chair.

[Earl]

What scope are you using as the three main types Newtonian / refractor / sct/Mak al have a differing style to use.

[CVB]

it's an equatorial reflecting telescope. and thanks all for your quick responses!

[CVB]

the finder scope is a 6 x 30 achromatic, 7 degree field of view. hope that helps. (this is where I feel I'm out of my element...newbies!)

[Earl]

Do you have a picture of it? as the are still options there .

[CVB]

It's still apart from wonderful viewing! Here's a picture of the scope and the user guide cover.

[Earl]

you might find a right angle finder easier to use once you get your head around it as its working the same why you look into the scope, and adjustable observing chair will also probably work,

Getting the right height of the tripod legs is also important, and maybe worth considering based upon what you intend to view that session.

Say you aim to observe targets in the SE quadrant of the sky one night, setting the heights to make that work best is the way id do it, yes it limits your observable targets but can make that observing far more pleasurable for you.

[CVB]

Thanks so much! Do think I need to play with the tripod leg heights.
Great viewing potentials and look forward to learning and enjoying the heavens!

[faulksy]

if you only use your scope for visual a dobsonian base is better, a eq mount is great for astro photography. i good option is another set of tube rings then you can rotate your tube to suit were your viweing

[LukeSkywatcher]

Ive never observed from a standing position, but i would imagine that the tripod (or eyepiece) height has to be high enough so all you need to bend slightly to observe is your neck. So im thinking about shoulder high or chin high?. It all depends on the type of scope. Being in a wheelchair, i use all my tripods on their shortest height. The 8SE SCT is great for observing while seated because the eyepiece doesnt travel much..........be it observing low down objects or high up ones. Its pretty much always there right in your face.

My Heritage Dob is what it is and is fine for most things while observing from a seated position. I would struggle to observe low down objects because that involves leaning very forward in the wheelchair and that might not end well..........for me or the scope.

My small 70mm refrac mounted on my 8115 photo tripod is fine for everything because even though i use it on its lowest height, i can use the extending central column to raise the scope up.

I think what i'm saying here is its best to observe from a seated position. 

[CVB]

appreciate your help and this site! will be going on a group viewing in a few weeks. should get more hands on learning!

[triton1]

You will probably find being a newt once you,ve polar aligned and then move the scope to different objects the eyepiece will end up in really awkward positions the way the way I combat this this is to put a embroidery hoop or even two around the tube above each scope ring and tighten.This allows you too loosen the tube rings and rotate the tube so the ep is in a more favourable position without losing balance of the scope.Other people do this or use plastic strip and a pipe clip,hope this helps

Jonn