Rob

Re visiting this thread. Its a tricky one, like anything these days technology is push how we do things. That said there are a lot of people that will sill prefer a book to a kindle!. Astronomy is a Hobby but also a Science. Astrophotography is also a Hobby that falls into a few categorys - Astro Hobby & Photography Hobby. There's nothing wrong with this. I feel the one actually assists the other in a lot of cases. Take Astronomy in it professional Scientific capacity.. Visual assisted by numerous types of imaging tech. I don't feel the Visual Astronomer is on the wane. I find there many more at every age getting interested in this hobby, and to see your first Planet or star cluster is always a wow moment!. Personally I've always tried to explain and investigate (where possible) the back ground to what your looking at. I like the Science side. People tend to see the Hubble style images and expect the same at the EP. I always point out the realism of expectation here. I also find I get super excited about some of those small fuzzies because I found something that was challenging. I also like to study my star charts and truly like to go off grid and push the envelope on the scope capability's. Sure I have imaged in lightweight format, and yes it was fun. But my heart is with visual. Rob

Very nice image indeed. Thanks for sharing Rob

A bit late on posting in here.. Delivered 5 Weeks ago!. A Revelation ED80 F6.8 OTA This is now sitting on my grab n go/ UK Travel setup. I jumped an grabbed a bargain!.. So nice to have an APO back. Rob P.s I purchased a SVbony finder shoe. Added: Opticstar rings & dovetail (yes I know they are white!). TAL 1.25" Diagonal, ScopeTeknix 20/10 Autoshutoff RDF with Baader metal finder mount. SmartAstronomy 25mm Plossl

Thanks all for the replies. Yes it would be a 1.25" for weight & travel reasons, and yes I agree on the cusp thus causing the dilemma. Well I have a 2" Dielectric diagonal, and I also have an old 1.25" TAL diagonal. To be far the old TAL is quite impressive on contrast. Its from a TAL 200K - and machined from a single block of aluminum, however what I don't like is that there's no compression ring to clamp the EP in, but I have replaced the steel screw with an Ali one. Rob

Needless to say I've always been a Dielectric Mirror Guy!.. Just been reading a lot about Prisms and planet performance. Having said that I'm sure one would perform very well in the 127L at F9.5!

All, So I'm trying to decide on if to grab a Prism for my New (old) Revelation 80ED F6.8 scope. I know its kinda on the cusp of a good/not so good idea due to its F Ratio. I just can't decide.... Any thoughts?. Cheers Rob

Reading this with interest with regards to exit pupil. I've noticed my eyes have changed, and I'm finding more blackouts personally. I know I need new prescription reading glasses!.. My EP set may need adjusting then??. Needless to say my exit pupil seems happy with the SW TMB 6mm clone Rob

for reference : https://www.altairastro.com/starwave-70ed-f6-travel-refractor-telescope-with-2-crayford-focuser-finder-diagonal-eyepiece.html

I had the Altair Astro Starwave ED70 f6. Wonderful little scope to use visually and very compact. I now have a Revelation 80ED f6.8. Its effectively the same shell as the Equinox 80ED, and compared to the AA 70 a fair bit of difference in weight. I've only had a brief chance to use the Rev 80ED on the Moon so far, looks to be well corrected. But I do miss the AA 70.. as always when funds are needed, items become pawns!. Best Rob

That looks good!. Nice Rob

The Moon has been so good these last 3 days (well certainly for me here in South UK) with this high pressure spell we are enjoying!. I've been outside from 5am each morning just soaking it all up!. Great images there Rob

Interesting read Stu. I've had similar situations with scope comparisons over the years. It usually ends up with weather/atmosphere conditions presenting a further strength/weakness between them. I'm sure as time continues you will see this!. Nice read thanks.. added some value to my lunch break Rob

Very nice!

I've just picked up a Revelation 80ED. Which is the clone. Its FPL-51, however because its focal length is 6.8 the correction is identical to a FPL-53 at f5. I've not used it yet, but so glad to have an ED back again (with spending approval from the boss!) Rob

All, Just another reminder for a great FREE starmap resource to help with planning observing. http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html I have no connection with the provider, but have used these maps for years... They really help to focus on key targets for the month. Enjoy!.. Best Rob

Very Nice

Nice image. I think you have done well under the circumstances. Rob

Nice report indeed Stu. I've always liked the look of these scopes, but never owned one. I have own 2 x petzval refractors and as you say really nice on wide-field, not so much on high mags.. Again they were no APO, but have their place indeed. They seem to blacken sky nicely. Enjoy!......... Rob

Very nice.. I was after one of these also. I managed to mark the 50th with sending a happy anniversary message to Micheal Collins including an image of my Apollo 11 watch, and getting a 'thank you' reply... really made my day! Rob P.s the watch was given to me in 2015 - I think (though need to check) its No 78 out of 200 made

Nice first go!..

Does it ever!.. you just don't know where the time goes!

Had both.. theres strengths and weakness in both.. its a tough one to call really. I'd advise (if possible) to see/try them if you can Rob

Looks great!. Nicely planned out, and blends perfectly into the garden. Rob

Nice one!.. Enjoy your visit and Holiday

Getting myself back on topic. Fully agree John. There are so many factors involved before tackling equipment. The The Planets position right now is tricky, and UK skies are not helpful. Once we get height mag's can be pushed to an amazing level, holding contrast and steadiness too. Rob