Rob

Thanks for posting this. Have listened to two episodes in the car. Really good stuff, and nicely narrated by Kevin Fong!. Regards Rob

MMMmmm. Parks Gold!. I miss mine

Human space flight is very costly and dangerous. A rover/prob is cheaper, more productive and better value for money. Out side of money, the main issue for human's to Mars is radiation and body wastage. It will be fantastic to see the next moon landing planned for within 6 years, also with a Female Astronaut!. I'm with you though.. we need to crack on as moon, Mars and beyond takes years of development. NASA can continue to throw probes out and prove a return on the money grants, but they need focus harder on the big projects!

Thats a fantastic image, thanks for sharing with us!. Sure the Planet detail is staggering, but detail in the moons just blew me away! Best Rob

With Planets so low currently. I've found 70 to 100mm APO is definitively pulling the best results (hence your 80mm test). Also agree the 6mm is pushing to hard on the 127! Rob

Nice!.. Thanks Stu

All above is a good reflection on the achromatic scope. And speaks the truth. That said I'm a firm believer in that there's a place for every scope within our hobby. Its basically down to the 'one device does not fit all!'. The views through my 127L of lets say M57 or M27 provide a fabulous contrasty, almost 3D feel to observing these types of targets. The rich black back drop of the dark sky, along with trying to pull an edge of colour. I really like sweeping the milky way too. I think there's a place!. Colour pull on Planets is also a wonderful thing. Rob

Nice report, thanks. I too can't wait for the planets to return high in the sky. The difference it makes is truly incredible. Rob

I like this Stu.. good job. I think its a interesting field that's only going to get bigger & better. The smartphone makers can only really invest in making the camera's better as there's not many other areas left to develop now!. Rob

I've owned (and miss) my little 127Mak, really nice scopes. The cool down time for that scope is fine (1 hour 30 ish). I have used a 150mm version and to be fair the cool down has got to be near 2.5 hours!. I really did see the difference in the image with a full cool down. Fair to say I was located in the middle of the New Forrest at the time, and not in a time or City with an ambient temperature. Once cooled the views of Saturn were stunning! So I would definitely discount the 180 on the basis of cool down (certainly for me with a 2.5 hour cool down required) unless storing in a shed/out house. Besides the 150mm seemed such a great performer, and the additional money could as you say go towards the much needed dew shield etc. I also think if I owned 150 or 180. I'd have to mod the scope by adding rear vents to help. Rob

Looking very nice indeed. It is a perfect match to be fair!. at some point (I'll say that loosely) I'd like to own SW72 ED. Enjoy! Rob

Really nice, crisp images there!. Thanks for posting. Rob

Yep. I think we are all starting feel true dark night slipping. I like to take this period of the year to switch over to sky browsing/sweeping on the Summer selections. There's nothing like t-shirt observing to recharge the Astro batteries!. And, on the other hand it not long now to the Summer solstice. The nights start to draw in again (slowly I know). Rob

Nice one. Well done Sir!.

Just about to suggest the same Martin!. Great minds and all that. Interested to hear the outcome on this mind. Good luck Rob

Thats a given for sure!... lol Welcome Dave. Hope you enjoy your time here. Rob

Nice planetary EP's they are. Sure a little short on eye-relief, but usually very sharp! Rob

I recall 10/12 years ago when Jupiter was quite high up. My SW 8" 200PDS views were jaw dropping!. I could manage (with good seeing) 5+ belts, GRS and really enjoyed a number occultations & Moon transits. And a good 15 ish years ago Saturn was lovely and high up.. crisp rings on show plus planet banding very visible. Rob

Fantastic stuff. Thanks Neill. Also very interesting to hear Stargazing Live being mentioned again, miss that show. Regards Rob

For sure!.. don't use it until clarified, just not worth it

I'm with you on the non goto side here!. This is why I have 2 mounts that are just RA/DEC driven. I like releasing the clutches and finding my target. Then enjoy the target sitting the ep for a s long as I like!. Only need few extra adjustments here & there. I would suggest a EQ5 with the newer enhanced dual drives. If you really do want to go back to EQ. However the EQ3-2 (as said) is a nice mount, but aperture restrictive That said I think maybe a flex tube dob (10") might be the way forward for you?!. Very nice scopes, and fold down a little for storage and carrying! Rob

Good to have you here. Welcome to SGL & fantastic hobby. Rob

Maybe John?. That said I've not looked through the f5 model, just the f7.5 which seems to just have a sweet spot on performance. I think also if your on a tight budget you just cant go wrong with these. I'm tempted by the 90S at f8.8.

Just thought I'd bring this thread back life!. How are you guys finding the AR80S, Keeper?. Are you finding that short sessions are just a pleasure Opticstar?. I still use mine for 1 in 3 sessions TBH. I love the ease & quickness of setup, with fantastic views. Sometimes it is hard to believe you looking through a £150 Achro!. I still feel its a hidden gem of a scope. Rob

Welcome. And good luck!. As a guide the EXOS-2 mount with no motors new is £300. So if you do manage to grab this at say £140 ish you would have done well. Also EQ5 Enhanced dual drives should go on there at a later date!. Best Rob