Rob

The aperture fever thing is indeed something we all go through..however the comment of 'the best telescope is the one you use the most' holds its truth. I now find work & family dictate my observing, an as much as I'd like a 12" truss dob.. I may only be out for 1.5 hours inc setup!.. so I have found the happy medium with what I have now, sure I'd love a big light bucket, but accept its more like a retirement option for me. Rob

you could remove the main part of focuser from part that fits to the tube (3 grub screws), get an off cut of wood and carefully tap the adapter home into the tube

I agree. an 8" Newt is a fantastic all rounder. Are you fine for storage etc. Just a another thing to consider

I've seen so much spectacular images from our Friends and colleagues here on SGL. Now I'm no Astroimager myself, but I nearly chocked on my sandwich at lunchtime while seeing this!... I sat back and said 'seriously!' .. humm. I'm also an Art lover (classical to be fair), but this is one step too far for me. I feel cheated on behalf of all our great imagers here.. sorry guys Rob

Great capture.. nice going

Yeah!.. big red is a long'n for sure

Thanks. Only because I like to not extend the tripod legs.. plus I'm a 6ft 3in high fella 😄

Love my 127L, But as John says be ready for length of the OTA. I do have an extension (not shown here) 16" one plus CG5 tripod with 2" steel legs

The 102m is indeed a fantastic scope. I had one myself. As others have pointed out. An HEQ5 is the way to go, but again I would not part with the SP mount. Welcome, and enjoy your stay here Regards Rob

Very nice indeed. For me the stuff of dreams!.. Tak 100mm f8! .. sweet spot for visual. I know you will enjoy to the full. Best Rob

5 here also. But have the ability to travel 35mins to the New Forrest which is 4

Yes in part. I don't want it to over rule it, but I'm lucky enough that my wife & I usually holiday in the country somewhere... so the EQ5 & ED travel with me. Rob

Mostly from home/surrounding area (Bortel 5). But have taken the ED several times to north Cornwall (Bortel 2) - amazing!. Also to the new forest (Bortel 3/4), but not for a while.

What a great image that is.. fantastic, keep them coming. Rob

Strange.. yes the features are subtle. When using my 8" newt I always setup everything, get Mars (or any Planet) in the ep then check collimation. Even if I then move to other targets and come back to Mars- check collimation. More and more detail will be on display from here to October (fingers crossed no dust storms)

I know what you mean @johninderby. I have a Wratten #8 Long pass filter. Sure it does what it says on the tin, but I do find the yellow hellish to deal with. But, it does make planet detail jump out

I only have a fringe killer for the Bresser 127L. Would this be the contrast booster your referring too John?

I agree.. just curious as we all are with kit!. I do use a SW Moon & Skyglow, does help a little on 'some' nights

I have an Orion Shorty plus 2x APO Barlow. I've had it for near 18 years, its so good with all my EP's. More recently purchased a GSO 2.5x APO Barlow, now considering it was half the money its impressive to. Rob

Been on the hunt for a Celestron Mars filter for a while.. you just dont see them second hand Gus.. you have a bit gold dust there!

As they say.. 'Mars is hard!' that applies to landers & observers. Its been a project for me for over 20 years now. I've had amazing sessions and darn right awful sessions. As you say 'persevere' it will reward you, its what being an Astronomer is all about. Rob

Yes, for sure. I think it was back in 2003 Mars opposition I had a Helios Skyhawk 114mm. It was a joy for Mars that year. I saw a lot more detail than I thought I would. Needs spot collimation mind you!. Even slightly out makes a major difference

Well if you paid £90.. not bad at all https://www.firstlightoptics.com/takahashi-telescope-accessories/takahashi-le-eyepieces.html

I use this little tool.. https://skyandtelescope.org/wp-content/plugins/observing-tools/mars_profiler/mars.html Rob

Glad you all enjoyed one of those rare perfect seeing evenings!.. I wanted to get out, but couldn't for family reasons. @Stu over x500 on Mars!.. wow fantastic that image scale must have been awsome Rob