Yubnub

Looking to get this in bundle with the 127 Mak but concerned that the tripod will let down the observations at higher magnification. Is it worth swapping out for a more solid tripod or have owners seen good results with the standard?

To any owners of the 127 Maksutov from Sky-Watcher, are there any fine focus options available?

Great advice thanks. Looking up the charts for Saturn and Jupiter, they aren't really observable (especially for a newbie) until August/September anyway... so plenty of time to find a deal or save just a little bit more budget.

Ok this is really helping! The 127 Mak on a GOTO is really jumping out as the best option. thanks so much for your input guys! really appreciate it 😃

Oh great. Thanks guys this is really positive stuff!

wow a lot of love for the Dobsonian options! I must admit, it was my first thought too from the initial research a few weeks ago. I then saw the size of the thing and couldn't possibly go down that route sadly. Could you see a cassegrain option doing well for under £1k? I'm looking at the Skymax 127 Maksutov and wondering if I should just be brave and go 8'' SCT instead... seems a big first step though.

ok great! thanks for your swift replies to all my basic questions, Johninderby 😁

Hi all, I'm just trying to get started and looking for equipment for Visual astronomy only at the moment. My biggest fascination is with finding Saturn and seeing the ring/s clearly and seeing some cloud bands on Jupiter. Is this likely with a sub £1k budget or should I adjust my expectations to, just about make out some colour detail and hmmm...is that the ring? 😆

Hi, newbie question: The AZ GTi goto mount will slew to object with iPhone on wifi and find them, but will it also track a target once found?

Ok fab info thanks. I was convinced I had settled on the 127mm Maksutov. I then started to see reviews of the Startravel 120T and how crisp the focus and contrast was over a similar sized cassegrain where the central obstruction kills the max magnification capabilities. So I saw the 120T and it's slight cost saving (which could enable some good eyepieces on or close to budget) as the new decision...

Hey all, thanks for the replies. So, I do like photography but think this could be a whole other rabbit hole when you start attaching cameras. Plus my Olympus m4/3 might not be that useful. Visual observing of Saturn - Moon - Jupiter will be priority A reasonably flexible budget of £500 Ease of storage is very important. I do have my own back garden and secure garage, but don't want bulky equipment to kill the motivation to get set up. Light pollution wise... possible street lamps in the immediate vicinity but the possibility to head up the highest hill i n Surrey (Leith Hill) only 20mins away. (back to that portability requirement)

Hi everyone. I've seen so many captures of Saturn's rings from amateur astronomers now (weather it's stacked photos or live iPhone footage etc) I've become convinced I need this ability in my life. I was totally ignorant to the possibility of seeing REAL details like this. So, I began the research for what would be necessary and the likely cost for my equipment. I'm Happy to go circa £500 (give or take a little to close the deal). As much as I like the bang-for-buck Dobsonian options, I just cant see myself conveniently storing it and dragging it all outside. A reasonably compact setup is needed. I've [maybe] narrowed it down to the Sky-Watcher: Startravel 120 Refractor or the Skymax 127 Maksutov. These seem to give the most affordable aperture for the expected magnification to see Saturn/Jupiter and great Lunar detail. Astrophotography isn't really on my mind but, I bet I'll at least want to try to capture something with my Olympus micro4/3 (I know, not an ideal sensor) or iPhone. Visual and Observing is where I get most facinated, nothing but the scope between me and the light from the object ...awesome! Then I start thinking about mounts...to track or not to track? ...learn to find the stuff yourself or let the mount find and hold an object and just sit and stare at it hands free? I almost want both 😆 So, have I picked some good kit or am I missing obvious options? also, happy to consider secondhand to maximise budget. Thanks everyone

Hello from cloudy Cranleigh in Surrey. Hoping to get some help from you all to chose my first scope. I have always wanted a telescope and have been researching YouTube and FLO and this forum for 3 weeks now and have managed to narrow it down to about 300 different options 😂 ...seriously...the amount of flip flopping between: Reflector for contrast and sharp image - Refractor for cheap aperture size - Maksutov for compact package.....and the amount of times my budget has grown?! I NEED HELP! Cant wait to get stuck in