Mart29

Amazing tip, will definitely be using that this week! Love the look! Thank you. Currently, waiting inside for Jupiter to rise alittle more, scope all set up an hour ago.

Thanks , nope just looking for reassurance that they look how they are supposed to and I didn't collimate out for stars etc Doing planets I know when I'm out or something is wrong but stars not so much. I like the images so will start to go after individual stars now .

Honestly, hardly ever look at stars only planets and clusters rather than individuals. So my question is do these images below look how stars individual stars should look . Used my phone so obviously the image isn't as sharp as the eyepiece, but as a general guide is this the correct form of the star.

Or more to say , two scopes which are very similar. I loved the VX6L but now using the Dob 200p don't see the VX6L getting much use. They basically do the same but the Dob better for planet viewing , even though the optics are supposed to be " World leading " on the VX6L. So, any ideas what it could be used for that's more useful than the 200 Dob? If not I'm probably going to swap it for accessories for the Skywatcher 200p

Yep, did all night with lots of coffee, surprised how fast the time went! I haven't had a decent session on Mars so went all out.

Thank you chaps, 7mm it is ! Always appreciate your advice. Nothing worse than buying something that you can't use! The 11mm with barlow produces my best best views so as said the 7mm by itself sounds perfect.

OK guys , getting great viewing with the 11mm DeLite and x2 barlow , probably the best details on Mars and Jupiter I have ever had . Also, impressed with the moon detail and stars. My question is , if I wanted to push the magnification more what DeLite would you drop to? I'm thinking 7mm , but don't won't to spend 280 squid to find a 9 or 5 would have being better. Will be Purley for Mars , Jupiter details. Happy with my Celestron range for stars and the 11mm DeLite is a great all round go to. Will be used on Skywatcher 200p

Right, I had a roll in the house 🤣

Made this today out of building brick fill and damp proof membrane outside. Not had dew issues but can't do any harm!

Thanks Stu, Skywatcher 200p with my phone held over the eyepiece. Couldn't be bothered to set the phone holder up 😅 Used the DeLite 11mm with x2 barlow . Was going to edit them and make them darker but left as there were . Really can't shout enough about the TeleVu DeLite 11mm , for the last 2 weeks it's all I have used on pretty much everything with a barlow on Jupiter , Mars and moon . Even the stars look great through it.

Went out to have a few hours on Mars and Jupiter but after couldn't resist afew moon shots.

Did another all night, Jupiter from 12 till 3:30 then Mars and the Moon till 5:30. Sooooo, tried 😅 Had to fight clouds for the first half , Jupiter ducking in and out. Still got really good views ,Jupiter was super bright! The barlow wasn't the best choice tonight so went with the 10mm HD Edge and TeleVu DeLite 11mm. Again , the DeLite was the better performing. Nipped in for coffee and waited 1/2 hour before heading back out. Very clear now and Mars and the Moon had rose up nicely. X2 barlow straight on the 11mm for 2 hours on Mars. Started off very bright on Mars but thinking this was the Moon glaring. Eventually the dusty red disc darkened and showed good dark / shaded areas. Mars the last two early mornings has been the highlight of the year so far. Image below of how close the Moon and Mars are . And a Moon image taken on the mobile screenshot from the video I did.

Got a few days off work so decided to get out despite the cloudy forecast. Went out at 11: 30 and not a cloud in the sky 😅 Spent a few hours on Jupiter and got really good views with the DeLite 11mm . First time this year I have stayed with one subject for a good length of time. After that had quick looks at Saturn and the moon then headed in at 2:45. I hadn't planned on going out again but woke at 4:45 and had to go look as it was so clear earlier. It was still clear and Mars was sitting just below the Pleiades, couldn't resist a quick scan around the Pleiades but then set up on Mars. Had a full hour and a bit and got good dark shades on Mars . Started with the 11mm DeLite and then a x2 barlow with it , together they gave great views this morning very happy . Added a little video showing the moon , Jupiter and Mars from the back garden 😀 20220913_051522.mp4

Where possible in the mount is the safest. I didn't have any trouble lifting it outside so will do that! Nice set up !

So they literally just screw up to support the mirror. I don't get why they made them stick past the base , if you store it upright, it sits on the screws. Will just keep it in the mount !

Honestly, never used a cap or tool and only do collimation if something looks wrong or I have given the scope a bump or fall. If I do collimation it is using a star and zooming out , adjusting until it looks right. I know people do collimation regularly, sometimes before every session , which is fine for tiny details. In my experience and for my needs it isn't necessary unless something is looking off. A good scope with good holders really shouldn't need doing if not bumped. Also , does the planet even need clouds! 🤣

Wow, that's an impressive set up!

Well , you were right! LOVE IT. Honestly the best viewing I have ever had , using the 11mm DeLite . Jupiter, the Moon and Saturn all around my trees and TV aerial. Jupiter- the red spot and lots of banding and four moons , the best I have had Jupiter. Saturn- moons and great rings . The most detail on Saturn to date. Now I need to stop being lazy and start to sketch and document. Galaxies next!

Obviously the collimation screws , but what do the others do? Why do they stick past the base, seems odd?

Thanks Mandy! Yeah , Derbyshire is just up the A50 from here. Definitely up for meeting people in the hobby if you ever fancy a meet up . I know zero people apart from on here in the hobby, and I have lots to learn 🤣

Actually really happy with how this feels , set the spotter up perfect. Build quality isn't to bad all round. Be interesting to use this along side the VX6L tonight ( weather depending)

Thanks Mandy , your advice is always appreciated! As long as jupiter, Saturn, the moon are decent views I'm happy. Banding on jupiter and rings on Saturn keep me good. If the 200p does this then I will purchase from firstlight tomorrow and use the rest of the budget for more eyepiece

I want to step up from the VX6L , what do you guys recommend? Budget up to 700 Also, the Skywatcher below a step up or down?

Aha! Good luck with that. It's my shortest season that , about two days straight 🤣

Nearly finish the scopes new home, lid to finish today