PatientObserver

I use these with my FOA-60Q:

I originally planned on buying just the 1.25" eyepieces in the series. However, the XW 20 was not wide enough for me to get by without a finderscope. Since my telescopes supported 2" eyepieces, I decided to try the 30 mm when it went on sale. It quickly became one of my favorite eyepieces. When I saw the 40 mm on sale the other day, I decided to place the order.

Now I am just missing the Pentax XW 14, 16.5, and 23 (All of which I do not know if I will purchase).

Alas, now I want a second Report 322/KA40, so I can use both setups at the same time. I do not think I could afford a floor made by Berlebach. Both of my tripods had the tray included as standard. I find that they are much more stable when installed.

Here it is with the Orion Paragon-Plus:

Here it is with the Super Mount S Mini:

Aye, I am across the pond. Takahashi America has it for 25% off. I also checked a dealer in Japan and FLO. Neither listed it as a sale, but the prices were both better than in the States, so I thought it might have been a price drop. I expected the Japanese dealer to be less expensive, but not the UK. Turns out it is a Labor Day sale.

Now I am tempted to buy an FS-60CB to use as a finderscope. Not only that, it looks like the model is on sale.

Alas, it does not fit on my Pentax XW 30. It fits the XW 3.5 through 20 mm though.

That is on my wish list. Looking forward to your thoughts on it once you have tested it.

I will start by saying that I do not currently have aperture fever. I also started this hobby this year (though I researched scopes for about a year before buying) and have limited experience, so my opinion may change over time. That said, having used both my scopes for several observing sessions now, I am glad I ignored the advice of many to buy a dobsonian as my first scope, and bought the FOA-60Q instead. The FOA-60Q is a pleasure to use. So much so that I find myself using it over the AT102EDL the majority of the time. It is not that the AT102EDL is a bad scope; it is not. It is a great scope. The added aperture of the 102 mm produces a larger more detailed image. The build quality is good. The carry handle makes it easy to mount and unmount. The focuser is excellent (better than the focuser on my FOA-60Q). Yet when I am observing, I am drawn to the FOA-60Q. The image is smaller, but still full of detail. Does the Takahashi produce a better image? Not to my eye in my current seeing conditions. However, if I had to choose, I would take the Takahashi over the AT102EDL. Note: Some of the draw might due to the Takahashi Turret. It is such a pleasure to switch eyepieces by simply rotating the turret. I originally had it on the AT102EDL, but it feels like it belongs on the FOA-60Q. Honestly, the only reason I have not sold the AT102EDL is that I want a scope I can take camping that is more easily replaced should something happen in the wilderness. That and it really is a great scope for the money.

Yes indeed, indeed it is. I did not know that it came with a mount for the Nexus II, and a saw a solution I liked that used a SmallRig battery holder, so I did the same. I posted it in Stu's thread (where I found the solution), but here is an image of it:

I needed the phone to take the original image; hence the reason I did not include it originally. It is three parts: RAM Mounts Cameras Motion Sensors Devices Tough-Ball with 1/4"-20 x .25" Threaded Stud RAP-B-379U-252025 with B Size 1" Ball https://a.co/d/hx1MTxs RAM Mounts RAP-B-201U-A Composite Double Socket Arm - Short Arm Compatible with B Size 1" Ball Components https://a.co/d/cQH74ja Peak Design Mobile 1" Ball Adapter Mount (Locking with Integrated Vibration Dampening) https://a.co/d/1FvZtuw There are multiple (and less expensive) options for a phone mount. I happen to like Peak Design products and had recently replaced my cell phone case, so the Peak Design mount made sense for me. My camera was configured to auto focus, and I did not take the best photos of the RAM Mounts, but hopefully it is clear enough to see.

After reading this thread I decided to use RAM Mount parts to mount my cell phone to my AZ75 during observation sessions. It sure beats putting it in and out of my pocket all night. Thanks for the suggestion.

Wanted a lighter mount and tripod for a grab and go solution, but still wanted a geared center column, so I bought a Berlebach Report 322/KA (with the 40 mm column). I have a Super Mount S Mini on the way.

It helps to have "Patient" in one's username as a reminder.

I most recently bought the Pentax XW 30. Makes scanning the sky so much easier. Might not have needed the finderscope afterall. Will likely get the 40 mm eventually, but I need to build up the astronomy savings account again.

Currently own 6 Pentax XW and 3 Takahashi TOE. Hope to add the new Takahashi TPL line next month. That should do it for me until I get a binoviewer.

Here is the UNI 18K70 with a couple scopes:

I had not heard of Intes Micro (likely because I have spent most of my time researching refractors). I will keep the brand in mind once I decide to purchase a reflector. Finding a quality brand is one of the ways I prefer to limit my choices. Analysis paralysis is real.

I am very pleased with the quality of the geared column. As a result of my first purchase, I am also considering buying a Report 322/KA with the 40 mm column for a lighter setup. If only the Scopetech Zero production was not halted by a lawsuit.

Beautiful setup. It was a post about your UNI 19 that got me looking into tripods with geared center columns.

Eduard (the owner of Agema) was the master optician for TEC for 13 years and he was in the business before then. He has 30+ (might be closer to 40) years of experience making telescopes. I decided I wanted to get one of his scopes before there was a waiting list like with Astro Physics.

Is this a NIX or a HYDRA? I had not seen the foot rest before. I think I will add this to my wish list.

So far I have resisted further advances of the disease known as Takitis ... I instead decided to place an order on an Agema SD 120. It was a little less expensive than a Takahashi TSA-120, and I get to spilt the cost into two payments. All the reviews I have read indicate it is a quality scope. I will have to wait for it to be built, but that will allow me to exclusively use my FOA-60Q for awhile. Although I am currently in remission from Takitis, I am aware that it may return in the form of a Mewlon in the future.