Mark at Beaufort

Its difficult to put a price on a classic telescope that costs over $5000 new - never mind the Brandon EPs and other accessories. I have only seen and used a Questar 3.5 scope once and that was in California close to the Lick Observatory. The view looking at a partial phase of Venus was truly excellent. As others have stated SGL classifieds is not an auction site so a price should be put by the owner and should just see what happens. This is the one I used for a brief period - very nice.

Well done John - although it was clear until 8pm the clouds rolled in and that finished my observing. Went outside about 10.30pm but had total cloud cover. So still not seen the SN.

I put out my 12" Dob and viewed Jupiter, Saturn, Moon and then Mars. Every thing was like jelly. My main purchase for tonight was to try and observe the SN in NGC 514 but cloud has come over so I put ever thing away. The forecast for tomorrow is heavy rain and strong winds. Not worth taking the risk and leaving the scope out under cover. If it clears in the next few hours I will have a session with the Apollo 15x70 binos.

Yes frustrating Peter. I saw this Prom on Gong yesterday and hoped it would be still be around this morning. I hope you get a clear spell at some stage.

If you have chance have a look at the Sun in Ha. Using my PST + DS there is a v.large Prom coming off the SE side. Added to this you have AR2776 with some plage.

Hello @queeniejoI assume your 6" Dob is the Skywatcher which is nearly f/8. The decision on eyepieces and filters has a lot to do with your budget. I know many members will recommend high level EPs and filters and although they provide great views I have used less expensive products and have been satisfied with their performance. In saying that I have a Skywatcher 150p which is f/5 and is very good so similar to your scope. Although I own a TeleVue Nebustar Type 2 and Astronomik O-III filters I also rate the Castell O-III which has a wider bandwidth and provides great views of many of the best nebulae - Veil, M42, M27 etc - here is a link - https://www.365astronomy.com/Castell-OIII-Deepsky-Filter-for-2-Inch-Eyepieces.html I also agree with Gerry @jetstreamabout the 32mm Panaview in your scope you will have an exit pupil of 4.14 which is okay for your needs.

Shaun sorry to read this especially as you gave proper instructions. Hopefully, it will all work okay in the end. It is worrying because there have been many reports on damaged scopes/cases by poor delivery arrangements.

Barry the views through binoviewers can be really special especially observing the Sun, Moon and the Planets. However, the reason many use low power EPs is because to gain focus you may be required to use a barlow. When I had a 4" Apo frac I had to use a 1.6x barlow and even then the focus tube was right up to the buffer. The 180mm Mak/Cass did not need a barlow and the views of the planets (especially Saturn) was fantastic. Now the problem with Newtonians - both my 6" and 12" Dob could gain focus but I had to use 2 barlows making the magnification very high although the views were pretty good. You maybe fortunate having the 12" flextube because you can move the focuser nearer to the primary to gain focus without the need for a barlow. Maybe someone on the forum has tried this arrangement and can report their findings.

Chris you certainly have a talent when it comes to videos. I really enjoyed the video and it was great to appreciate the size of the 8" RC. I look forward to the next instalment.

@phsampaiosorry I did not want to concern you. As a Moderator I have access to more information - you are safe we don't give out this information its to protect the system from spammers etc.

@phsampaiowelcome to SGL - I see from your IP address you live in Brazil. Nice report on seeing M33.

Thanks Tony for the image especially the cropped version. To me it looks if the SN has become slightly brighter.

I decided to produce a star map using Stellarium/12" Dob/13mm Ethos. There are some stars that will allow me to star hop. All I need is some clear skies and for the SN to remain bright (ish).

Well done @Johnand @Paul MI was not able to use the 12" Dob last night so I hope it stays visible for the next clear spell. The photos are very helpful especially if its difficult to see the galaxy.

Thanks Jeremy - I have zoom meeting tonight of the Herefordshire A.S. and I will add it to the list of objects to view and image. As John stated its good that Ade is producing this sort of information.

I am hopeful to purchase this scope and use on my AZ5 which has the heavier metal tripod. The current position of the finderscope bracket would place the RDF at a frustrating position. I assume there are screw holes on the other side of the OTA to enable the bracket to be moved. Can someone confirm this?

Thanks for that 'heads up' - its worth a go with my 12"

A very enjoyable read John. I just used my Apollo 15x70 binos and check out a few favourites + added the 2 UHC filters and viewed the Helix, Packman and the Veil - all very nice.

Steve that is a brilliant scope. Really envirous.

@johninderby- John looking at the photo do you need to use all those extension tubes when using a 1.25" diagonal?

This is all very exciting John. I am really looking forward to the unboxing and first light. Looking at the 6CC I assume that the Crayford focuser can be rotated. Plus a favour for when you view Mars - I would be interested in your comparison to your 80mm f/10 StellarMira.

I have just come in after using the Heritage 130 and was able to observe M33 without difficulty. EPs used ES68 24mm + Celestron Duo 17mm. However, the best view was using the Helios Apollo 15x70 binos. So keep trying your 130mm scope will show it well.

I can usually see M33 and M101 with my 15x70 binos as Peter mentioned above. If its clear over the next few nights I will have a go with the 130 Heritage and 24mm EP - fov - 2 degree 31' and report back

Thanks Mark - yes I am okay and Hereford at the moment is not a major concern with the spread of the virus. I hope that continues. Yes it would be good to see you again and observe together if we can. Keep safe.

Very nice Mark. I really must have a look at the DSOs in Draco. By the way I hope you and your family are all keeping well.