Mark at Beaufort

Looks great - how did you fix the 80mm Skywatcher Frac?

We have been going to Lucksall since SGL4 and many members use the local pubs although the camp site does stock many beers and ciders. The nearest pub 'The Moon', an easy walk, had this honour in the local paper today. So if you fancy a good star party, meeting new friends, with good pubs nearby we look forward to seeing you in October.

Mike a really excellent job and so well documented for future reference for anyone. I must admit I had second thoughts about this mount but you may have changed my mind. Skywatcher should give you a credit note because you may have saved their 'bacon' on this mount.

Thanks for the initial review and photos Mike. I do like the Mount but not too keen on the tripod. I have a quality Cullmann photo tripod with a hook underneath to hold weights making the tripod very stable. I was thinking of getting the pillar thus making the tripod even more stable. So at the moment its either the AZ5 or the WiFi version for my Heritage 130P

Thanks Alan. Having star hopped to DSOs for many, many years I thought a small GoTo would be handy for travel. I am hoping to use the Skywatcher Heritage 130P for the purpose.

Some advice about this new mount please. I have never owned a goto mount nor do I have any real experience with them. I have used my little tablet (Android) and I think I have downloaded the correct App - picture below. Tell me if this is the wrong App. So if I purchase one of these mounts I assume I use the settings on the tablet to connect to the wifi on the mount? Once connected I use the tablet to pick a star for alignment? Then I can open up the DSO list and let the scope goto the object? As regards power supply I just wonder how long the 8 AA batteries will last? If I take the mount to the United States I don't want to take a large power supply hence the info on 8 AA batteries.

Gerry I have to agree with your grand daughter. I just love the Heritage it is so easy to set up and with 5" I have had some great views in Scorpio and Sagittarius this year. So perhaps I might treat myself to a wifi goto mount. I am visiting my Son (San Francisco) next year for 3 weeks so the Az-GTi wifi might come in handy.

Gerry I think it would be an ideal mount. I first thought about the AZ Pronto but the saddle position means that the RDF would be in a difficult position and not easy to use - IMHO. That is why I fancied the AZ5. The Az-GTi wifi puts the saddle in the side position making it perfect for the Heritage 130P and the weight should be no problem. I don't use goto systems but this little device could be quite useful on trips.

Steve (FLO) stated a 3/8 photo head in this thread - I have a very good Cullmann Photo Tripod and I am considering the new AZ5 Head only to carry my Heritage 130P on trips.

That would be very useful @Steve. Any chance of getting these as well - https://www.berlebach.de/?bereich=details&id=170&sprache=english

Martin did you order the f/4.5 or f/6 scope?

Looks really good Paul. It was nice to see it in the 'flesh'. Really happy with the double stack by the way.

Piero did you buy your Lunt from APM-Telescope direct or a UK based supplier?

Not sure John. I think I may have tried some of RikM Pentax EPs although I cannot remember what size or scope I was using. Food for thought.

Gerry I notice that Lunt now offer a 3.5mm, 5mm, 9mm and the 20mm which is the same range as the Myraid. Having been pleased with the 9mm and 20mm I have been thinking of changing my 4.7mm ES82 for the Myraid 5mm. If the Lunt gets reviews on the same lines as the Ethos range I will have to consider the Lunt 5mm as a possible alternative.

Gerry I will be interested in your review. I can tell you that I did own a 21mm Ethos which I sold - mad decision really. I missed the wide field so I bought a 20mm Myraid which I really rate. In fact I have since bought the 9mm Myriad. Like you I enjoy DSOs and using an O-III on my 12" Revelation Dob and Orion VX8 Newt I cannot complain the views that I get. Certainly for the money the 20mm Myraid is an excellent buy. It will be interesting how close the Lunt is in comparison to the 21E.

Steven I don't think its a good idea to put your email on the open forum. I have removed it so I am hoping you are happy with that decision. You will enjoy the Lucksall site for many reasons.

Jules I would say that the scope looks really good and because its a quality refractor it will give excellent views of the Sun, Moon, Planets and Double Stars when the skies are kind and dark enough. I have used many varieties of scopes and designs over the years and found an APO frac to give the cleanest views of the objects that you enjoy the most. OK I now only have Newtonians but my main interest is DSOs hence the 12" Dob. I know you will persevere with this scope because it will provide the best views of the Moon - your main interest.

Dave what a fabulous looking scope. The views of the Moon, Planets and Double Stars are going to be wonderful. This is a lifetime keeper. I am so looking forward to your future observing reports.

Pleased that you got the refund together with the postage. Now you can start thinking about that next scope

No John I don't remember seeing them. Perhaps I spent too much time meeting friends and NOT viewing the telescopes.

I agree Derek and I did fancy the 102L model simply because I currently don't have a refractor and the f13.3 frac and its price seemed a good deal. I am going to wait until the IAS in October when hopefully I will see it in the fresh. In making this decision I hope TH attend which was not the case at Astrofest.

Chris thanks for the very honest and detailed report on this scope . It would be interesting if a staff member of Telescope House read your review especially as they are owned (I believe) by Bresser. They could report back with your suggestions which makes very good sense because I would not be recommending this scope based on its current position.

Chris thanks for providing the photos plus your initial opinion. Looking at the photos of the 90mm and the 102mm it does appear that the latter has a different dovetail and focuser. However, I am interested in your first light if you keep the 90mm. In particular how well it splits doubles and the view you get on Jupiter.

Jules if I remember the Antares was quite expensive so the Bresser 102mm seems a reasonable purchase. Let me know if you buy one but at the moment I would like to read a review. Perhaps we can persuade Tim or Steve to do a review for the Sky at Night Magazine.