johninderby

And if getting into AP you will need to consider a more expensive heavier duty mount so that is something to factor into the total cost. 

Agree that you would be better off just upgrading the focuser and adding an EQ platform for tracking. Would be a good idea to read up on this forum about improving the movement of a Skywatcher dob.

With the 200p would be better to replace the whole focuser with the Skywatcher replacement one. 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-focusers/dual-speed-crayford-1252-inch-focuser-for-skywatcher-explorer.html

Both 🙂

I have refractors and reflectors as no one type is better at everything. Depends on what I’m looking at and portability.

They aren’t very well known in the UK but were very helpfull when I bought a scope from them a few years ago.

Might be worth taking a look at this dealer. They test and adjust the scopes they sell not just sell on a scope in a box. 

https://www.teleskop-spezialisten.de/shop/index.php?language=en

The hardest thing is finding “Your” scope not someone elses choice. Problem is there are a lot of nice scopes to choose from. 😁

Working backwards helps. Forget about the scope for now but think about what you want to do with it. Light poluted urban enviroment or dark sky, portability important or not and a general purpose scope for looking at a bit of everything or is the moon. planets or DSOs more important.

The Skywatcher Ed100 f/9 can be picked up quite cheaply and not that expensive new and not too heavy.

I find my StellaMira 80 just hits the sweet spot for me. Not too big and has great optics and build quality and when looking through it it feels bigger than 80mm. Definately a keeper. 🙂

25 minutes ago, Tiago said:

That's firmly into the vintage motorbike/guitar price range. I'd be afraid of even looking at it

But would look good on my AZ100 mount. 😁😁😁

If my budget allowed a TEC140 would be my APO choice.

https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/telescopes/tec/tec-apo-140-ed-triplet-apochromat.html

Couple of links

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/stellamira-telescopes/stellamira-80mm-ed-f10-refractor-telescope.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth/rowan-az100-alt-az-mount.html

The big thing we need to know is what is the budget?

My favourite scope for quick looks is my StellaMira 80mm f/10. Not cheap but zero CA and lovely sharp and contrasty views. Can be used on a photo tripod or my Roawn AZ100 mount.

Second favourite is an 8” Classical Cassegrain on my Rowan AZ100 Alt-Az mount.

Third is my 10” Bresser dob.

Willl be interested in how you get on with it. Was looking at it recently and thinking about getting one.

Had one and it worked really well. Should note that it’s only available in white now even though some dealers are still using the old black photo.

They do have far less coronavirus in Germany plus the item will have been sitting sealed in a box on a shelf for a while so little danger. You could always wipe down with a disenfectant to be extra sure.

Choose DPD shipping and two to three days delivery.

Here’s the tracking details from a recent order

Unfortunately no one else had stock. Was ordered from Telescope House (Bresser UK) but their stuff is now shipped from Bresser in Germany. 

Nothing astro related today but a pair of tank slippers. 😁😁😁

Another fine purchase from WDS. 😁

Update:

The shipper (Bresser.de) will now be sending a replacement. They haven’t been able to get any response from UPS after days of trying which you would think being a big customer of UPS they would get.

Anyway the people at Bresser have been really helpfull so top marks to them. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

On it’s way as promised by Astroboot. Conterweights that no one else in Europe had in stock.

7 minutes ago, Stuart1971 said:

I think that during current circumstances you need to be a tad more patient, after all, these delivery drivers are keeping many of us from going stir crazy, being stuck inside, at least we can buy new toys to play with.... 👍😀

Fo me they are bringing DIY supplies ☹️

You are missing the point. Nothing to do with the driver they have lost the package in one of their depots and haven’t done anything about it for a week. It's the total lack of customer service that’s the problem. Not even a “we’re looking for it” acknowledgement. No excuses for this lack of service. 

UPS is in urgent need of upgrading their website and customer service and should offer a one hour delivery window. The competition such as DPD are offering a level of service that is becomming expected nowadays. Complacency on UPSs part perhaps. Inertia of a big company. 🤔

Shocking ratings on Trustpilot.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/ups.com/gb

Get ypuself some clapping gloves then. 😁

I think the drivers do a nearly impossible job under tremendous time pressure. Wouldn’t want to do their job.

UPS lost tracking of my package a week ago so how long before it’s declared lost. Just glad it’s nothing expensive. If they searched the depot it would probably turn up but they’re probably too busy to do that.

It seems that the package went missing in their depot.  Not the fault of the driver and my complaint is with their customer services who have been no help at all.