johninderby

One thing to watch out for with the roller az bearings is they attract dust and fluff so may need cleaning occasionaly.

Only just released but should be the standard base so you can fit whatever you like.

https://www.telescopehouse.com/Telescope-Accessories/Finder-Scopes/EXPLORE-SCIENTIFIC-Hybrid-Finder-Scope-Base-black.html

The crayford on the StellaLyra is the basic GSO one. Quite nice for a basic crayford. The Bresser focuser is much heavier duty though with more adjustability and of course is R&P and uses an extenstion for visual but without the  extension convenient for BV use.

None is perfect but I have to admit the Bresser is my favouote as the essentials are there and no upgrades needed other than the dual speed knob and finder however simple to sort out. There is now a replacement finder shoe for the Bresser that allows the use of any Synta type finder bracket  as well as the Bresser. 

The Bresser also has a six point CNC mirror cell not a cheapie cast one like the others.

The Bressers use of tube rings is very  useful. You can slide the tube in the rings for balance and you can rotate the tube to put the focuser in just the right spot. Irritating when you go back to a dob that can’t be rotated. Also just fitting a dovetail bar will let you use the OTA on a regular mount. 

Agree the SW dobs are long overdue for an update / upgrade.

Old turret  of a destroyer perhaps? Stick in some air con and and there you go..😁😁😁

Yes it uses a velcro strap so it can be positioned anywhere you want. and also the width can be adjusted. This is mine although it’s the now long discontinued AstroEngineering one but the same design. 

Prefer the shade that attaches to the OTA.No clearance problems. 

https://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/emc-sb2-solar-shield.html

As to the Bresser finder scope replacement problem they now sell a finder base that allows you to fit a Synta type finder.

https://www.telescopehouse.com/Telescope-Accessories/Finder-Scopes/EXPLORE-SCIENTIFIC-Hybrid-Finder-Scope-Base-black.html?mc_cid=bd67484ece&mc_eid=61c9481f7e

I did use the xs on the moon where it gave nice sharp views but with some fringing around the limb and pn Planets it was not too bad so long as ypu didn’t push the mag too much. Bit ot is just an achro although a nice one so be be realistic in your expectations.

Made a great white light solar scope with a Baader solar film filter. 👍🏻

Achros can be exceptional scopes if they are long focal length. My ScopeTech 80 f/15 gives amazing lunar and planetary views. A version is also sold by Takahashi  which tells you how good it is..

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/scopetech-telescopes/scopetech-stl-80a-maxi-80mm-f15-classical-refractor.html

Bresser says it is ED glass but zero info on what type. I take it as being technically ED but no more than that. However it is good for an achro. 

Had a Bresser 102xs and CA was surprisingly well controlled for a fast achro. The Bresser achros have better optics than the SW ones as well as better build quality and a great CNC R&P focuser but would recommend getting the dual speed knob option.,

Myself I would go for the Bresser 102/600 as it will have less CA although as mentioned the xs isn’t too bad.

Easy to fall o to the just spending a bit more will get ypu a better scope trap. Where does it end? 😁

4 minutes ago, UKDiver said:

I need a 'drool' like button.

Or on Rowan’s website.

http://www.rowanastronomy.com/productsa8.htm

Like most wedges infocus can be a problem. However with the Lacerta you can use a shortish eyepiece holder to save a few mm which may be enough to help if you  have a problem. The Lacerta has a T2 thread on the rotator so any eyepiece holder with a T2 thread will fit.

Fortunately my 125 APO has a removable section on the front of the  focuser which sorts any potential problem out.

Something a bit different. A new debit card but with one of my moon pics on it. Free so why not.

BTW this is just the pic from the order not the actual card with my info on it. 

Couple of photos of the Visus.

Think the Concentre Visus would be a nice option to stock although it will be more expensive of course.

I have used the TS version, and while not perfect, it is still an excellent product that does the job. 

I had the Concentre Visus and really appreciated the improvements particularily the longer length which made it easier to use.More expensive than the TS version though.

https://www.apm-telescopes.net/en/concenter-visus-precise-adjustment-despite-glasses

Hence the Concenter Visius which is the new much longer upgraded version with a number of improvements which addresses the shortcomings of the old Concenter. Sold by APM.

Unfortunatey the improvements  push the price up a fair bit.

APM also sell concenters so maybe there is a US APM seller that could get one? 🤔

The Seymour filter is a relatively thick plastic which is why I think it’s a bit dim.

Disappointing that Celestron didn’t promote the C-ED refractors more. Allways liked them. 👍🏻

Having  pwned the Baader Cool Wedge in the past and now have the Lacerta and can’t tell the difference performance wise. Didn't want to pay the price  pf the Baader when buying another wedge and haven’t regretted my choice for a second. 

BTW can really recommend getting a solar filter for a 9x50 finder . Makes a great solar finder setup.

I tried a Seymour filter and indeed it wasn’t that bright an image. Think it is best only used without any other filter.

That’s why I use an iPad. 👍🏻

12 minutes ago, callisto said:

Tell the truth John you were looking at the handle 🤣