the bishop

Hi,

Have really enjoyed this thread so far and have found it very enlightening.

I find myself in what seems to be a very common dilemma of just which scope I am going to get and though after several years of backyard stargazing

I can find my way around the sky with bins... I find the prospect of looking through a scope a different kettle of fish and so have been strongly considering

a “goto” mount...but depending on the time of day and my mood this changes, and changes and changes as I struggle to make a final decision

mainly between stability and portability

So can I add what could be a deciding question? What if you cannot see Polaris from where you are viewing?

Is it a written in stone must...to be spot on north via Polaris for setting setting up a goto mount?

Where I live I have a pretty fair panorama from the southeast thru south to west but north at least as far as Polaris is concerned is out of view, this is due to the close proximity of my and neighbours house,

If I move to the front garden the recently upgraded lamppost is far, far too bright. (Though I have a bsa airsporter .22...ha ha) :evil:

Using bins I can get away with it somewhat, by getting into different viewing positions

but with a scope I don’t think it’s going to be such a good prospect. And so I would have to travel, hence a poss portability issue.

So do I have to have a clear view of Polaris for a goto??

and as i am here just how big bulky heavy is a skywatcher eq5 pro mount

Thanks

gra

hi

out of interest

what size floor foot print are we talking about

and what sort of height is required?

re my above post on hunting hides

the ones i have dont have a floor in them so they could be picked up and

just placed over the scope after set up

they have cord oooo!!...cant think of the word!!!

to secure them to the floor on four corners

old age dont come ummmmmm :grin: re my above post on......

hi

i have looked at some of the links above and a couple look real possibilities but at a price!!

it has just crossed my mind that i have a couple of pop up shooting hide/blinds... (woodland camo doghouse type)

i will have to get them out and have a look as both have various windows and just might do

if i remember they cost beteween £75 -120 (different sizes) from an on line hunting/gun shop

but there have been several on ebay for shooting or photography

in many different shapes/prices/sizes. some with seats!