bingevader

Definitely! And then, if you get stuck, I'm sure people will help. Had to check your location before wondering what was wrong with temps in the teens! 🤔😉 (ºF)

I don't know about the 'war path', but if I am a 'native' then it's frustration at the gross generalisations, like in the quote, that is taking us off topic. It might be your opinion, as you have now suggested, but there's no qualification, clarification or example as to why someone seeking advice should, 'avoid Dobsons like the plague'. My 8" 'scope, although large, is more than manageable in two parts. It fits easily in the boot and on the back seat of a Corsa (not big) if I venture out or take it to school. Without going into a Blade Runneresque quote about the shoulder of Orion, it has not only allowed me to see things I wouldn't think possible from my back garden with relatively cheap bits of glass, but is also, hopefully, inspiring the next generation of stargazers. Dobs might not be everyone's cup of tea, but avoid them like the plague? Maybe not.

The 32mm is the smallest of my 2" EPs!

I've always thought that a bit of a tricky one too though. It depends when the 'new' price was. Thankfully, very few on here, but after the recent price hike, there were adverts for second hand EPs that were clearly at least a year old, but still marked as a saving on the price of a new one. I looked a couple up as I was interested in them and they were charging more than they'd bought them for! 🙄

Apologies! I've said the Panaview is 82º, it's not, it's 70º. There are a couple on https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/.

I can't give a comparison, I'm afraid, but I have the 32mm Panaview and a couple of EPs around the 25mm mark. The Panaview was my first venture into 2" EPs and I loved it and has lead me down the 82º EP route. Yes, it's a little soft around the edges, but it's not bad for the money. If you want something better corrected, you need to pay 2x or 3x the money and more if you want to and can afford it. The difference in FOV, however, is super! For me, the 82º EPs just frame things in an altogether more enjoyable way. Yes, I know, that's completely down to the individual, but if you think you might like the experience then it's worth a go. They are obviously cheaper second hand! You're not close enough for me to offer to show you unfortunately. My Panaview only got superseded by the Meade which was an end of line deal and too good to miss!

There's always the Kragle! 😉😈

Okay, maybe not the sixties, but definitely the 70s and 80s, I didn't have the money, time, or skills to make my own 'scope, still don't, I'm a bodger at best. The mass and cheap production of astronomy kit was what opened this world up to me, couldn't have afforded it otherwise.

For fear of feeding the troll! 🙄 Many of us don't have the time to make our own telescopes. I, for one, am very happy with my mass produced masquerade and cheap eyepieces. As you find it all so amusing, I'm sure you will stay, but if you don't like the advice given on the forum, there's a simple means to avoid it.

I have the Celestron NexYZ, which fits all but the big boys. My 24mm and 30mm, 2" Eps don't fit, but the ES18mm does, as does the Panaview!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334533857159 Cheapo ebay version.

I have one of those, works very well with the bins.

My decision to buy a dob was purely on a cost basis. My eyepiece purchases since, have been to fill gaps or move to 82° eyepieces. No money wasted here. Don't want to boast, but I've seen the veil nebula from my back garden with an 8" dob, not bad really.

Couldn't be bothered reading the whole five pages, especially with the cats! However, not sure if anyone else has mentioned, but your original eyepiece comment is bogus, because for Skywatcher at least, the stock eyepieces ship with the fracs, same as the dobs. And on that point, there was nothing wrong with my 25mm and the central region of the 10mm was very clear.

Wow! As standard? Don't think mine does that!

Did you use any specific settings or timings, please?

I'm assuming it's still in the box then? 🤔🤭😆 You are in for a treat then, if galaxies are your thing! Great advice above. If you find the galaxies a bit of a challenge then there are loads of clusters that are super in the 200p.

I can't afford these top end EPs and am unlikely to ever have a 'scope in which I would see the notable difference, so the 'lesser' performance at the lower price is all I am ever going to experience! Which is where the car analogy falls over for me as well I'm afraid Don! Does the $25k car get me from A to B? Job done.

I have the 7mm and 4mm and think they are rather smashing.

Haverfordwest?! That's nearly in England, isn't it, not West Wales?! This was a little campsite just outside St. David's. Not my usual abode, that's much further east, but still with M31 a naked eye fuzz on a clear night. On topic! The star barn puts my shed to shame. A recent trip to the tip means that at least I can now get in it!

They'll all be arriving from the pit, only speak welsh and eat welsh rarebit (cheese on toast), cawl (lamb stew) and welshcakes (welshcakes)! Not to mention the Saturday afternoon rugby fixture and Sunday morning male voice choir. 🤣

Sorry, just realised it's on a trailer! 🤦‍♂️ There you go!

There you go!

In answer to your last two questions: No and Nothing. They're the short answers! If you are happy (or satisfied) with what you are using, then why the worry?

Hello and welcome! Looks good to me, but I know nothing about AP! There is a sub-section in the beginners section. Or a dedicated AP section further down. They might be able to help.