kev100

I too recommend the collimating cap. Sometimes us a laser just as a double check/fine tuner, but mostly it's just the cap: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/other-collimation-tools/rigel-aline-collimation-cap.html

Pretty poor year here. I recorded only 39 outings in my log, ranging from brief sessions with the bins to a few more lengthy scope nights. Although outings were few in number, I recorded some great sights, including two comets (Giacobini-Zinner and Wirtanen), all the planets, and managed the Leo quartet (Hickson 44) galaxies from the back garden. Also, 2018 was the year I completed the Messier catalogue. Some top nights, and occasionally some great company, but, at least towards the end of the year, a great deal of cloud induced frustration. Looking forward to (hopefully) clear skies in 2019! Kev

Happy Xmas all, and fingers crossed for some great skies in the New year

Hiya, I'm very fortunate, living and observing in a dark rural location, and can find the cluster quite readily (even with binos). It's not ever so bright, though (Stellarium has it at mag 6.7, which is considerably dimmer than, say, the Double Cluster in Perseus) so would present a problem when viewing's hampered by light pollution. Kev

I use one of these: https://www.gear4music.com/Drums-and-Percussion/Drum-Throne-Stool-by-Gear4music/8BT

I've seen it using my 70ED Starwave scope, and my 10x50s, but it was bigger, brighter and a better view in the Celestron 20x80s. In the 10x50s it was just a homogeneous fuzzy ball, but with the 20x80s, with their 3.7deg fov, the brighter core could easily be seen, distinct from the coma (if that's the right word). The big bins even out performed my 70ED scope! Kev

I managed a couple of sessions with my 20x80s on Sunday and Monday evenings. Couldn't miss 46P. Big, bright and quite possibly greenish (though I'm prepared to admit to a certain amount of imagination on that). Couldn't make it out naked eye, but the bins picked it up with no issue. Kev

That's a cracking image, Peter. I really enjoyed the evening, and it was great to meet you, @AdeKing and Martin. Looking forward to next time. Kev

Cool. You too

Shall we make it the carpark on top of the hill? I'm thinking about getting there for nine ... ish

Hi Ade, Just wondered if you (and anyone else, for that matter) are still on for Saturday? Weather's looking promising, and although the moon will be bright, I'm still up for giving it a go. Planning to bring the 250PX and possibly my 20x80s. Kev

I'd definitely be up for that, Ade.

Hi there. They'll work fine in the 8 inch, but the longer focal length BSTs will struggle in the 10. I have a 5mm BST, and use it regularly with my 10-inch no problem (but then the fov is smaller, and I'm focussing only on the very centre of the view. I have looked through longer focal length BSTs in a 250PX and found the view to be poor (to my eyes): pincushioning and distorted stars around the periphery. However, I know others aren't bothered too much by these things. I would suggest you get the scope you want first (for all the right reasons), and then get the EPs to suit. You should get a good price for the BSTs to fund further purchases. Kev

Hiya, you can definitely do better than the stock EPs, but don't have to spend crazy money to get great results. BST starguiders are relatively cheap, and are highly regarded, but there are lots of great EPs available second hand too. For what it's worth, my advice would be don't rush it, see if you can try different EPs at a club meeting or star party, just to get an idea of what will be best for you.

Hiya, Much of what makes for a great eyepiece is very personal to the user. In general spending more will get 'technically' better EPs, but whether they will be equally appreciated by all users and in all scopes is debatable. Can you tell us more about your setup? What scope do you have, and what you enjoy looking at most? A reasonable quality EP in a good scope will give tremendous views, and spending more on EPs may be a case of chasing ever diminishing returns. Kev