Paul73

Wot's wrong with a quick ad on ABS or Astronomy Now magazines? Paul

I've owned the MaxVisions and the ES variants. If money is a concern, at F6, save the cash and buy the MaxVisions. They are very similar in performance to the ES 68°. In a faster scope or the 82° format, I'd head for the ES versions as the view gets a bit bendy in the longer MAxVisions. Paul

That would be my perfect imaging setup. Simple, quality optics, compact, portable and looks great?. Looking forward to seeing the results. Paul

Derek and Stu. It is in good hands You are more than welcome to stroke / look through it at the DIY starparty in March. How many scopes is it now? And, might we be expecting as 'Incoming' post soon?? Stu - Happy to do a straight swap for that old Tak of yours if you want a touch more aperture????? Paul

@DRT I'm sure that Derek will know the origin of the handle. Seems good and solid. And, the prize goes to John for spotting the 130 mistake (now corrected to 120)? Paul

New Toy Alert! I really shouldn't be this excited about a new (to me) scope????? Having met DRT in a northern motorway services at an indecently early hour this morning to do the deal. Here is my new SW ED120. Complete with a Baader Clicklock diagonal and a 24mm Panoptic that was kicking around in the case (think that he might want the eyepiece back at some point)..... Paul

I like the Bolt cases in the softish bag Nicos. Easier to carry and safe as houses! My eyepiece cases are shrinking..... but my scope cases are growing!! Having forsaken the realms of 100° and sent my BCO's to pastures new. I can fit all of my eyepieces into one medium flight case. For now.... Obviously, there is another case for solar gear; another for filters, telrad, Paracorr etc. And, a couple of boxes of odds and ends; heaps of books; a pile of old tripods and hooky mounts and a large pile of empty beer bottles! That about covers 3 years of astro shopping..... And to think of the grief that I give Mrs 73 over half a dozen pairs of shoes! One more eyepiece to buy and I'll update my case picture. Paul

I look on my eyepiece cases as being a securish (from me) savings account. It takes a beating every once in a while, then slowly recovers..... Giving the proceeds to HMRC would really smart. ??? Bet that Derek's eyepiece case doesn't stay that streamlined for long! Paul

The eyepieces always go back in the same places. So that I can find the right one by feel. The caps end up everywhere though! A selection of filters normally accumulate in the pockets. Paul

Whilst there may be space,weight wise, Stu might be pushing the limits of what one man can safely carry! Joking aside, a gap in an eyepiece case is against the natural order, what comes next??? Paul

It's very scientific! I'm more worried about the mount...... Realising that I could fit the PST on the didy Dob mount was a real bonus. Especialy that the only functioning tripod that I possess is a very definitaly non travel Berlebach! The fact that the Baby Dob belongs to my 5yo son, means that it counts as a toy and thus counts as him taking up valuable space in the car.... Paul

Whilst, Stu and Derek discuss ways of making their travel gear bigger......... I'm going the other way! The whole lot fits snugly in the mirror bulletproof primary mirror storage box of my dob. SW 100 Baby Dob, Double Stacked PST, Baader and Televue Eyepieces. I probably need a 24mm Panoptic to complete the set.?? Paul

Mine too! Love this sort of threads. Paul

A "Show Us Your Focusers" might be getting a bit obsessive, even for me! John - Given your previous good record demonstrated over 12,000+ posts. We'll write the "R" blunder off as an honest mistake which is entirly out of character. Paul

Mine is Black!! Still think that I should have been brave and gone for a red one! I too refuse to get dragged into the finder "arms race". Paul

@DaveS Sorry Dave. I was after the narrower version. So still available folks! Paul

First dibs on the 2" UHC?? Paul

That is definitaly the way to go. I waer glasses but not at the eyepiece. Being able to stick your head right into a 100° Eypiece is a lovely, if slightly nausiating, experience. I'm a big fan of Ethos eyepieces in normal sized scopes (errrr and big scopes). My collection is based around the Delos range which have a splendidly adjustable eyecup so when my eyesight deteriated to the point where I need glasses, I'll be OK - TeleVue call it adjustable eye relief.... Paul

I think that the Paracorr 1 type 3 has an additional channel & screw for the turntable to address the limited slop in the type 2. I find at the ES100° fit as tight as you like and that when screwed up firmly, the turntable won't wobble either! Can't afford / justify the masive cost of the MK2 which has improved intravel to accommodate the Ethos and longer Delos. You can achieve the right intravel for your collection by using the spacers supplied with the Moonlite fitting kit. Good luck. Hope that it tidies the stars nicely. Paul

Like Floater says! On pondering my reply earlier. Maybe we are asking a lot from an eyepiece that, whilst not cheap, is splended value for money. One thing is certain. That with your eye in the right place, the stars don't come any crisper and contrast is about the best that you can get! It will be worth persevering. Paul

Could be that the world has moved on a bit from the Plossl design? Sure, the transmition is splended. But, there are limitations. ie. Egg shaped sun in the outer 1/3 inthe 25mm TV. But the main question must be around black outs linked to head positioning. Why didn't TV sort this out.?

I need to de litter. So I'll be bringing a big box of bits and pieces. Incomplete tripods, Self centring adapters etc. All as cheap as chips. Have a browse. My study is looking like a ransacked Astro Boot storeroom. I'm told by local government that this is unacceptable. Please help. Paul

Grrrr. Moderators moderating....... That was heading for a really interesting difference of opinion / scrap. And, Stu has to step in and clear things up! I have a "Little" collection for when I want crystal clear intimate proper "telescope feel" viewing. The narrow field helps me concentrate on the target. These include the diminutive BCOs and a TV 25mm Plossl: And. Yes. That does involve stabbing myself in the eye at high mags. I also have a "Big" collection of for wider general viewing. This includes Delos(s) and the monster that is the ES 20mm 100°. Which I use depends on my mood. Neither is better thanthe other. And the exam question? Yes. Buy the 32mm and enjoy observing your way, using the best in class. Paul

It helps to look at Green & Black eyepieces as a savings plan. I bought a mint second hand 21mm Ethos and sold it again for exactly what I paid 6 months later when I needed to finance an accidental scope purchase... Go for it! Paul

Looking on the bright side. At least I will be spared my annual bout of aperture fever that strikes every time I get near their gear Enjoy the sunny south west gentlemen. Paul