Paul73

Love the old galaxy shots; especially when you consider the work/gear that went into them.

Here is a similar publication from my bookshelf:

Yes Telrad And finder scope.

There are loads of other bits and pieces, but getting it pointing in the right direction is a priority.

One of these will be on your shopping list at some stage:

https://www.365astronomy.com/Lacerta-Dual-Speed-1-10-Microfocus-Upgrade-Kit-for-Skywatcher-Crayford-Focusers.html

and one of these light shrouds. It keeps out stray light (and spiders):

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/AZ-1305.html

Then you’ll want to look at dew heaters......

The best accessory is a smart phone/tablet and SkySafari Pro.

Paul

PS. Like the carry handles. Very simple solution.

23 minutes ago, rubecula said:

Oh, I've got so much to learn. 

I know how you feel.....🤯🤯

I’ve used the mk3 and 4 without issue.

Anyone else had issues with these?

Paul

That sounds like a nail in the Lunt’s coffin. I use TV Plossls for my Ha viewing. They really aren’t that much sharper than the Baader Zoom. Which would put the Baader ahead of the Lunt. I haven’t tried the Pentax so can’t comment on that one. Although enough experienced observers seem to rate it highly.

I would always choose Zoom over fixed length eyepieces for solar work.

Paul

I’ve happily used the Baader Zoom for Ha. Can’t remember seeing any distortion to speak of. I used to have a duel WL / Ha setup with a Baader zoom on each side.

Paul

Thanks for posting.

This would be the star hop challenge of the year (no GoTo here)!

Paul

Saturn with 4 of her moons was my other target for the night. First view of the year!

Paul

Festoons??? I was delighted to catch the shadow and GRS!

The seeing here is pretty wobbly, but worth persevering with for the fleeting moments of clarity. Plenty of texture in the belts. Not sure that I can claim a definite festoon though. I’ll be popping back out for Saturn in a bit.😁

Paul

High cloud here, but sometimes a haze helps with the glare.

Paul

Hi Mark

Lots of reputable dealers sell through eBay. I wouldn’t buy from anyone who is not in the IMCA. As with most things, if it looks too good to be true, avoid!!

Or, try spacerocksUk.com. I’ve heard good things but never used him. Prices seem to be in line with the norm too.

Paul

Between 2mm and 5mm for me. Any more and I start to loose contrast.

Paul

Re. Plossls

I switched from Delos to TV Plossls. They are the best of a very old design. I found them sharp. I like them a lot, but 50° felt claustrophobic and very limited. Fantastic value for money. But, you would be hobbling your telescope by going the Plossl route. And, finding things is an absolute nightmare with only 50°. If budget were the limiting factor, my advice might be different, but if you have the budget, you can do a lot better.

Paul

I had a set of Delos with f4.7 and f4 Dobs. They were sold due to one of life’s little financial hiccups. After trying all sorts, i’m rebuying, as nothing else could match the Delos in these scopes. Although, I have not tried the Pentax XWs which I hear are similarly good.

Paul

Great capture. Very impressed that the super bright Saturn hasn’t blown out the close faint moons.

You can spot a couple of the moons with a normal visual Dob, but not the fair ones.

Paul

You could always ditch the GoTo from the Dob. That saves money and a chunk of weight. The Skywatcher 16” is a heavy old beast without adding motors.

Paul

I find a Telrad essential for getting the target into the RACI’s field of view. You can do your fine adjustment / star hops from there. Some folks can aim a scope well enough, but I struggle.

Paul

I agree. Trying to get one scope to do all things will lead to big compromises. I have a 16” Dob and a little ED72 on a driven EQ5 with a DSLR for dabbling in imaging or wide field visual.

Paul

4 minutes ago, McNewt said:

.   Not sure what would happen if I order a big dob though.

Only one way to find out!!😁

What an amazing coincidence! Some Green & Black arrived a my house too. I had also “forgotten” to discuss the purchase with my better half....

Paul

I have a manual 16” Dob. Aperture is king.....

However, Unless you can wheel it out in one piece, I’d be worried about the practicalities of living with a big heavy scope. I didn’t use mine much until i’d built a trolley to get it to my observing spot.

Paul

Top draw! Almost 3D! 

That is some dedication.

Paul

Another vote for number 1. A very fine image!

Paul

Head to head ?? Good plan! New vs Old vs TeleVue! Side by side is the only way to test filters.

Are the old Lumicons noticeably better than cheaper offerings? I have 1 1/4” and 2” O111 versions, but have never used any other make of O111. UHC and Hb, yes m, but not O111.

Paul

6 hours ago, estwing said:

Crody reservoir is one of the darkest spot in Cornwall...mike73 used to observe from there...his sketches are very impressive 

Do you mean Crowdy Reservoir? Can’t seem to find Crody reservoir.

Paul