DRT

Jules, the 100ED is not a big and heavy scope. What would you be mounting it on?

Thanks, Jules, I'm chuffed with it

My 120ED with its smart new carrying handle and Baader Sky Surfer V

Grrrr. Is that the one I dwelt on for too long?

Nothing to be embarrassed about with that scope, Parkini, there is good reason why it is one of the most popular beginner scopes on the market You should get some great views through that when he clouds clear!

Dark Forces indeed, Alan! I am hoping this is a good omen for what is to come in 2016...

Yes, I have a Type 1 Paracorr that I use with this scope and it really makes a huge difference. The reason for the small barbeque is that Mrs T is vegetarian so it only needs to cook one 4lb steak at a time

I think an 150 ED is a fabulous idea, Kevin I have been weaving my way through lots of second-hand scopes in the past three years and must say that more often than not I have got all (or nearly all) of my money back when re-selling. The 100ED I sold this week was the exception as I took a big (80%) hit on what I paid but it is the only scope I have managed to damage during my ownership so I deserved all I got This week I have had a first in that I have bought a second version of a scope I have previously owned - a Startravel 150. I sold one a few months ago to pay for a new purchase but regretted it from the moment I handed it over to its new owner. My replacement will hopefully be here within the next few days

That's exactly why my Telrad is below the focuser - I just couldn't reach the standard finder without risking falling off the ladder There has not been a cloud in the sky over my house today so they should be rolling in at around 15:45

I bought this 16" Flextube a few weeks ago and have now added a MoonLite CR-2 focuser and some nice sturdy carrying handles which really help when setting up and moving it around... Now all need is a clear night

Yes, Jules, she went just before Christmas and I'm regretting it already After more than a month of trying to sell it at what I think was a bargain price I've decided to hang on to the Bresser 127L for now to give me a good high-mag option with a decent aperture but am now hankering after a 5" f/11 to f15. The Starwave would have been a better stop-gap but hey-ho, I let it go!

Yes, it's the dual-speed MoonLite, John. I removed the foot (in fact, two feet) as I use a Rigel rather than the standard finder. Looking forward to giving it a better road-test on a nice, dark, still night - if such a thing exists!

The Sun finally put in an appearance this morning so I was able to test out my new 120 ED with the Baader wedge ...and here she is with her nighttime gear... Very pleased with the new toy - all I need now is for the weather to start improving and I might actually get to put it to some use

What scope/EP combination did you use for that, John?

I've got a signed booklet that came with my TV Pronto so perhaps you are right John.

But those little beauties in their Chanel LBDs are a not too shabby alternative

This is similar to a discussion I have with my wife whenever we reminisce about our holidays to the USA when our kids were young. Mrs T remembers many restaurants as being described as "Eat All You Want" or "Eat All You Need" whereas I remember them as the more challenging "Eat As Much As You Can". My approach to EP buying appears to follow a similar philosophy

Hi Darren, I have the same problem as you as my vision doesn't cope well with a black background and white text. In the very bottom left of the page you will find a link named "Change Theme". Click on that and select "IP.Board" and the whole site will transform into a white background with black text Derek

Nice one, Garry. I saw that a few minutes after the advert was posted and had to close down my machine to stop myself buying it! That should give you some great wide field views

Me too! Which is why I've offloaded those little narrow things to Shane

Hmm? Yes, sometimes when you read things back they take on a new meaning

Indeed. Which is why I said it was for those with a sense of history I don't think anyone would buy one of these as an alternative to a modern scope, but they might want one to look nice in a large room or conservatory, or just to have as an astro antique. I've seen these being advertised for £500-£900 - which made me think £340 isn't ridiculous. That said, I'm glad I got my old girl for £90, even if she is a bit rough around the edges

For those with a sense of history: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Polarex-telescope-D60mm-F900-/252144533183?hash=item3ab4fc3ebf:g:wIEAAOSwo6lWL9Fn Looks in much better nick than mine and the price doesn't look ridiculous compared to others I have seen.

Have you tried pointing that at the sky, Philip? The Moon perhaps?