Piero

Apparently rain here too tomorrow. Swimming goggles are also recommended for the event..!

The two priorities behind my decision to replace my naglers were: 1) comfort (=eye relief), 2) a bit better views. I've never regretted this decision so far. Not that the Nagler T6 are very uncomfortable, but they exclude the option to use spectacles, and in my case I am not a mega fov addicted. Jules, passing from an orthoscopic to a large eye relief eyepiece is something which certainly won't passed unnoticed!

That's my thought too! few eyepieces -> less swapping -> longer observing time It's down to preference though. A few people prefer to have the option to get the best magnification / frame depending on the circumstances. If so, a larger selection of eyepieces is needed.

Two funny things about this thread are that the OP gave up and that he only received 1 'like' for creating the most popular thread on SGL!

Really nice Stu! How do you compare the Tak FC-100D and the Burgess Optical 91mm triplet generally? Do they work best on different targets? Or one is more for rich field or portable?

eheh! Not mine though!

Stunning!

Actually, I have to say that for birding it works darn well! I am not into that hobby, but last year in March during civil twilight a small storm of birds flew in the direction I was pointing. With the 24 Pan, the view of 4.3 deg of fov was really beautiful! I followed them until they were visible.

Plus 1 for the lunt! I'll back it up! (Little brother of course!)

Apart from when I occasionally use the blower for removing some impurities I know are on the lens, I very rarely look at them. The same for the tv60 or tripod. I know, neglecting (eyepiece) babies is not good.. I am just trying to educate them not to be egocentric!

Never heard either! Very interesting though! Thanks for putting together this information!

Very pretty Stu! And super review!

Here is my update. Pan 24, Delos 12, Delos 8, PM2.5x as default for TV60 and Dob. Still have the bresser sa 2x which will be handy with the dob. Pan 24, Vixen 9 (to get s/h when comes up), Vixen 5 for ultra light grab 'n' go with the tv60 and for solar observation. These last three eps naturally fit in the tv60 bag and don't cause balancing problems with my lighter tripod (1kg). After moving out, I will sell my Nagler T6 13mm, 7mm, and 3.5mm.

Oh dear.. don't tell me this things! You are seriously tempting me for the future! To the Original Poster. Thank you for sharing your honest review. I cannot help agree with the previous posts about the fact that one should deserve much more for that price. In the case that you bought new, is there a chance to return it and get something else (maybe for the same price)? Just an idea of course.

Awesome! Nice Nice!

Maybe I just have a simple life as both my telescopes are F6, so same eyepiece requirements, reducing gear.

Oh dear! It's a very nice case, Derek! A bit "dense" but a complete collection of Ethoi does not get unobserved! The thing that I do not understand is how all that equipment (telescopes included) can get light. The only reason I can see is a deep interest in collecting top notch optics, like some people may have a passion for collecting ancient coins or post stamps. As time dedicated to astronomy is more or less constant, having more gear means that each component is used less. The same is true for telescopes of course. I also like to change eyepieces when observing, but the idea of changing some many eyepieces in one night would drive me crazy! Maybe it's just me being too minimalist, and, thinking about, it could likely be considering that in my last 6 years in the UK all I have is 2 bags (and my astro gear could fit in one of these)... mm..

Thank you Derek! I am honoured by your kind words! It's a very high quality telescope, but apart from the wide fields views it can deliver and its portability - the TV60 key points -, many larger telescope of good quality would offer much more due to aperture.

If I have to be very light, here we go: - TV60 (as usual..) - Pan 24, Vixen 5mm SLV, and if I fancy my powermate 2.5x. The latter inside the tv60 bag or in a pocket. - UHC/OIII filters, everbrite diagonal inside the bag. - that light tripod Total weight is about 3kg. This could be taken to Everest!

There are some really nice telescopes in this thread. Big or small, it's nice to read that everyone is happy with their instruments and excited to get more and more in touch with the universe! Every telescope discarding its aperture, offers us a fantastic window to heaven and thankfully we live in a time where these are affordable to common people. I believe the next step is work out a way so that countries reduce light pollution, which would also be a sensible thing for the economy and for the planet where we live! Anyway, here is my newtons: 8" F6, a very powerful telescope to me! 4.5" F8 (now stolen by my sister ), my first telescope bought 16 years ago. A telescope that despite of its size, showed me a hint of nebulosity forming the Pacman nebula (with an OIII filter).

Great 3.5mm!

Me too! And even a Tele Vue cap...!

My TV-60 is 10 inches long when the dew shield is retracted and weighs 1.5kg.. I suspect your combinations of "Granade" + Powermate 2x (=missile) beat it on both! This even excluding the par-corr..! Despite this I bet they give you awesome views!

The good thing of this hobby is that the gems in the Sky are still there tomorrow, next month, next year and so on.. Enjoy your super Ethoi!

This is a great thread and it will be certainly of help for many people. I enjoyed reading it a lot and appreciated your stimulating and encouraging writing. There is a lot of fun in this hobby and, to me, part of it is also about documenting, be this during the session (e.g. sketching or taking live notes) or afterwards. I started documenting my sessions not much time ago and found it really important. First of all I enjoy it a lot, secondly it helps keep track of how objects are seen and therefore improve observation skills, and thirdly it helps keep track of which objects have been observed, which otherwise can be forgotten. I admire a lot people sketching their targets and to me that is the best way. Keeping notes is a good approximation though. Eventually everyone finds his/her own way. Your advises are very useful and can change a person's approach to this hobby in a positive way. At least people should give a try. Thanks for sharing, Piero