Helen

Yep!

Yep

Thanks John A friend has a horizon, but for me the head is the weak point (the tripod is robust and easy to use). Combining with a nice porta head would be attractive. Helen

Nice set ups A couple of questions if you don't mind... Is that a Horizon tripod you are using for the vixen? If so how have you attached it? And secondly, what is the extension under the (rather lovely, drool!!) AYO? Thanks Helen

The extension is http://www.apm-telescopes.de/en/mounts-tripods/accessories-tripods/extension-tube-elle-mount.html Very tempted myself ? Helen

That looks just lovely and must be a joy to use! The tripod suits it so well too - I assume its a Berlebach, but if you don't mind me asking, which one and from where? Helen

I have a few fracs Here's my latest addition, a Tak 100DC with an added FT focuser - I love it I've been using it on a Giro III mount (which I got from @DRT) on HEQ5 legs, but given it is very lightweight that is overkill. Pictured is it on its new GIRO WR mount which arrived today from Germany (a Christmas present, but the first attempt had to go back because of QC problems), on a Gitzo tripod. I must admit that it is very smooth indeed when balanced and the combination is so much lighter all round - very happy My main imaging scope is also a frac a WO FLT123, and I guide (or do wider field) with a WO Megrez 90 mounted on a Mesu (with a C11 for planetary, but we will whisper that!) Then there is my nostalgia scope.... the Zeiss Telementor 60mm of precision And a Megrez 72mm for solar (photo when the adapter returns) - although this will be superceded by a little Borg 71 as a lighter weight option for the eclipse trip.. O for clear skies to use them Helen

PS looked lovely visually in the scope ?

Wow! Finally a POD ??? Yes, a nexus 5 - exercise in frustration really, but no time to get any other equipment out. Do you handhold Stu?

Tonight's effort - Venus through a 10mm Delos in the Tak 100DC on an alt az mount. I really struggle to get the camera to see the image let alone focus.!!! How do others do it? With an adapter?? Helen

Are the Berlebachs lighter than a heq5 tripod? If so, I'm tempted!! Will get some photos of my fracs tomorrow ? Helen

Nice shot ? Would photos of the fog nebula be eligible Stu?? ? Helen

I admit it, the only involvement of a scope was as a balancing aid (but the Mesu wasn't actually moving - that was the whole point )

Venus cradled by a tree (I HATE THAT TREE!!) Nexus 5 (rested) on a mesu mount Helen

I've got the PI book for Christmas, I expect that technique is in the advanced section though ?

The moon over Cardiff Bay (tree). Hand held (badly) Nexus 5, auto everything and no processing (and it shows!) Or how about Over the Moon with the Fireworks?? Helen

Yes, I have a Solarscope 70mm filter and bf and one of their adapters for my megrez 72. The adapter cost much more than that though, so very useful to know about AOK -thanks! Helen

Thanks guys In my case I need to be able to also carry my solar filters, so smaller and lighter is good (and not just for airline as we're touring for a month so will be moving stuff around a lot!). So the Borg set up is still front runner I think... Helen

Ooo that's interesting! I'm looking to get together a portable set up ready for an eclipse trip to the US next year, but we're going to be away for a month so looking at more than just solar kit. I've been wondering about the Borg set up you have - ie one tube and the two FL objectives. In my case 90 primarily for visual and 71 for solar and photography on a star adventurer. So what does 'pretty decent mean' in comparison to say a william optics 72 Megrez (my current solar and travel scope)? Lots of other ideas in this thread too... I think the weight limit on the star adventurer is probably more limiting than the luggage allowance! (Although as we are also going on an Alaskan cruise I'll need room for warm clothes ;-) ) Helen

Starting the sort out/clear out (long overdue!). So here are a few things to start with... Skywatcher Mak 180Pro - old gold style. No accessories. Looking for about £400. Celestron C6 SCT - bought as the cheapest way to buy the Evolution Mount as they don't sell the mount separately! Taken on holiday a coupe of times, but that's it. Should have the usual accessories (red dot finder, basic diagonal, and probably an eyepiece) - £375 Borg 77 with 0.85 reducer, but no focusser (I'm keeping the helical) Comes with rings and a finder. This has had a hard life, not sure how many owners before me, but I bought it off Tim who had taken some nice images with it. So cosmetically not brilliant, but very light and comes apart for travel. Probably worth checking it out before you buy! Looking for ~£425 PST Mod bits - Vixen 80 shortened tube, PST etalon and adapters, focusers (2 - 1 to get the spacing right and then another for focus), 90mm ERF (needs a better holder). Got a picture in Sky at Night with this but just not being used as I have other solar. Worth coming to see before you buy - not sure on price, bits were quite expensive, but £550? (cheaper than a new PST!) [Pending subject to discussion at star party) QHY8Pro colour - big chip - never really got going with this many years ago - was trying with hyperstar, and got some frosting/dewing issues. But I got a heater ring from Bern, and I think people have sorted out using this and variable power along with dessicant. I changed direction, and this has sat in the obs. So I'm offering a cheap way in to a large chip - APC-sized ... £400. I'm in a pod, but will be around... Helen

Off topic, but I'm sure @Tim has the Esprit 150mm if you want to talk to him

Here it is Nicknamed the tardis - as it is a time and space machine (14 inch OO dob) Helen

I have a new dob that I would love to post a picture of in this thread, but..... the weather is so bad that I haven't been able to even unpack it from the car (having picked it up yesterday!!) Helen

I've made this a sticky If there are other threads that you think need the same treatment PM me and I'll have a look. I wouldn't want too many pinned posts though as that makes regular posts drop too far down, so if there are a lot I suggest one pinned post which has links to useful posts. Helen