RT65CB-SWL

A Tasco 4ETE… then ‘upgraded’ to a Prinz Astral 500. My ‘scopes at time of writing are… TeleVue Ranger Meade ETX105 Celestron C6/SCT-xlt

Hi @Hollie42 and welcome to SGL. The OTA is not bad for a beginner, but the tripod and mount are not ideal. Have you considered this one?… https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-150p-dobsonian.html I would suggest you have a read/look here too!… https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes.html… before parting with company with your money.

Hi @Jakelol and welcome to SGL. Just for size comparison, below image is my 20+ years young TeleVue Ranger, (obj: 70mm - f/l: 480mm), with a younger 13mm Nagler Type 6 in the supplied 1.25” star diagonal. The maximum power I get from it is about 160x with the TeleVue 3-6mm Nagler zoom. Jupiter and Saturn are amazing with this combo!

G’day @Aussiexplorer and welcome to SGL. I am not into Astro-imaging at the time of writing, but from what I have read here since joining SGL, some have gone for a SkyWatcher SW80 or clone. As for mount, get something like the EQ6. No need to upgrade it later on when you get a bigger ‘scope.

Hi @Kcappoen and welcome to SGL. Forget about purchasing a 'complete' set/kit. I tend to have a mixed bag [ahem... case] of different brands and types, ranging from Ortho's, Plossl's, Nagler's, a Radian, and couple of zoom's. If you wear glasses/spectacles, then you may find that those with long eye-relief are better. I wear glasses/spectacles, but not whilst observing. BTW - my 'scopes are a TeleVue Ranger, a 're-modded' Meade ETX105 and a Celestron C6/SCT-xlt. To give you an idea of size comparison between 1.25" and 2"... below is my TeleVue 13mm collection... left: Plossl centre: Nagler Type 1 right: Nagler Type 6

Many years ago, I used to work at BBC Monitoring Service, Caversham Park. I spent a few nights with my Prinz Astral 500 observing there on the sports field.

I have always fancied one of these Russian 🇷🇺 beauties! 😋 Are they any good? 😁

It has got to be this... ...the TeleVue Nagler 3-6mm zoom e/p.

My TeleVue 13mm collection shown below... left: Plossl... centre: Nagler Type 1... right: Nagler Type 6. I also have the following TeleVue e/p's [not shown]... 15mm Plossl 8mm Plossl 6mm Radian 3-6mm Nagler zoom 1.8x 1.25" Barlow

There is no general observing filter that does all. That said... my most used single filter is the Baader Neodymium... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/light-pollution-reduction/baader-neodymium-filter.html for general observing. I often call it or refer to it as my 'Swiss-army knife' filter. I also use the Explore Scientific UHC and OIII... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/explore-scientific-filters/explore-scientific-uhc-nebula-filter-1-25-2-inch.html https://www.firstlightoptics.com/explore-scientific-filters/explore-scientific-o-iii-nebula-filter-1-25-2-inch.html

I too have never heard of the 'Stokey' brand either and would stick to a well known one, i.e. Celestron, Meade, SkyWatcher, etc. One of my most used travel 'scopes is my 're-modded' Meade ETX105, as shown in the images below, mounted on a Universal Astronomics DwarfStar mount and Manfrotto PROB tripod. For additional stability and long time viewing and comfort, etc., the mounts I use are either a AOK-AYO* [left] or Tele-Optic Giro* [right]... * these mounts can also be aatached to the Manfrotto [or any photo/video tripod] with 3/8" thread.

I have on the odd occasion used the Celestron FF/FR with my ‘re-modded’ ETX105. Not sure whether I gain anything in doing so, as I am purely visual at time of writing.

G’day Paul @Gallandro and welcome to SGL.

This is one my three 'portable' 'scopes... my 're-modded' Meade ETX105 ---> The other two are a Celestron C6/SCT and a TeleVue Ranger --->

I don't know of any particular storage bag, but I keep my AYO [left] in the supplied case... and the Giro [right] in an third-party plastic case. This online retailer sells 'Peli' type cases, [c/w foam insert]... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clas-Ohlson-Case-Water-Resistant/dp/B08KDPQ31S?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

OK! Thank you for clarifying.

Forgive my ignorance @GavStar, are you saying the Baader 685 filter can be used for visual as imaging?

When I observe the planets for extended periods to get more detail, then I stick to a fixed focal length... unless I am using the TeleVue 3-6mm Nagler zoom.

Hi @sw89 & partner and welcome to SGL. Just to give you a comparison of the aperture diameter... Above are two images of my TeleVue Ranger [obj: 70mm - f/l: 480mm] and a 're-modded' Meade ETX105 [obj:105mm - f/l: 1470mm]. Of the two, the Ranger is lightest of the two. The ETX can be transported in a padded camera bag or rucksack with a few eyepieces and accessories.

Well I was thinking of going to Venus for mine… at least it’s warm but cloudy. Then I thought about Mercury… warm and clear skies, but little or no atmosphere.

Ceres would have to pick the week I am on a 4:00am shift!

What mount and OTA are you thinking of putting on it? Below image showing are two ‘Giro’ type alt-az mounts that I use with SkyWatcher aluminium tripod for the EQ3/2. Sometimes, if I am really lazy, I will attach them to my Manfrotto tripod. For added stability, low CofG, wide footprint, etc., I only extend the top of the bottom leg so it is roughly inline with the spreader and/or accessory tray or not at all if seated. Both mounts carry a combination of a TeleVue Ranger, a ‘re-modded’ ETX-105’ or Celestron C6/SCT. It does vibrate a little… [until I get a Berlebach].

Oop's... I forgot to mention earlier. If you use a monopod, you will need a 3/8" to 1/4" reducer/adapter as shown below... as they are not included with the head. Other styles/types are also available.

This is the one I use... with a Manfrotto tripod or a Benbo monopod. Below is a .PDF user guide/manual, written by SGL'er @BinocularSky TG-manual.pdf

G’day Adam / @bilbs84 and welcome to SGL.