jock1958

Just googled the TS AZ5 now as I wasn’t 💯 sure what it was, looks a dead ringer of the Skytee 2 to me. What’s the differences?

I think there is - the Losmandy AZ8 but you will need extra cash 💵 🙁

I know, I know yeh it’s the slo mo controls and it’s rustic charm blah blah 😂 I haven’t given up on my Ercole honest!

I agree that the engineering on the Ercole is on another level, however I missed the slo mo controls and more forgiving nature of the Skytee when swapping eyepiece and balancing. No doubt the Ercole will be coming out to play in the near future.

Love the Alt Az mounts - ie no messing around and more or less instant star gazing. My Giro Ercole is back in its box just now whilst I play around with the Skytee 2!

That set up look very similar John, I wonder if it's a re-engineered version of that product? As you said it's made in Japan by a firm called Hanamaki backed by Takahashi so quality should be good. Will have to wait for further reports and cost when and if it comes to the UK.

Thanks John will have a read of that

Just had an email from Astronomics announcing the release of the entry level Takahashi Starbase 80, f/10 with Alt / Az Mount and slo mo controls all for $610. Could it be the dream starter package for people entering this hobby? Anyone had any feedback on this scope and how much do think it will retail in the UK for to our friends @FLO ?

Hi and welcome to the lounge. Also try UK Astro Buy Sell for second hand bits and pieces

Superb scope and love the retractable dew shield, wish my 100DL had one!

Great report John on one of my favourite targets . Transparency was poor here last night which eventually gave way to fog, could only make out the Eastern Veil....just!

Had a lot of good advice from Ian King before I bought my Tak FC-100DL off him. Needless to say I’ve been very happy with my purchase. Good luck to you both I’m sure it will be an excellent partnership!

Looking at the way it’s put together I think it will last a long, long time. Its not cheap but IMO a worthwhile addition to the Tak FC 100 when you are trying to eke that last bit of focusing performance!

Came through the post a few days ago a very nice MPA - TAK 2.5 FT focuser for my Tak FC 100DL and after I said I was happy with the stock focuser...hmmm! However It’s beautifully engineered and an absolute delight to use 😃

Hi there. I went through similar issues with my 100DL and eventually arrived at the sweet spot using a TS optics 35mm extension tube and now all my 1.25” eyepieces including my Baader 2.25” Barlow arrives at focus. I trod the same path as @mikeDnight ‘trial & error’ Theres an excellent thread on this forum that might be worth looking at, Tak FC-100 - a few questions my input starts about pages 11 or 12. Attached pic of the stock extension tube (which I don't use now) and the TS optics 35mm if that’s of any help.

I’ve had my 100DL less than a year and I’ve cleaned it once already (pollen & dew spots)

Wife’s old dressing table chair, height adjustable by adding & subtracting patio chair cushions ?

Some may cringe..... but the old adage springs to mind ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ ?

I’ve only had my Tak 100DL for a few months but no complaints about the focuser so far.

Fantastic images Geof, looks like you've opened a box of sparkling jewels ?

John you are quite correct, it’s a 72mm tube and I don’t use it either. To bring my 1.25 eyepieces into focus I bought a 35mm TS optics extension tube and it works a treat

Do you know if it’s just the DC & DF that comes with that green extension tube? And what’s the length? My DL came without it but came with a black 52mm extension tube?

Very nice...and the title did grab my attention lol!! The thought of hacking 55mm off a pristine Takahashi tube made my stomach turn over

I absolutely love it, double thumbs up from me ??

Thanks Dave lots of food for thought there All the best Jock