FLO

If their "late Nov / early Dec" ETA is correct then it will be 1-2 months. (Of course things might be different on your side of the pond). A delay like this between first and second batches of a new Sky-Watcher product is not unusual. HTH, Steve

We now have an official ETA. "late Nov / early Dec". HTH, Steve

EQDIR cables suitable for AZ GTi mounts now available: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/lynx-astro-ftdi-eqdir-usb-adapter-for-sky-watcher-az-gti-mounts.html You will first need the new firmware that support EQ mode and will need to select EQ mode on your handset or in the app.

We hope so but our anticipation is based only on info heard your side of the pond. It has not been confirmed. HTH, Steve

That wasn't intentional. The manufacturer applied the wrong brand label but a solution is in hand ? Steve

Here in the UK we are advised there are no plans to change the optics ? Their efforts are focused on helping the telescope survive delivery via courier. We are anticipating the next batch will be released around October, though that hasn’t been confirmed. The sooner they bring it back to market, the better ? Steve

We are hearing only that the next batch will have an improved box & packaging. We hope it's true ? Steve

Thank-you ?

Ooh! Can we use your photo for our product page please? Pretty please ? The current stock photo is pants and it'll be a while before we can set one up for a photo. Steve

Thank-you ?

Yet your SGL post count is considerably higher than mine ? I hope one day we can meet, in the real world. Steve

It is good to hear you consider Nik Szymanek’s review of the Esprit-150 trustworthy ? For the record, our Esprit-150 product description has included the 44mm imaging circle specification together with an excerpt from Nik’s review, and a link to the full review, for several years. Steve

Okay. I’ll bite ? I think you’d be surprised, Olly, at how flat and evenly illuminated the Esprit-150’s full-frame imaging circle is. But you are right, of course. If someone has a camera with a sensor larger than full-frame (a very small and expensive market!) then the TEC140 is better-suited. Steve

The pre-dispatch optical bench test is provided by Es Reid. He checks the telescope's optics are well figured and properly aligned. I.e. he checks for star-shape, colour, spherical aberrations and astigmatism. In short, he ensures the telescope is a good example and performs as it should. If he finds it is not then he will correct the alignment/aberration on the bench. If this is not possible the telescope is rejected. Think of it as an additional layer of quality control. We don’t provide a certificate or report. Regarding the flattener, that isn’t normally included but if you want it tested please email us your request and we’ll see what we can do. HTH, Steve

Es' is back from his hols but we are advised the first batch has sold out. We haven't been advised when the next batch will arrive but when it does we will arrange John receives one ? Hopefully the next batch will have improved box/packaging... Steve

We are doing our best to find the info ? @RayD is right ^ ? Will post details as soon as we have them. Promise. Steve

If you have just received a 0.85x reducer for 72ED (purchased from FLO) and already own a reducer for 80ED, we will happily arrange a free collection and refund. HTH

We have learned the Evostar 72ED’s 0.85x reducer is the 0.85x reducer for Evostar 80ED, with a thread adapter. They are the same. So if someone already owns the reducer for 80ED then they need only our FLO 2” nosepiece adapter to use it with the 72ED. HTH

We should have another Evostar 150ED DS Pro for John, Es Reid tested, in 2-3 weeks. HTH, Steve

Sshhh... There aren't many ?

Forgot to say the Sky-Watcher Reducer Flattener for the 72ED-Pro is also now available ?

We have good news for everyone waiting for a Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED DS-Pro ? They have arrived in the UK and will be with dealers "imminently". (Possibly even tomorrow or Friday). We have been assured we will receive enough to clear all existing backorders and there will be a small number remaining for new orders.

Are you trolling us! Why would we do that? If, as Grant says, they use only Met Office data then, if we wanted the same, we would buy it direct from the Met Office. For more info regarding data used by Clear Outside please see the acknowledgments page. Making Clear Outside more like Scope Nights (i.e. 3-hourly forecasts, not hourly) would upset CO's current users who favour a more detailed forecast with additional astronomy info. FWIW I live practically next door to the Met Office (several of their staff are FLO customers) and use their App on my phone for daytime forecasts. I also use Sat-24 alongside Clear Outside. Enjoy the fact we have so much choice and use whatever works for you ? Steve

@Jkulin Clear Outside is a gift from FLO to the astronomy community. A thank-you for their continued support. We have put a lot of thought and energy into developing it but we won't lose sleep nor be offended if someone chooses to use an alternative ? HTH, Steve

No. None. But the Esprit-150 is supplied in a much more sturdy case and has better packaging. It takes two of us to lift one onto the van! ?