mark81

Those quick 15-20 minute sessions with bins are always great and although at the time you wish you had brought out the scope, when you do come in you generally feel more than satisfied...

 This looks like a very interesting edition.... Got some really nice info and some great targets there to have a go at..

As always, Many Thanks

Sounds likes a great session Paul.

The Coat hanger is one of my favourite binocular targets and of course anywhere around Cygnus is a great place to get lost for a while. 

I just had a little trip over to Aylsham and stood looking in the window at Altair Astro at a large display of ED refractors.  🤤

Firstly, anyone who has a 150mm refractor - I applaud you, those things are HUGE.  Secondly, I saw a little sticker in the 102 f7 saying it had been reviewed in skyatnight mag back in May.  Some of you may have missed it.....here it is...

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/reviews/telescopes/altair-starwave-ascent-102ed-f7-refractor-telescope-review/

That's a very tricky thing to do!  Looks like you nailed it! Great sketch

Wow, they look amazing and the reviews look great too... But the cost?  Ouch. I don't think i could ever pay that amount of money out for a pair of 10x50s no matter how much money I had..... Although, I have never looked through a pair...

Just think about what you could buy instead and have thousands left over.....but like I've said, I've never looked through a pair....

Nice session Magnus.

Funnily enough, I have had great success with m13 and m92 with my 10x50s, sometimes the skies really are kind to Bins...

Mark

Last year I put the scope away at the start of June as the evenings and light skies just seem to go on and on.  By the end of July I was really anxious to get back outside and when the time came I felt that my enthusiasm for the hobby had doubled.  So I'm doing the same this year.... And it's always good to read about the odd little sessions people manage to grab at this tricky time of year..

Fantastic sketch!  They are getting better and better...

Excellent sketches as always!

Thanks Stu,

I've been meaning to make a note of this...  Can't wait to see if I can manage a transit with my ST80.... 

Mark

Very nice sketch!

Brilliant as always...

Thanks!

Very nice sketch Jack!

Very well done for getting up at 3.30!  I'm just going to wait for the weeks to slip by so I can view Jupiter at a decent hour.  

Also very nice to see one of the Moon's reappear!  I am hoping to see a couple of shadow transits this year if possible with my 80mm.

Nice report

I do find it quite satisfying recording each session.  It always feels like a nice way to end and evening outside.  I haven't made any excel spreadsheets yet.... But you never know...

Another very impressive sketch Mike.

I use the Olymous10x50s more than any other astro equipment. The clarity under dark skies is fantastic. Although the 8x40s are lighter and give a wider FOV I find that the extra 10mm really helps pick out those fainter objects. 

Very nice session with some great targets! Good read

2am and observing before a day at work..... Nicely done

Hi Paul

I have used a pair of 8x40s, the Olympus dpsi, which give a very pleasing FOV, about 8degrees if I remember rightly and they are going to be that little less weighty than a 50mm but of course you are sacrificing that extra apeture  needed to pull out those fainter objects..  if the unstable image was an issue I would stick with the heavier larger bins and tripod mount them...

On 28/02/2019 at 17:38, PeterW said:

New 70mm APM on an AZ3 modified many years back with a Beacon Hill simple bracket and weight bar for my old ST120 which would not balance when used at altitude.  Balances fine, need to add a Reddot/laser finder. Nice tight stars with 18mm and 13mm ep.
Bought for daytime usage… as a two-eyed spotting scope, for which I use a lighter tripod as they’ll be pointing horizontally.

Peter

 

They look great!  Look forward to reading some reviews and reports

I've been reading this thread for the last few days and I'm in total disbelief at the way you are being treated.  I know many others have said the same but I'm practically speechless. The scope is damaged. Send it back. Here's a new one. Very sorry. End of.  Why all the drama?! 

I look forward to reading about your new scope when all this is over...

1 hour ago, BinocularSky said:

Here you go. For reference, I am 178 cm (5' 10") tall. (& No, I am not looking at the Sun & Yes, the objective caps are still on ? )

In short, it can be done, but I wouldn't do it: too many legs in a territorial dispute for my liking, and my ageing neck really doesn't like looking up beyond about 45*.

 

 

Thanks. I thought about the legs last night when I was out with the AZ3 and st80.  Camera tripod it will be.... And being attacked by the slow Mo controls doesn't look too appealing either ?

18 hours ago, happy-kat said:

Which Az3 mount flavour do you have?

It might be worth reviewing binocular brackets on FLO to see what is available.

I came across this on FLO, I guess a binocular bracket would go with this.... Maybe I'll give them a ring ..

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/camera-adaptor-plate-for-az3.html