Raph-in-the-sky

Hello again! I've been playing as much as I could during this early summer ... which turned out to be just a few times 😞. These short nights are really annoying. I don't like starting my session at midnight. I did see a few nice things for the first time though (including the eastern veil nebula). I also got some binos, Nikon action 10x50 which were great on Neowise... On that topic, you have to hurry up! it will fade quickly. I am no comet expert but this was an amazing display. Raph

Hey guys, FYI, Pierro Astro sells an adaptator for a Barlow cell that is supposed to help with the placement of the Barlow in the optical chain when using an ADC. To be honest, I haven't understood all the ins and outs but I thought this might be of interest to some of you. https://www.pierro-astro.com/materiel-astronomique/support-photo-t2-pour-barlow-ou-reducteur-porte-oculaire-136_detailµ Cheers,

I also love the 15mm BST. It's the first EP I bought (with a 5mm) and it still sits in my EP case... although now it has to compete with a Nagler 11mm

Seing you other EPs I think you should have a look at the SW/OVL Nivana 7mm. It works great in my 250/1200

That's ok, I m gonna specialise in double stars! 😉

Amazing picture! The best picture of the comet I have seen!

Not true! I can open a bottle of beer with just about anything...keys, lighter, a chair, a tree, you name it!

Hey guys, If you are like me and like to enjoy a couple of beer while gazing at the sky, you ,no doubts, have know the issue of kicking an open bottle in the dark (which for the less lucky of us might end up in the EP case). THIS IS NOW A THING FROM THE PAST! I present to you the lastest dob mod, derived from technologies inspired by NASA itself, ... the retractable cup holder! Clear skies, Raphael PS: you could even use it for tea... you lot sure seem to like it

I just spent my first £19.95 for AP. I feel this is a slippery slope.

Haribo Starmix. Very appropriate!

Just received those second hand bino. Nikon Action 10x50. It should be easier to move than the 10'' Dob.

Thank you so much Louis. Very helpfull as always!

Hello, Looking on a local second hand shop I stubled upon these Viking 7x50 binoculars. Apparently, it has a field of view of 11°. Is that even possible? If it is it should be super expensive right? If anybody has some info / insights that would be appreciated. Cheers, Raphael

Asking price is 180 Euro

Actually it seems to be japanese.

It does come with a great looking wooden box. It also has lots of accessories of unknown quality including optical finder (6x30 or 5x24? idk), diagonal, 3 EPs, wooden tripod, EQ mount, slowmotion controls and what might be a barlow. Do you know if the focuser takes 1,25' EPs? It seems that its a complete original package however the seller is asking for EUR 180 which seems a bit steep

Has anybody at least heard of these?

Hello, I have found on a local second hand website an Eikow 77mm/1000mm refractor similar to this one https://www.cloudynights.com/gallery/image/23913-eikow-telescope-008/ Does anyone have experience with this and could comment on the quality? How much do you think it's worth assuming good condition? I'd like to make a sensible offer to the seller. Cheers, Raphael

I Just took my 250px on the balcony and I was able to see M81 and M82 for the first time. I never thought I would be able to see those despite the light pollution! The 200p is basically the same but a bit smaller. It's a great scope

Hello, I started with a 130/900 on EQ-2 and moved to a SW 250 px Dob (which is essentially the same as a 200p but a big bigger). Let me first say that none of these scopes are good for astrophoto. The EQ 2 is way to wobbly and you would have to spend a lot of money to buy a wedge and a go-to system for the 200p... all that to get a result that is far from ideal. My advice would be for you to start with a scope dedicated to observing and buy another set up for imaging. HEQ 5 mount + SW 80 ED is a common combination for beginner imagers or a star adventurer for wide field. Secondly I would strongly advise for the 200p. It has great aperture, is easy to use, reasonable to move/store. The difference between a 200mm aperture and a 130mm is quite significant. For example, you would be able to resolve the individual stars on globular clusters (at least 2/3 of the way ti the core) with the 200 while the 130 will only show you nebulosity. And again, the EQ 2 is quite wobbly even for visual use and an EQ mount is far less intuitive. One last thing i'd like to add is that you should set aside a small budget for a couple of decent eyepieces as the ones you would get with either of those scope are pretty bad. BST starguiders are highly regarded on this forum (and for good reasons) and are reasonably priced. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bst-starguider-eyepieces.html

I just had a look at those focusers and I have to say that the ones on 90 options really look like [removed word]. Thanks for the heads up, I would have been disapointed.

OK, I will get one of those when I hit my mid-life crisis... still much cheaper than a Porsche!

I haven't checked the price ... and I won't 🙂 If you wish to gift one of those to me I will happily accept!

I would totally buy it if it wasn't collection only... I live in Belgium, going to Watford just to get this scope seems a bit much

I bought most of my kit second hand from SGL ,UKABS and 2ememains.be (belgian generic second hand site). The only issue I had was for a ES 82° 11mm. In that instance the seller did not answer for 4 days after receiving my money. It turned out that the seller had a major family emergency, he got back it touch with me afterwards and I received the item a few days later than anticipated.... all very understandable. Contrary to what @Carbon Brush says I find usually that the packaging is over the top.