Greymouser

5 hours ago, Neil H said:

I do have the besser 127/1200 which is nice and has a sharp image till you pop a camera on  then it's not so good 

This is part why I want a different telescope  . I have the HEQ5 pro which should not have a weight problem with a cassegrain 

Forgive me, I have not been very clear and you have perhaps misunderstood me. I have used a 127L alongside the F13.2 Bresser, at the same time and the CA in 127L was visible to my eye, in the 127L, not at all in the longer focal length Bresser. The F13.2 was sharper and easier to get good focus too. Don't get me wrong, the127L is a great scope, but for the moon, the F13.2 beat it easily. To put it simply, the higher the F number, the better the performance on the moon and planets, it would seem in my experience. That said, my experience with the Skywatcher ED80, tells me exotic glass can have a significant part to play. My best view of Jupiter recently, was with that.

I will also add that I have two SCT and one CC. My C5 is just so wonderfully grab and go, but at F10, less sharp than the refractors. ( Careful here, no intent to start an argument! ) My C9.25 has shown me some wonderful stuff, mainly at F6.3, but again seems sort of fuzzy on the planets. My CC6 I have not used enough to come to a judgement, but I rarely use it, so I guess it has to go.

I think the advice above from vlaiv, is good though, if you must have a SCT or Mak. I would suggest though, that you consider the Bresser 127 Mak, which at F15 has less of a central obstruction. I have often been tempted, but so far have not got one, because the F13.2 refractor, could well do all I need.

Hope that clarifies and helps a little. I myself will know more when I test the F13.2 on the planets this summer, if all goes well.

I guess that unfortunately, the only way to know for sure, is to try them all out, which for me is all too tempting.

I would also suggest the possibility of a very long focal length achromatic refractor, such as: https://www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/bresser-telescope-ac-102-1350-messier-hexafoc-ota/p,54409

I have one and initial trials suggest there is no CA at all. It has a good focuser and only weighs about 5 KG. It is long however, but my Skytee easily handles it. As does my AZEQ5. On the moon it is very sharp and I look forward to trying it on Jupiter et al soon. 

5 hours ago, Chandra said:

Although I think the focuser goes against it (the quality of the Hexafoc is not among the best R&P), an element that is crucial to achieve the greatest possible sharpness at medium and high magnification, to better perceive the finer details. I'm not saying it doesn't work, sure it's solvent in the price range we're talking about, but in the medium term it's likely that he should upgrade to a dual speed Crayford. The 6x30 finder is also very basic, but in any case it is true that for the Moon or planets that is not important.

I have a Skytee and it would hold that tube perfectly, although due to its length it will make lever in planetary observation (normally it is done around 40-45º), so I recommend a good balance beforehand with the accessories that will to be used in the session. If the mount is only going to be used with one tube (the Skytee supports aligning two), he should counterbalance it at the other end, in order to don't flex the mechanics in azimuth. EQ-5 / CG-5 and equivalent / EXOS-2 type equatorial mounts will also support very well this suggested tube. A budget of €1,500 is even enough for a computerized one.

 

I am afraid I really cannot agree. The focuser may not be the best, but it is very good, what is more it is very easy to upgrade via the Bresser two sped upgrade kit: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bresser-telescopes/bresser-messier-1-10-gear-set-for-hex-focuser.html

It is easy to fit and I have one off another inferior Bresser scope. I have not put it on the F13.2, because in my opinion, ( so far... ) it just does not need it. I took it to very high magnitude on the moon, without any problem focusing at all. It just snapped into focus and stayed there. Certainly better than the other shorter focus Bresser.

As for the mount, yes a driven, even computerised mount is better, but no really needed for the moon and planets, imo. My AZ EQ5 carries it easily. I will be using the Skytee this summer, to avoid any faffing, just a quick set up and off I go!  At least with this scope.

If you are mostly interested in the moon and planets, I have two things to advise/say.

Firstly by quite a margin the best view of Jupiter I had last year was with my Skywatcher ED80, sat on a photo tripod. This even though I have a Celestron SCT 9.25. The detail was quite amazing and not that high a power either. In fact perhaps the best I have ever seen.

Secondly, try to not get into the spiral of greater aperture is always best, not even ED being always the best. I have now got a Bresser achromat, F13.2, which I am very much looking forward to training on the planets this summer. It is truly superb on the moon, sharp as a tack, no trace of CA at all. I mount it on my Skytee, which is not that dear either and very easy for the planets or the moon. I do believe they can vary in quality, but I have been lucky and got a very good one at a very good price. ( Second hand. )

https://www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/bresser-telescope-ac-102-1350-messier-hexafoc-ota/p,54409
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth-astronomy-mounts/skywatcher-skytee-2-alt-azimuth-mount.html

Might be worth a punt, cos if you get lucky too, you will not be disappointed.

One more thing, be aware that pretty much no matter what the brand, there is always the chance of buying a lemon, if you see what I mean...

Hi and welcome to SGL.

Welcome to the forum Peter, hope you continue to find it helpful and better yet help others.

Hi welcome to the forum. Great setup and great place too!

Welcome to the forum.

I started looking out in the universe, some 42 years ago or so and still say I am mostly ignorant of all things astronomical, it is just so huge, both as a science and in actual physical fact!

A warm welcome to a great forum.

Hi Greg, welcome to the forum.

Ask any questions, most will get answered on this great forum and there is no such thing as a stupid question.

I would suggest it depends on your budget. If it can stretch to it, I would suggest a zoom eyepiece, this from FLO is good and works with a barlow too:  https://www.firstlightoptics.com/ovl-eyepieces/hyperflex-9-27mm-zoom.html

You can get cheaper, the Svbony one is decent too, also barlows well. Any zoom eyepiece, particularly with a barlow effectively gives you many eyepieces in one. A zoom also makes grab and go much easier, as it reduces what you have to carry. The BST Starguider eyepieces are all good and come with rave reviews. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bst-starguider-eyepieces.html

I am afraid, as ever, it all come down to money and what you are willing to pay.

Yes, cats are essential too...

( Mine would get very jealous though, I am sure. )

18 minutes ago, Captain Scarlet said:

Not quite yet at night, and judging from the change in forecast, not to be at night at all! Eve of first night of astro-dark here.

Anyway, LZOS 105 cooling in hope:

Cheers, Magnus

Can I come and camp in your garden please?

I have an Evolution, in my case the 9.25, which whilst heavier than your C8, it is very similar. The mount is superb, tracking and goto in my experience are without fault. I also see no reason not to remove the OTA from the mount, I always do. First out  goes the tripod, levelled, then out goes the mount, which is easy attached, again levelled, then out goes the OTA. There has never been a problem and Celestron do not advise keeping the OTA and mount attached, as far as I now, with the Evolution. Obviously the reverse to bring it all back in. 

I have to admit to being very nervous, regarding the OTA. because it is now at my limit because of health issues, but it is well worth the effort, when I can find the time. ( Even if it has been quite a while. ) I am afraid I now more often use a C5 on an AZGTi, just so grab and go! 

As for the steps and them being a nuisance, I would suggest a ready made ramp, if you cannot be bothered to make your own, they are available at mobility stores, come at many various prices. They are even available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/NRS-Healthcare-Mobility-Care-Wheelchair/dp/B006J7HJV6/ref=sr_1_57?crid=1MIJ1D4U69JCX&keywords=ramp&qid=1658348229&sprefix=ramp%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-57

There are many cheaper than that example, just shop around, because I have found that some of the mobility stores, take the proverbial, knowing they often have their clients over a barrel, so to speak. I speak from experience, having a disabled wife.

First, hi Hazel and welcome to the forum.

I would agree it would be a satellite and suggest you try one of the several satellite tracking apps out there. Orbitrack used to be good, but it now seems to have gone to pot. There are several on Google and I would presume on Apple if that floats your boat. Worth a try anyway, especially if you can find a free one.

6 minutes ago, DaveL59 said:

the problem is only a little in part to who's the leader, more a case of company and investors bean counters wanting less labour cost and more profit from the same product line, unfortunately nations have historically done little to rein that ideology in. No strikes also helps, a lot! Consumers of course love that the expensive shiny thing is now more affordable and rarely care. Same's happened with call centres and support roles not just manufacturing so it is heartening to hear of someone who's reversing the process, well done Meade/Orion US 🙂 

Not sure I can agree really, if there was a will there would be a way. The trade deficit could be turned round very quickly, if it became too expensive to import from the likes of China etc. Simplistic I know, but the world just does not need goods being transported so far, when they can be produced locally with the right motivation. This heat wave is the obvious example of why it needs to stop. It is just not sustainable.

Neither is this conversation either as it is in danger of drifting into politics, sorry.

6 hours ago, JeremyS said:

A few odds and ends

 

Bloody hell those to you may be just odds and ends, but to me if I dared try to get them, it would be a divorce! 😜

It was actually a little cooler here today at a max noticed of 34.5 and a humidity of around 35%. Yesterday it got as high as 36.1, but with a humidity of 15% at that time. Either day was way too hot for me to even consider solar observing. Lucky in a way, because I was way too busy to do so anyway, so no need to make the decision.

I am seriously considering, ( again, ) a move to the Isle of Lewis or Shetland. ( Just a shame that it is very unlikely. )

Hello and welcome, but beware it is a very expensive and slippery slope, that dark art!

( I am at the top of that slope too, but so far hold my footing! )

44 minutes ago, F15Rules said:

I think recent world events, if they teach us anything, have shown how dependent we have become on distant and often brittle supply chains. 

 

 

Couldn't agree more, but I do hope the lessons get learned by those who lead us, because the cynic in me, thinks it may not happen on past performance.

Hi and welcome to this great forum, welcome back to astronomy too. it won't take you long to get back into it.

Tiredness can be a real PITA, can't it? You do have a wonderful view down there, but I have to ask, why does someone seem to have flood lighted a tree? 

Hello and welcome to the best astro forum. Interesting post too!

I am sure it has been asked before, but I find only negative comments. Is the focuser on these really that bad? If so can an alternative/replacement still be found?

I do want to go beyond white light observing, but doubt I will get to 60mm money. 

13 hours ago, badhex said:

http://www.waloszek.de/astro_ce_c5_2z_e.php

Thank you, I find that interesting and will give it some proper attention when I find the time.