Greymouser

I have a svbony 8 - 24 zoom, which whilst maybe not the best, it is decent enough and barlows very well, with the little Baader x 2.25 zoom. In fact the barlow improves it. Used it at F10 and F6.3. I also have a Hyperflex 9-27mm Zoom, which is better and also goes well with a barlow. I recognise none of the faults that Don states in either of these. Though do not go below F6. Here: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/ovl-eyepieces/hyperflex-9-27mm-zoom.html The 7.2 - 21.5 also gets a good press, also barlows well. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/ovl-eyepieces/hyperflex-72mm-215mm-eyepiece.html From what I have seen and been told, Zooms do not suit everyone, so a cheaper one to try out can only be a good idea, at least to see if they suit you. Most people tend to use the zoom, to zero in on the focal length that suits the conditions, then go over to the superior fixed eyepiece of that length. I quite like sticking with the zoom, just for that grab and go simplicity.

Not today, but just a little while ago: I feel I am standing on the top of a slope and my footing is becoming loose. Of course, it is to attach to my DSLR, which I have still not mastered, in basic mode. There may be trouble ahead... It also came with this: I have no idea whatsoever what it is for. only small, smaller than the rest. No instructions included.

Hi and welcome to SGl. I suspect it won't be long before you are ordering more stuff, in particular an upgrade on the supplied eyepieces you will get with the scope. Then there's...

Shame I cannot count it seems, that's four of you on this thread alone! Just how may of you are there? ( Also how hard is it to move over there now, post Brexit? )

This bit I understand only too well. It has been a very long time since I last observed with my C9.25. Tiredness and other commitments do not help either.

Well, it al started on the Solstice, when I cheered that the days were now getting shorter. Harsh words were exchanged, with the boss. Then just a few days later she was moaning about the heat and I said just be patient the frosts are coming soooon . Slap! Now today, I said I was going to Nottingham to get another scope at a bargain price, only to be told over her dead body! There are too many in the house, ( apparently, ) but there is only eight! Mostly of a smaller size! There are also six mounts, depending on how you count them, but she doesn't know that, so I should get away with just selling one of them... I now have a limit of seven, with a one out, before another arrives. I guess that is quite generous considering it is not the biggest of homes, added to which we may have to downsize soon. Never mind Bortle 6 skies. But, how can there be too many scopes? It does not really compute. I doubt it does to some of you either who have far more than eight, I suspect. I can see one that can go straight away, but then it gets more difficult as they all have a purpose. Honest.

Hello and welcome to a great forum. I am not at all jealous of those Bortle 3 skies. Honest. ( Bloody three of you now! More if you count Olly. )

Hello and welcome. best astro forum there is.

Hello and welcome. An awesome first post too!

Hi and welcome to SGL. Can I suggest you start a thread in the DIY section about your scope restoration, not only because I am nosy, but it could well end up helping others.

Hi and welcome to SGL. Some interesting kit there.

Without a doubt the DX5, it is just such a versatile scope and will grow with you, if you can afford the F6.3 reducer corrector, at some point. It is also very forgiving on eyepieces.

Except the obstruction on a newt seems bigger than a C5. not sure of the stats, but the view of lunar is much better in my C5 than it was in my 6" newt... ( Perhaps down to collimation? ) The dew problem is very easily solved with cardboard or a camping mat. Yes for a Mak if it is F15, rather than F12... My F13 refractor beats all the aobve! The base is, the 102 DX is very good and that is tempting me, even hough I have way too many telescopes...

I do not agree here. My C5 has never needed to be collimated from new, is very light and needs very little cool down time, certainly no more than my ED80. Collimation of a newt can be very daunting to start with, ( speaking from experience... ) though I am sure, easy, once you have the knack. I can carry the whole setup outside with one hand, even though I have a messed up back and a hernia! The C5 is EVEN better with a .63 reducer, which can be got as you progress, has similar light gathering ability and I dispute about the central obstruction. ( A F5 newt compared to a F10 SCT? ) The Mak is longer cool down time than a SCT, which has always put me off. The C5 is just so easy... That said, a refractor is even better, no obstruction, so perhaps consider the: https://www.wilkinson.co.uk/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-102az-app-enabled-refractor-telescope/ A F6 102 mm refractor, could well beat all, no central obstruction; no collimation worries and a decent easy view. £329!!! I used to own a F5 102 refractor and it gave very good low to medium power views. Even half decent high power views in certain circumstance. ( Though, your mileage may vary! )

Superb, inspiring even. ( I can almost feel a hole opening before me as I consider astrophotography as a possible future... ) I would say your second one is better, even suitable for my desktop wallpaper, maybe, if you don't mind?

I too like the idea of the Starsense Explorer, but if it was me, I would stretch to the Starsense Explorer DX 5". It is a little dearer at £ 569, but I own a C5, ( same scope... ) and it is superb. If you can stretch to £599, then FLO have a 6" Astro Fi scope, fully goto, which to be fair, the mount gets mixed reviews, but you can fine good reviews on YouTube. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/celestron-starsense-explorer-series/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-5.html https://www.firstlightoptics.com/offers/offer_celestron-astro-fi-6-schmidt-cassegrain-sct_302366.html My C5 is just so light and easy to deploy, very grab and go. ( Though I do use a different mount, ) it goes well on a basic photo tripod too, for daytime use.

Welcome to the forum. I would suggest a new thread in the beginner part of the forum, but remember to tell us your budget, weight and size limitations, to make advice easier.

A warm welcome to this great forum. A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet. Well met.

Welcome to the forum. I agree with Skywatcher2001, ask any question you feel the need to ask, not only could it help you, but it could help others too.

hello and welcome to this great forum.

Hello and welcome to this great forum, filled with lots of learning opportunities.

Well, there at least two options, probably more of the designed for bags, two at FLO. But which one is better, considering I would rather leave it in AZ mode? https://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescope-bags-cases-storage/oklop-bag-for-sky-watcher-az-eq5-mount-heads-using-original-foam-packing.html https://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescope-bags-cases-storage/oklop-padded-bag-for-sky-watcher-eq5-heq5-az-eq5-mounts.html Or for that matter is there a better option, such as home made?

Hi and welcome to the best astro forum out there.

Without a doubt this. I have one such, got from a company in Glasgow, which converts a variety of cars for wheelchair access. My wife is in a wheelchair full time and this makes things just so simple. I would imagine that a large dob would fit in with ease and they come fitted with a very good ramp and winch, which would make getting a large dob in and out a doddle. ( https://www.alliedmobility.com/ ) Ours also allows two other passengers, alongside my wife's wheelchair, but this varies. I do believe that the motability charity organise auctions for used cars, at the end of their service, which would be five years old for one of these. I would say contacting them about one of these auctions, might be a very good idea. https://www.motability.co.uk/ Believe me I have considered puiting a large dob in the back!

For me it would be light pollution and inconsiderate neighbours. I don't get many chances to observe, due to various things and it is annoying to have those few occasions spoiled. I also do not get the chance to go to a darks site, ever.