Mr Spock

I used to have a Tak prism. I sold it when I compared it to the T2 Zeiss on Jupiter. The Zeiss was able to tease out finer detail. 

I have no idea why when you link to a thread it displays some random post in the thread instead of the original post... 

Before you get to the star test, the easiest way to collimate a Newtonian is with a laser.

Here's something I did earlier...

I use the standard mirror diagonal for most things. For planets I use the T2 Zeiss prism as it gives a bit more 'bite'. Both are very good at what they do.

Whether it's scope optics, diagonal or eyepiece, it's always worth getting the best performance. Then you can be sure nothing is left behind.
 

I have a 120mm - it's a Helios, basically the same as the Skywatcher. There is false colour on all bright objects. The moon has good detail, so does Jupiter. I'd suggest a 5mm eyepiece for the moon (x200), and a 6mm for Jupiter (x167). It's also very good on doubles; Izar looked brilliant at x250. I'd suggest a Svbony 3-8mm as a good match for high power viewing. It's very capable on deep sky. I've had a lovely view of M42 with it at x26.
However, a 100mm apo spanks it totally on planets (at a price, obviously).

Where it is good is on solar. With a Baader Coolwedge and Continuum filter, it's bitingly sharp. The green of the filter removes all aberrations. That's how I use it these days - it's my main solar scope.

It's useable on my EQ5, though can shake a bit in the wind. It balances nicely with a single weight at the end of the shaft.

I'm happy with mine. Definitely recommended. I'd prefer it over the 90mm.

It used to be black - I painted it white...

Just had a quick session with the 60mm.

Saturn looked nice at x142. A bit dim but I could make out a belt.

Better still was Albireo. Looked absolutely perfect at x89. Lovely airy discs and plenty of colour. Studied ε Lyr for quite a while. at x142 both doubles were elongated but not cleanly separated. It should be doable. The scope needs a better focuser for me to get it at best sharpness though.

12 minutes ago, Second Time Around said:

Isn't that Ireland?

Yes my error. I got confused with the amendments 

You all need to be reading and quoting CRA 2022 not 2015 

As above. A 90mm apo will give much more satisfying planetary views than a 120mm achro, though the 120mm will still bring in more light.

The advantage of 2" is you can use eyepieces with a larger field stop, so low power, wide field. Normal focal length eyepieces are going to be 1.25" anyway, there's no point to them being 2".

33 minutes ago, MalcolmM said:

could I ask how you select which double stars to look for please?

I use Cartes du Ceil fitted with the Washington Double Star catalogue. I arranged the zoom size and appearance to something I could print off. I have dozens of pages!

I then go though all the doubles on the chart in CdC and mark on the chart ones suitable for my scope. Any with a secondary at 10.0 and above (my LP won't let me go fainter), and use a colour code to give me an idea of separation; so yellow is over 30.0", green is 10.0" to 29.9", orange is 3.0" to 9.99", and red is 1.14" to 2.99".
I observe red and above with the 100mm and the brighter stars orange and above with the 60mm.

I then record them in a spreadsheet and tick off on the chart the ones I've seen.

I have larger, and fainter, selected areas for the 12".

1 hour ago, Louis D said:

I never claimed I saw SAEP in the 42mm LVW. 

Your image suggests otherwise. If they aren't accurate then perhaps you shouldn't be publishing them. Some of those blackouts look horrible. 
I've had both 22mm and 17mm T4 Naglers. They did have black outs but it was manageable and not evident if your eye was in the right position.

I use a 42mm LVW every time I observe. I've yet to see any blackouts.

The scope you are using creates an issue with this and other 2" eyepieces - the baffle tube is only 27mm. This doesn't allow full field illumination. I'd suggest using a refractor. Also use the right kind of diagonal if you are using one - some 2" diagonals have a restricted opening.

Very nicely done. A very difficult target!

Lovely image 👍

30 minutes ago, Chaz2b said:

Having now scoured the whole couriers giving the service to Poland, I have chosen Parcel Force, I know what the costs are and the declaration to be added to the parcel. I’ve passed on all the costs including insurance to the potential buyer, he also knows and is willing to accept the import fees.

👍 It's always best to let authorised couriers do the work for you.

Even if I won the lotto I wouldn't be changing these...

5 minutes ago, Jim Franklin said:

Sorry, but that is not illegal nor is it incorrect. I took this advice direct from Customs

Really? I have a professional qualification in exports, I know what is or isn't correct 

The 16mm Nirvana has field curvature. I still use it though. It's fine as a finder for doubles. x46 and 1.77° in the Tak.

1 hour ago, Jim Franklin said:

If this is not a commercial sale, I would also put it down as a gift as this would avoid customs duties. You can still list the value, but simply declare as a gift. 

Incorrect information as well as illegal.

I would never send anything outside UK again. The last time I got absolutely stung for insurance even though the buyer paid for shipping. If you insist on doing it, make sure they pay for shipping, insurance and customs clearance.

As for reviews, I'll go with opinions from people I know and trust and who have actually looked through one...

Most of what I've read is speculation and guessing. Even down to the number of elements. I'm sure people here prefer facts rather than opinion.

Tonight is a bust. The clear sky looked promising so I put the 12" out.

However, transparency is so poor when I look up at Lyra all I can see is Vega  Put the scope away without looking.

1 hour ago, Louis D said:

I'd say they're the same eyepieces under different house brands.

Um, no. FLO has already said they are a new eyepiece and if you look at the specs there are differences. For example the A-T 25mm is listed as four elements whereas the UM 25mm is five elements.

I thought I had a couple of nasty looking bugs in the kitchen a while back.

When I put my glasses on they turned out to be a couple of sultanas...

Hi, welcome to SGL  Love the image 👍