Martthebass

Glad this was nothing to do with me then. I generally find when I've settled on a purchase the price jumps in the wrong direction. Not really surprised based on the $/£ - hoping that I don't have to take out a second mortgage after 31st October 😂

After a long lay off from observing due to aggressive light pollution a house move to a better site has encouraged me to get back into the fray. Previously I was visual only as time was at a premium and I didn’t think I could give it the time required to look into AP. To that end I managed, as a first step to pick up a nice WO 81GT and the next step is to acquire a suitable mount. I'd pretty much decided to go with the HEQ5 pro mount with the Rowan belt upgrade, I had considered the very pretty iOptron alternatives but the mixed views on these put me off a bit (the QC mainly).  As I expect to have some bother with set up, etc I've decided to buy new, probably from RVO as it’s local. The thing is I find myself thinking that, whilst a bit more expensive, the AZ-EQ5 might be a bit more useful? I'm coming around to thinking that I may well do some visual as well as AP (especially in the frustrating moments) and I may add a second larger Mak/SCT or ED scope to do this and I know from experience that playing with Alt-Az is easier than EQ for visual. If anyone has gone through the same thought process and come to a decision I’d appreciate any comments. Sorry if this topic has been covered before please feel free to direct me to a suitable thread should that be the case. Edited August 15 by Helen change font colour to white for easier reading (see edit history)

Apparently it's in the Mutara sector which is located in federation space (but closely bordered by Klingon space). Should be able to find it in SGP now.

Wow...the observer's book of astronomy. I recall being bought this when I was about 7 - it set me on a the path. Unfortunately my copy was lost long ago; still got a 1972 copy of Guide to the Planets though.

I think you'll be fine. I was in a heavily LP area and got a great colour contrast on Albireo, when it rose out of the murk, with my 8" SCT. Alpha Hercules was another great colour contrast.

Ahhhh...Pulsar CP1919....know it well. Much faster than Shadowplay though.

Same here T, except replace the Meade with a WO GT81. I'll be picking up the book as I'm sure it will be essential to enable even a snail's pace progression in the minefield that is AP but I would like some specific info on the programmes required/desired that will work on OSX. If the MBP route is too arduous then I'll have to factor in a cheapish windows laptop (sorry for the hijack).

This scope was on my hit list, but like others above I thought the new price was on the steep side compared to the analogous competition. In the end I was fortunate to acquire a smaller triplet WO scope used for significantly less. I'll probably add a larger aperture Mak at some point for visual obs and still come in less than the cost of the new ZS103. It is a looker though - can't deny that.

Thanks for the reply Ruud, I'll check that one out.

Sorry if my first post is on the dumb side. I'm in the process of putting together an imaging set up, but due to the learning curve (and cost) I'm doing this bit by bit as I think this will best prepare me for the 'fun' ahead. Anyhow, I've managed to acquire (when delivered) a WO 81mm APO Triplet (courtesy of this great forum) and was planning on adding a mount (probably an HEQ5pro or equivalent) towards the back end of the year. However, I've booked a cottage up in the North Yorkshire moors in August and thought it would be nice to take the scope up with a basic photo tripod for some visual obs. Could anyone recommend something suitable, it doesn't need to be capable of anything other than reasonably jiggle free visuals - both night time and daytime. Thanks, Mart