ScouseSpaceCadet

The 102mm fits in a standard camera bag. Unfortunately the 127mm doesn't so there's less choice... I ended up splashing out on this: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescope-bags-cases-storage/oklop-padded-bag-for-90-102-127-mc-tubes-accessories-or-star-adventurer-mounts.html

I've made a similar transition from a 130mm reflector to a 102mm f7 ED refractor, albeit via several other flavours in-between and do not regret the purchase. The FPL-51 f7 doublet I own is in-focus, pretty much devoid of the dreaded chromatic aberration mentioned here and good for 200x. I've only ever experienced obvious (yet very slight) fringing when zoomed in on an LED street lamp and Sirius is a challenge. I considered the telescope a bargain, but the new price has recently increased to £600, moving it closer to the FPL-53 so if choosing now, I'd be more inclined to save an extra £300 for the Starfield or similar. After all, the experts must be right? I have thought about "upgrading" but do wonder if I'll kick myself if there isn't a huge improvement over my £495 scope... 🙄 Do not expect to see more. What you will see is greatly improved contrast, a cleaner view so to speak and obviously no diffraction spikes. These refractors do have other benefits for instance the focuser is a joy to use and they're less prone to dewing than a reflector. Bear in mind, I call my AZ5 'Wobbly Bob' for good reason. When using medium-high eyepieces and the refractor, there is annoying focusing vibration even with the 1.75" steel tripod (essential) upgrade. My most enjoyable longer sessions have been when the refractor is held incredibly solidly on my Celestron AVX. To be honest, and especially if you have reasonably dark skies you may be better off with something like a Celestron Starsense dob for the money you're willing to fork out. That's for you to decide what your priorities are. Also if dobs aren't for you, and if all you have is the AZ5, I'd seriously think about keeping the 130mm and save for a sturdier mount. A good mount really increases your options.

Thanks. Signed up again and posted the link on the Society's FB. 👍

Another vote for the Skymax 127. Compact, light weight, ED like optics, rarely if ever needs collimation and relatively cheap. Used units appear for sale regularly but I think that's down to their popularity as starter telescopes rather than poor quality. For planetary the Mak works well on the AZGTI using Point and Track mode but the aluminium tripod that comes with the mount is barely adequate.

I can't go. 😟 We're taking our daughter to an Aberystwyth uni open day and making a weekend of it. I hope the weather holds out for you all. Have fun. 👍

This evening the skies have cleared for the first time in approx 10 days. Despite the moon and urban light pollution, using Capella as a signpost the comet was easily located at 2230 with the 15x70s. Although on this occasion with no visible core but a prominent elongated fuzzy around 1° in length.

Bright lights don't help. If dodgy characters want your stuff they will have a go, lights or no lights. Our cul de sac is very well (overly) lit, including an LED street lamp at the bottom of our front lawn just a few metres from our driveway. Five years ago we were burgled for car keys during the early hours and a new car stolen. Having that LED and another just across the road made absolutely no difference. Btw has anyone else noticed the Alien/PRC/Illuminati* drone hovering in Wookie's yard?! *Delete as applicable.

At a dark site I've enjoyed impressive views of DSOs with my 4". Although I'm easily pleased... 😀 At my urban home I'm mostly limited to solar system, double stars and the brighter Messiers.To be fair my 8" dob at home didn't do much better. Two years on I don't regret the purchase.

Very sad Nick. Even here 6 miles from Liverpool city centre the skies have brightened obviously. I remember years ago before getting into practical astronomy & when I smoked, watching the Geminids from my patio. The main contributors are I believe, are edge of town warehousing complexes. Looking out from roof top Velux windows, it's possible to see the cones of light shining up.

If you're on the ground then LEDs are no better, so if the lamp is replaced I hope the manage to shield it for you or even better turn it off. 👍 On a similar note last week driving into my housing estate I noticed the LED lamps are all somewhat dimmer. Typically we've had clouds since...

I am imagining a fur lined parka and an ice trench outside a hangar on Hoth. 😀

In no particular order and a historical perspective: The Mt. Wilson Hooker 100 inch. The Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank. The Horn Antenna.

Point and track is my favourite feature of the AZGTI. Just about as quick as setting up an unpowered mount but with tracking. Great for solar system observing.

It's all been said above, however... A nice 4" refractor is relatively easy to handle, mount and is incredibly pleasant to use. I've had 130, 150mm and 200mm newtonians, 102 and 127 Maks plus a 120mm fast achromatic refractor. Without a doubt the 4" f7 ED refractor has provided the most pleasure and the two years of ownership next week has left me with no regrets. I just wish I lived somewhere darker because at dark sites the tiddler really opens up the heavens. Of course the 4" will never go as deep as a larger aperture dob for instance but it can keep you busy for a lifetime nonetheless and also compliments a big Dob or SCT.

I have an AZGTi but despite others stating they use their 4" f7 refractors with the mount I was not convinced after a couple of tries. Looking around for an alternative mount for the 4" I considered the Ioptron AZ Pro or one of the Skywatcher AZ-EQs, but not wanting to spend up to £1500 on an infrequently used item I settled for a secondhand Celestron AVX. £600 off Ebay and eighteen months later still OK. Equatorial mounts are a bit more of a faff but the 4" is only around a 1/3rd the weight capacity of the AVX and rock solid on the mount. The goto works and the tracking is marvelous. I tend to save the AVX for those nights I'm going to be out for a few hours and astronomy camps. Shorter sessions I pop the refractor onto the Skywatcher AZ5 (not the greatest match but it works). The new AZGTI-X looks promising but I'll wait for first adopters' reviews.

Using monopod mounted 15x70 binoculars I bagged the comet at 0430 this morning. Urban light pollution but excellent seeing and transparency. Finding the target took just a few minutes using Mizar as a signpost and simply moving the binoculars down, until the comet was captured. A not so faint fuzzy with a brighter core. Describing the shape I wrote "shuttlecock" in my observing notes.

Kielder is smaller and a bit more back to nature than Kelling. However the location really is remote and the sky is breathtaking on a clear night. Also from the north west half the travel time compared to Kelling. Hopefully I'll get back to Kielder this year for the annual midge apocalypse!

You're doing it wrong... North Level alignment is accurate: Level the telescope, keep it level and point it north with the aid of a compass. Don't use Polaris as an alignment star. Pick two stars like so: CHOOSING ALIGNMENT STAR: Alt-azimuth mount – Altitude is between 15 and 60 degrees – Difference between altitudes is between 10 and 30 degrees - Difference between azimuth is between 45 and 135 degrees - For 3-Star alignment, the first two stars should have similar altitude and the 3rd star should have 30 degree or more variant in altitude compared to at least one of the first two stars. Initial alignment requests will usually be off. Centre the alignment star using the manual movement keys and a wide field eyepiece.Then swap to a mid range eyepiece, centre the aligned star and then finish using up and right key presses.

What he said ^^. I've a modest collection of 10 eyepieces stored in one case, covering two telescopes of very different focal ratios. Slightly more than the suggested 'three for each telescope' but they all do get used especially during planetary sessions in variable seeing conditions. I don't get why anyone needs twenty five eyepieces in three cases either, but whatever makes them happy. 👍

I read the thread title and couldn't help saying, 'Oh no!" out loud, clicked on the title and my fears were realised. 'er indoors asked what is wrong and I just said, "John's dead" and further explanation continued... Obviously I didn't really know him, but I spend far too much time browsing these forums and noticed he hadn't posted for a while. John's advice was influential regarding my equipment choices (and window shopping!) and I enjoyed reading his posts a great deal. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Great report. I try to take a day or so annual leave most months around new moon. Often the weather scuppers me however occasionally I strike lucky, so fingers are crossed for Friday 20.01.23 (and Saturday) in the vain hope the weather will be kind...

M20 was the nearest washer size, with a slightly larger internal diameter of 21mm. They arrived today and one went in OK with just a hint of play. The washer plus an extra turn of the two ADM saddle retaining bolts seems to have sorted it. The Skymax 127 was solid at lunch today with no play. 👍 Thanks again.

Tonight a week or so of cloud and rain gave way to clear skies and chilly air. So, despite still feeling fatigued after my brush with disease, I popped onto the patio the AZ5 mounted Skymax 127. Tripod legs fully extended and the extension fitted for a spot of casual observing throughout the evening. This session was first light for the Takahashi prism diagonal and paired with the Skymax, also the Svbony SV190 10mm UFF. Both I'm pleased to say worked admirably. Compared to my mirror diagonals, light scatter was much reduced. Even the chunky Altair 24mm UFF felt secure. The 10mm UFF provided almost refractor like contrast on the lunar and Mars. Cranking up the magnification to 214x with the 7mm OVL Nirvana-ES, Martian albedo features were strong and for the first time this season Syrtis Major revealed itself along with the adjoining Mare Tyrrhenum and Mare Serpentis. Airborne moisture, local light pollution and the moon light washed out the sky considerably so observing anything else besides the moon and Mars was not particularly satisfying. When packing up I grabbed the 10x50s for a quick scan and the Double Cluster was barely observable. Although the expansive open cluster Melotte 20 was still eye catching. Overall a nice casual session. Probably my best Martian observations this season and it was nice to be outside breathing in some cold air!

Santa left me a Tak! Ok it's just a diagonal but I'm happy... 😀