NealP

7 hours ago, DaveS said:

Ha, I moved from Ruislip (Well, Ruislip / Eastcote border) to Dorset. Have you checked out WOLAS?

Oh yes, they have meetings in Uxbridge which I am looking into. I think they are the ones organising the Ruislip Lido events twice a year.

6 hours ago, MarsG76 said:

Hello and welcome to SGL....

If you do progress into astrophotography than make sure you get a equatorial GOTO mount not a alt-az Goto.

 

Yes, thanks for that info 👍

Thanks for the welcome guys. 

5 hours ago, Marmo720 said:

Welcome to the forum Neal.

Where in West London are you based? I used to live in Wandsworth (so SW) and now in Croydon. My first scope was a Mak 90 (which I still have) and enjoyed exploring the Universe with. 

Based in Ruislip...I hear there are some stargazing group events happening at Ruislip Lido so will look into that.

3 minutes ago, DaveS said:

Hi Neal and welcome from an ex West Londoner, made my escape to the country last year.

Yes, one day I will probably do the same when I retire 👍

12 minutes ago, Philip R said:

Hi @NealP and welcome to SGL. 

Question: Are you planning on using the 45 degree erecting prism for terrestrial use only ? - BTW: I have the Celestron one. Not brilliant, but it does ok, (if that makes any sense).   

Hi Phillip, really? I was planning to get the Celestron or Skywatcher. Mainly will be for terrestrial but occasional spotting 

Thanks guys, and yes, I dont plan on new accessories as yet, but would just like to get a 45 degree prism to get me started ;). Not too keen on the 90 degree flipped version...lol

I've always been an avid stargazer and interested in various astronomical encounters. It's been a long time coming but I finally bought my first scope after doing some research. It's a Mak 90/1250 cassegrain with standard 10mm and 25mm optics and a 90 degree diagonal which I found at a budget price. I've also ordered an Orion shorty 2x Barlow lens but I'm after a 45 degree erecting prism, so would love some 1.25" suggestions.  This set up is primarily going to be used for simple stargazing but will think about a serious scope with a goto mount in later life as I plan to do some astro photography.