3 hours ago, johninderby said:

The Heritage 130 is a nice little scope not just for beginners but still liked by more experienced observers as a little grab’n’go scope

Sit it on a table top or can also be fitted to a photo tripod.

Sorry to be a pain but could you please link me a photo tripod this would be suitable for ? Sorry

1 hour ago, johninderby said:

The Heritage 130 is a nice little scope not just for beginners but still liked by more experienced observers as a little grab’n’go scope

Sit it on a table top or can also be fitted to a photo tripod.

Thank you. Much appreciated.

ill starting saving for one. 

20 minutes ago, johninderby said:

What you want is going to be over your budget. This would work but ££££

Vixen Porta II mount.

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/vixen-porta-ii.html

And a SW 150p OTA or a 130pds.

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-explorer-150p-reflector-optical-tube-assembly.html#SID=153

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-explorer-130pds-newtonian-reflector-ota.html#SID=153

John thank you. I’ll check it out.

What are your views on this, bear in mind I am a beginner.

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-heritage-130p-flextube-dobsonian-telescope.html

I have kindly been gifted a scope by a SGL member nearby to get started.

20 minutes ago, johninderby said:

What you want is going to be over your budget. This would work but ££££

Vixen Porta II mount.

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/vixen-porta-ii.html

And a SW 150p OTA or a 130pds.

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-explorer-150p-reflector-optical-tube-assembly.html#SID=153

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-explorer-130pds-newtonian-reflector-ota.html#SID=153

1 hour ago, vlaiv said:

No you can't. In some circumstances you can do it via tilting secondary only but in general case, even with spherical primary - you would need to move secondary or tilt focuser to get proper alignment.

 

But you haven’t had any issues with not being able to collimate it have you ?

im considering this scope so just wondered

1 minute ago, vlaiv said:

That one will certainly have main mirror cell capable of collimation.

It is bigger and better scope - 2" focuser capable of accepting both 1.25" and 2" eyepieces. Thin spider, more aperture ...

In my view, only drawback to that scope is that EQ3-2 is EQ mount - and if you watched above video for EQ-AZ avant models - you've seen the need to rotate OTA. Larger scope is harder to rotate in its rings (not impossible, but harder than lighter smaller scope).

What are your views on the heritage 130p ?

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-heritage-130p-flextube-dobsonian-telescope.html

Sorry I’m getting confused on what I’ve posted and haven’t !!

Note re collation..

how about this one ?

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-150p-eq3-2.html

What are your views on this ?
I’m presuming I can see galaxies and nebulae etc as stated.

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-explorer-130ps-az-eq-avant-telescope.html

On 13/04/2020 at 22:32, johninderby said:

Yes unfortunately they have changed the colimation. The primary mirror is now fixed and colimation is done by adjusting the secondary mirror.

Review of the 130ps on a different mount.

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/reviews/telescopes/sky-watcher-explorer-130ps-telescope-and-az-eq-avant-mount/

 

So potentially the collomation  of the primary mirror  isn’t required and therefore not an Issue ?

4 hours ago, ScouseSpaceCadet said:

All the time I owned a 130PS, it didn't require collimation. 

This system has been used for years in other 'starter' systems including the  Star Discovery 150i goto scopes. The ABS and fixed mirror cell saves weight and is robust.

 

 

 

Thank you for your help.

Great photos !!!

I was just about to say I’ve just seen you can’t collimate it, which is a problem for me if it needs maintenance.

back to the drawing board 😢😢

28 minutes ago, johninderby said:

Still think the AZ5 130PS could be a good option and within budget.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-az5-deluxe/sky-watcher-explorer-130ps-az5-deluxe.html

I take it the mount would work like an EQ without a motor drive - I would move it with the cables without having to move the whole scope each time ?

im guessing I can see a bit of everything - moon, planets, star , nebulae and galaxies ?

as well as this 1.25 eye piece (sorry but I can’t see where it states this), can add a phone mount too ?

on,y thing I’m not keen on is the finder scope but guessing I can swap it out for a telrad later on.

also, If this is a good choice what additional lenses would you recommend,

 think this might be the one !!!!!!!!!!!

1 minute ago, miguel87 said:

Looks like a great scope. Very similar to what I use really. I think you can expect nice views from home.

I dismantle my set up every time but it really doesnt take too long to setup. Mainly a space issue for me, you would need to leave the tripod legs spread and that takes a lot of space. I would definitely take the weights off if the actual telescope is off too.

 

Thank you very much.

basically I want to see a bit of everything. Maybe not right away but just to know this scope can.

can I add a motor or goto later ?

4 hours ago, miguel87 said:

I would second a medium size reflector on an EQ mount. But I think we have proved that alot is down to individual preference.

More money  is going to improve things but you can enjoy even a 100 pound scope.

Stargazing is a funny hobby. It often involves standing around in the dark and cold british weather and waiting for clouds to move. But if you have a genuine interest in what is above us and the movement of light across the universe then it is totally addictive.

At some point you have to pick based on preference. As long as you understand the main differences of scopes and mounts. Spending 250 quid on any well made scope will give good views of many objects, regardless of it's type. But if you are in it purely for visuals, you will get bored after a few looks at the moon, jupiter and saturn.

Sadly, telescopes are one of the mostly neglected purchases. I know so many people who bought one and it never left the shed/loft. It's not a glamorous hobby.

I started with a 2 inch supermarket reflector on a trip about 6 inches tall. Terrible lenses, awful views and incredibly unsteady. But I loved it! And have kept upgrading ever since.

I'm sure you will make a good choice but dont over think it. Just get out there and use it!

Thank you.

yes, I understand about the nebulae and galaxies.

i do live in a medium polluted area but there are some no/low polluted areas nearby and I’m looking forward to drives down to the coast in the summer - if we are ever out of lockdown.

I’m not up for a dob if it’s heavy - I’m 4ft11 so am concerned about height.

also, this is something I am going to want to pursue. I’ve loved being out at night in the garden - it’s so peaceful and the stars never fail to amaze me and I’ve been lost the last few days without using my scope. 
I think I will put some more money towards it and get this. 
 

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-explorer-150p-eq3-2-telescope.html

what are your views ?

also so you guys with EQ mounts leave them assembled at home or do you dismantle after each. I’m planning on leaving it assembled but I read somewhere it puts pressure on the mount from the weights ??!!??

Ok a dobsonian could be the way to go for me then.

only thing is I’m 4ft11 -I’m a bit concerned if the eye piece maybe too high in some positions. Any tips or experienc

8 minutes ago, vlaiv said:

Since you had astromaster 130 - which is 5" scope, how did you find the views?

90mm aperture is going to show you less compared to 130mm.

I think it is nice scope except the fact that is somewhat limited in aperture. It will have some false color on bright object such as planets, the moon and bright stars, but not as much as some other refracting scopes out there (it is after all F/10 scope).

Other than that, I find that having only 1.25" focuser is limiting. That scope would be capable of wider field views if it had 2" focuser. Btw, you can use 1.25" eyepieces with 2" focuser - there is adapter included.

Btw, for less money, you can have something like this:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-150p-dobsonian.html

and for a bit more money you can have something like this:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-200p-dobsonian.html

You mentioned that you don't want dobsonian type scope as you did not want to have to put them on table or anything. These two scopes are big scopes. They sit on the ground and you can comfortably sit in a chair next to them and observe. In my view one of the most comfortable observing positions. I have 200p version.

This image sums it up nicely:

Both of these scopes are going to outclass 90mm refractor in every aspect and also that Astromaster 130.

Their only drawback is the size and the bulk. Larger one weighs 25kg assembled. 150p is less than that, probably somewhere around 16-18kg. Both can be transported by a small car (easily split into two pieces - base and tube).

If you don't mind the size and bulk - then these are best options. You can still attach phone to eyepiece and take a shot - it will be as good as any other scope that is not driven (or rather poor / rudimentary).

 

 

Thank you I am seriously considering the skyline Dobsonian.

will I be able to see nebulae and galaxies.

can I stand to view the eye piece and am guessing the eyepiece is 1.25 so can use other lenses.

1 minute ago, vlaiv said:

Do you mind if we sort of step back here and just for the moment consider what do you want and expect in a telescope.

Telescope is not only about view (although arguably those make most of the experience of using telescope), it is also about how often it is used and how easy it is for you to use it.

I would start by asking you to define your priorities and also to state your expectations. Maybe there is a need to address those as well. If we can't fit everything in certain budget - it will be much easier if you let go of some of expectations instead of hoping that they will be met to a certain degree.

Do you know what you can expect to see in amateur telescope? Many people are influenced by high quality images they see on internet and in some cases people are better served by understanding what can realistically be seen thru telescope instead of chasing ultimate photo like views by changing telescopes. Your viewing location is very important - how much light pollution there is. Sometimes best upgrade to a telescope is "tank full of gas" - or means to get to dark location. Even small telescope is transformed under dark skies.

How about ease of use and transport. Would you be able to handle 25Kg telescope on a regular basis. Do you have storage for large telescope?

These are all things that need to be considered to properly answer what is suitable telescope.

Thank you for your reply

id like to be able see the moon, planets and deep sky objects nebulae etc. 
I have the storage to keep the scope assembled at all times, and can easily dismantle for when I take the scope out in the car.

astrophotography is not something I want or am capable of doing to high standards yet but would like to take the odd snapshot to show people.

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-evostar-90-eq3-2-telescope.html

what do you think of this for my wants and needs 

18 hours ago, johninderby said:

It’s a manual EQ mount not GOTO or motorised. Manual ait-az mounts are easy to use but manual EQ ones aren’t so nice to use.

Perhaps this one? 

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/bresser-nano-90.html

What about this one

has a eq3-2 mount. It’s needs to last me a few years before I upgrade

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-evostar-90-eq3-2-telescope.html

Or this one.

seems I’m going back to a reflector and eq mount

it’s not motor driven, but I’m presuming I can use the dec and ra cables to track. I didn’t use the motor drive on the Astromaster, because, well, I didn’t work at all.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-150p-eq3-2.html

What are your views on this - it’s got an EQ4 mount, refractor.

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/bresser-messier-ar-90900-exos1eq4-telescope.html
Would it allow me to see nebulae and galaxies in the right light ?

im guessing I can also take the odd photo as it’s an EQ mount. I can’t afford and EQ5 mount.

this is at an absolute push financially.

im guessing any 1.25 lens would fit and can attach a phone mount.

8 minutes ago, johninderby said:

With a manual dob you are realy restricted to lunar and planetary images.

Photos taken with a dob.

 

thats the sort of image quality i'm looking for.

Really good and much better than my moon from my iphone with the astromaster !

Now to decide whether its the bresser 90/900 or a dob !ahhh the choices

1 minute ago, johninderby said:

They are actually about the easiest type of scope to use. Takes about a minute to learn how to use one. Not as easy to carry but still no problem for most people.

I find a height adjutable stool makes it comfortable to use while seated.

and i presume i can still attach a phone mount for some pics - not astrophotography level though 

Alot of people seem to be recommending the skywatcher dobsonian, are they not awkward to use ?

35 minutes ago, John said:

It is confusing. There are quite a few decent scopes around for your budget but all have their strengths and weaknesses of course.

Looking at your original post I wonder one option is something like the Celestron Astromaster 130 that you had but perhaps better constructed ?. The Skywatcher  130P might do the job:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-130p.html

Its mount does not have a motor drive but it does have slow motion controls so that you can get used to the way that an equatorial mount works and then add a motor drive later if you wanted to ?

A more capable (optically) scope on a simpler mount would be the Skywatcher Skyliner 150 dobsonian. You can still take the lunar snapshots with that and the views would be even better than the 130mm reflectors provide:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-150p-dobsonian.html

Take your time to think things though though. If you stick with the scopes that First Light Optics list, you can't really go wrong. FLO just don't sell bad scopes plus they provide 1st rate support both pre and post sale.

 

Thank you !