NiCo10

This is the little one, the grab and go version. The big lad (200p) often stays inside now.

I've also got the Lunt Herschel wedge and use mine with a Baader polarising filter, does the Baader Solar Continuum make a difference?

Totally unfair how you got that level of detail with a Meade ETX!

Its not worth baking your equipment or your eyes. I can recommend a Herschel Wedge, its the safest option (for a refractor) and the views are much sharper/crisper.

Too hot. Left it far too late in the day to try and capture. Had to use DSLR which I haven't used in ages, couldn't see laptop screen or flip out screen on camera, ended up using the viewfinder for focus....but my eyes are getting old. Approx 30% of 65 photos.

That's great stuff, well done!

Definitely going (with credit card in hand). Most of the talks look OK but I really want to get my hands on my shortlist 'scopes. Would it be too much to hope for a discount?

Ooooh keep us posted please, also interested in this!

Excellent. Just ordered the WO GT 71 this weekend! Will eventually move to a Herschel Wedge.

Another vote here for Turn Left at Orion. Also a warm coat with lots of pockets....

It does happen, it thins in places over time. If the pin prick isn't actually a hole then it should be OK (at least for your camera). I there are holes and/or rust spots, then replace as the integrity has gone. If you have doubts, replace.

At first I thought Dust Bunnies but these seem too aligned?

I really should have purchased one of these when they were available, I love your images

I fitted a cheap skywatcher auto focuser on mine, much less vibration and the dual-speed slow control setting makes for great focusing.

18-55 should be OK, go for lowest F number you can get, that might be around 3.4 (?) on that lens. Turn off auto-focus and then focus to infinity (there'll be a line near your 18mm end). Pop on manual and play around with exposure times. A tripod and delayed or remote shutter release would be ideal. Some might say the Canon 50mm is to narrow a field but I think it makes up for it in its light capturing ability.