Stardaze

That was pretty much the kind of setup I’ve been thinking for a grab and go, looks great. I’ve ordered some 15x70’s instead to scratch the itch for now. Let us know how you get on.

Super set Mark. What caps have you at the bottom of the 2 Ethos? Looks like a 2” collar and no caps?

Perfection! Which case did you buy? I'll out grow my case when I buy my next EP, something else on the list.

Great to see these firsts. I had my first year galaxy hunting around Leo too last year and so it's good to see that you've found them quite easily there, I don't think it happened for me straight away.

Thanks for sharing those John, I'll save for when Leo is a little higher up next month, I couldn't stay up too late last night. I had an impromptu session as it cleared here too and transparency was the best its been for weeks. Leo was just about high enough when I packed away at 10, but the gear needed moving really.... next time....

One I’ve still not bought but been meaning to. Book spree it is then.

Im going to treat myself to one of those too 👍

Didn’t realise others were available, I paid the money for the TV version for my 8E 😂

You keep finding these little secondhand nuggets, I must look harder!

That looks like perfection to me John 👍

I’ve ordered the Stellar 15x70’s but going to have to wait until the end of the month. Also added a bino bandit as they seem to be all the rage at the moment too.

Think I do prefer 15x70s too to be honest.

But.... the Stellar ii 16x80's are in stock? How much of a difference is there between that and the 15x70's?

Thanks for your input gents. I have decent tripods etc and monopod so the weight wasn't so much a factor really. I'm tempted by the Stellar ii's; FLO have said that a pair of Apollo's would be April.

I have probably procrastinated too long, having wanted a pair of Helios Apollo 15x70's to be able to utilise the flitter threads, but alas they seem to be changing them and ditching the threads. I have a pair of 10x50's but wanted something a bit more powerful to complement. So if the threaded Apollo's are no more (there doesn't seem to be stock anywhere now) then what's the options? Maybe the Stellar II's or the Skymaster Pro's seemed to get a stronger overall write up from Steve@BinocularSky? Or maybe the Stellar ii 16x80 for that bit more again? Pushing the budget nearer £400, I don't think is where I am at at the minute having not used anything higher than x10 before, so sub £250 seems a reasonable budget to see how they work out for me. What's the consensus?

I'm glad you've posted this, I too could do with similar. I'll get one ordered, thanks.

Which is your favourite of the 3 John, out of interest? I’m saving a little and a bit torn between either upgrading the 13, buying the 6, or buying some Apollo 15x30’s.

Disappointing to read as i was hoping to pick up a pair next month. I don’t think there’s really anything else similar for use with filters?

Im hoping not to see much increase this year but who knows. Most pressure from the additional shipping costs will fall on larger items and low-cost product, so fingers crossed. Well, till at least when I have both the 13E and 6E..

You seemed to fare better than I. I knew the jetstream was around tonight and found it very unsteady. Spent a little time here too and the trapezium at high mag to try and go against the grain but wasn’t great I’ll admit.

I don't think I need the extra FOV from 5 down too. Have the XW 5 so just the 3.5 to add. Typically favour 20/13/8 for most things I enjoy at the moment. That could change I guess.

They’re probably a fair way off. I’d be happy with 13/8/6 and the XW 5/3.5 I think. That’s the plan, but having a leaner year this year.. Keep contemplating a grab and go frac option but might just get some Apollo 15x30’s for now too. Too many ‘wants’

I've thought about doing the same with my 13. I have an ES 6.7 which the 13 and extender could replace for now. Eventually I'll get the Ethos 6 but could work for now and then might swap the APM 13 for an Ethos. The Ethos 8 with an ES 2x extender would also double up nicely as I have added the 2" barrel to that too🤔 On a side note, could do with some replacement caps for the Ethos 8. Available directly from TV in the US but not sure whether they will ship here.

I need to stop looking at all these potential toys and remind myself, that there's no good weather forecast for the next week anyway... need to carry on painting..😂

Great couple of sessions there @PixiesPrompts me to get a little more organised again with my sessions! I've made a note of a couple elements (haven't looked for the wanderer) there that I'll search for. Was out myself both nights and the viewing seemed very good, but I plumbed for some soft targets both nights. Must download some ready made lists again. Looks like there could be a possibility tonight but it's still very windy so a night for the binos maybe..