JMH

Thank you so much - I'll give it a watch and a read and fingers crossed!

Morning! I've just taken delivery of a Sky-Watcher StarQuest 102 MC. It's all set up BUT apparently I need to polar align it to be able to see anything? Please don't eye-roll me but I'm a total beginner and my usual go-to for instructions is videos but there don't seem to be many on the StarQuest series. Do I have this right; the tripod needs to point north. Then put my latitude adjustment knob to my own latitude which is 51.

Should that be all I need to do?

Thank you so much in advance for any help or tips!

19 minutes ago, happy-kat said:

Hi

The dobsonian mounted reflector does give great aperture for your money and the mount is practicale rather than fancy but it does not fit lightweight and portable but those two words are subjective.

I would normally suggest the heritage 130p but the supplied mount is not a tripod. I've got one and the optics are great.

So keeping with the lunar theme and galaxies then this is lent more towards portable and lightweight. I've not used a tripod like this but *if* it offers a future tweak of adding a motor drive it might suit.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes/sky-watcher-starquest-102mc-f127-maksutov-cassegrain-telescope.html

Different telescope designs have different strengths and weaknesses it is finding what suits you best.

Visiting a nearby astro club would be an idea but this isn't really an option right now.

 

Thank you for this. Forgive my ignorance but without a tripod do you just have this sitting on a table?

Good morning and thank you in advance for your advice and patience! I am looking to purchase my first telescope, budget around £200. I am overwhelmed by the choice, but am looking for certain things:

Quite lightweight / easily portable

Smartphone adapter for taking iPhone pictures

Specifically interested in looking at planets, ISS, galaxies as well as the moon

Must be on a tripod and not table-top

I would be grateful for your expertise. I am in the UK (Suffolk) if that makes a difference! I look forward to learning A LOT here