HollyHound

You might just need a slight extension before (or after) the diagonal... there is limited focus travel on the FC-76 and FS-60CB, so getting all your eyepieces to focus can be tricky... it's on reason I've chosen to stick with XWs and Masuyamas (as they are all relatively parfocal). Having said that, I'm sure I can also use my Nagler 3-6 Zoom in that scope, but haven't done so for quite a while, so will need to check, as I know I put a 20mm extension ring in (to maximise focus flexibility) 🤔 The FC-100DZ and FOA-60 are much better in this respect, in that they have much greater focus travel 😬

This is also my rationale now too... it's why I'm favouring the XWs and (may) get rid of my remaining Ethos... I'm assuming that at some point I'll need prescription glasses for other than reading and so may choose to use those for astronomy too.... the 20mm eye relief on the XWs should help (of course Delos and DeLite also have the same too 👍) Do you find it just as easy (or almost so) to observe with glasses on 🤔

Not so fast there... it's not just Tele Vue eyepieces that can take a Dioptrx... see my post from two years ago here.... As as already been pointed out, astigmatism worsens as the exit pupil increases, so it will be very obvious in long focal length eyepieces (particularly paired with faster scopes), finders and also larger binoculars. I last got my eyes tested about three years ago and had -0.5 dioptre astigmatism in both eyes... it's not a lot, but it I noticed it when I started using my XW40 and XW30 in my 10" dob. I got hold off a 0.5 Dioptrx and it did indeed reduce the visible astigmatism in those eyepieces... I then also got a 0.75 a couple of years ago because it was even more perfect (likely my eyes are also getting a little worse too). They are remarkably effective... just rotate them (they have a collar that can be rotated freely whilst firmly attached to the eyepiece) and there will be an optimum point where the astigmatism disappears or is minimised 🤞 As I usually only see astigmatism in the XW40 and XW30, I've got mine permanently mounted on those (as shown in the thread)... works well 👍

This is exactly the configuration I’m using… Uni 28, AZ75 and that exact adaptor 👍 The only suggest, is to make sure that adaptor is screwed tightly… I worried it might unscrew itself, probably unfounded, but I’ve put I’ve put a bit of tape on to check that it hasn’t moved relative to the AZ75 base 🤔

Also interested, as I'm thinking of creating an ultra portable setup with the Scopetech and one of my small Taks 🤔😁

Lovely setup and (as you know) I'm a big fan of the FC-76DCU(Q) setup for grab and go 😁 I need to consider getting one of these carbon fibre tripods for extra portability (currently using Berleback Report 472)... I guess they're significantly lighter 🤔

Finally, the missing piece for my AZ100 setup… the Nexus DSC Pro 😃 I’ve had encoders fitted since day one (and even bought the Nexus mounting tray), but never got round to using the functionality, so hoping this will be a game changer in providing super smooth, solid “push to” for my Mewlon and DZ 👍

It’s true… the FOA-60Q defies all know laws of the universe 🤣

Mine came with a 3/8" base, but it can also be obtained with an M10 base, which will fit a lot of EQ5 tripods I think 🤔 I had an EQ5 to 3/8" adaptor anyway, so am just using that... mine is mounted on a Berlebach Uni 28, but also fits on my Berlebach Report 472.

Thanks… I have clam shells on all my Taks… not just to keep them “as intended”, but because they are super easy to adjust for balance and (arguably) safer 🤔

Was about to reply on that, but here you go… This mount is intended as a lightweight mount for DZ primarily, so as I have two clam shells (don’t ask 🤣), it made sense to use it directly (it’s lighter too). Also, I did try an AZ100 dual saddle, and the DZ finder prevented the OTA from being moved far enough forward for balancing 🤔 The Vixen saddle is there for using FS-60CB or FOA-60Q and also to mount the pan/tilt handle 👍 Great little mount and perfect for when I need more scope than the FC-76DCU (my grab and go) but don’t want to get the whole AZ100/iOptron Tri Pier setup out 😀

Finally got round to testing mine (briefly) and it works beautifully…. Very smooth movement and very controllable too 👍 Mounted on a Berlebach Uni 28 and I’ve got FOA-60Q and FC-100DZ onboard tonight. As it’s intended as a lightweight mount for the DZ primarily, I’ve followed Dereks advise and mounted the clam shell directly (I’ve got another attached to a Losmandy plate for my AZ100). Works well and keeps the weight down further. Very impressive mount 😀

Just a very short session (small window before the cloud rolled in) testing out the AZ75 at long last… loaded up with FOA-60Q and FC-100DZ 😀 Very impressive little mount 👍

Great report, thank you 👍 I’m actually in Rhodes again this week, but didn’t bring the Canon IS (just the Nikon 8x30… also great for boat trips). Had some great views… Jupiter and Mars are easy targets of course, but the moon is also now in view from our balcony 😃 We’re back next June for two weeks, so going to pack the 15x50 IS for that and try for some of the same targets you’ve located (I have the same book) 🤞

I’ve absolutely not been looking at the sale items either 😬🤣

I have absolutely totally not opened that link 😬🤣🤣

My Berlebach observing chair was the single best purchase I ever made…. The comfort and relaxation during observing sessions is worth the price many times over 😃

Hi Malcolm, I’m very glad to see you’ve made the decision to get this beautiful scope… it’s a genuine gem and will provide exceptional views far in excess of its nominal aperture 👍 I know we discussed this very scope and almost sold you mine, but you may have seen now that I have decided to keep mine and rather than worry about it not getting used ad often as it should, instead I will relish using it when I can for specific purposes and enjoy the views it can provide 😃

Thank you for this, I wasn't aware.... hopefully some clear skies around that time, and if so will be good to get a chance to view it again with my new kit 🤞

Lovely observing report, thanks 👍 I felt the same way about Mars when I first observed it (also with a Mak127), however when it was at it's best around Sep/Oct 2020 (I recall) and using my StellaMira 80mm f/10 and the Mak127 this time, I was able to see a larger disc, dark (dust?) markings and also a very obvious polar cap 😮 This was a massively impressive view for me. I think therefore the key is to observe when it's close again... not sure when that will be, but it's well worth it.... so certainly don't give up on Mars 🤞

I usually point my Mewlon up slightly and take the tube cover off. I only elevate a few degrees above the horizon, so as to (hopefully) not get tons of particles down the tube (although this may not even be an issue). I've seen posts about using fans to blow down the tube and get the air moving to more rapidly cool it... this does make a lot of sense 🤔 My Mewlon takes anywhere from 45mins to an hour before I consider it "really" ready to use... it is not very usable until at least 30mins, but then once fully cooled the difference is very obvious indeed. The FOA-60Q is simply stunning on Jupiter, and fully usable quite quickly (15mins or so max). The optical purity does also increase contrast and helps markings (Jupiter, Mars, Moon etc) stand out very strongly 👍

Exactly where I am… since popping the CQ Extender on mine, it hasn’t been removed and likely won’t be, as I just love the FC-76 in this configuration 👍 In fact, I use this scope a lot more than any other scope, and it’s almost rendered the FOA-60Q redundant (although this is still a cute and fun little scope 😀) I agree… the FT Pinion focuser fine focus capability is required less I’m this configuration, but I love the feel of this focuser and no way I’m removing it now 🤣

My FC-76DCU has had the FT Pinion fine focuser fitted for over a year now… I really like the improved focus feel this gives, but also retains a “Takahashi” look. I also have the MEF-3 fitted on my FS-60CB and FC-100DZ, and they work really well too. I also fitted the CQ Extender earlier this year and it’s stayed put… it flattens the field and gives a more useful range of magnifications using my Pentax XW eyepiece set (20mm to 3.5mm) This scope is my grab and go scope and the most used and as @Stu says, it looks lovely too in extended configuration 😀

Thanks for heads up 👍 If we get clear skies, this might be a great (new) binocular opportunity🤞

Good point... they are a little heavy (although lighter than my 16x70 and same weight as my 8x56 Monarch). If these work out as they seem to be doing so far, then a smaller pair may also be added to the arsenal at some stage 🤔