HollyHound

3 minutes ago, Dantooine said:

There’s where the az8 comes in, similar to the az100 but just grab n go 👍

I will check into the AZ8 too actually, as it's the load carrying capacity that I primarily need... thanks 👍

1 hour ago, Dean Hale said:

Thanks, I appreciate the advice and how its suitability. Enjoy the incoming AZ100! 🛒

Also make sure to read the notes regarding clutch tightness before mounting a heavy OTA, as it is possible to damage it otherwise... just need to be aware 👍

Well it’s not “incoming” yet, still in the final research phase, but it’s very much on the radar... this weeks astro budget however has already been blown on another incoming Ethos 😬

Just now, Dean Hale said:

Got one in the basket at the minute - just hanging on till Monday to see if one comes up in the for sale section. You never know.

They're really superb lightweight alt/az mounts.... my ScopeTech, Report tripod, Mak 127, binoviewer and two Hyperion zooms can be picked up with one hand and taken outside in 30 seconds, including opening the outside door with the other hand... so useful 👍

I was tempted to get another, but now that I have the CC6, I really need something again with bigger payload. I did have the SkyTee, but I think the AZ100 would effectively be an "end game" mount for this purpose 🤔

There was a ScopeTech on sale at FLO last month, so worth checking daily to see if another pops up first 🤞

2 minutes ago, Dean Hale said:

I think you really really should and i'll buy your scopetech zero - hope you don't mind but couldn't resist. 🙂

I like your approach 🤣

However, even with the AZ100, I’ll keep the ScopeTech Zero, simply because for grab and go lunar with the Mak 127, it’s the best 👍

4 minutes ago, laudropb said:

They advise to get the encoders fitted. You could then get the   Nexus later and then programme it to the Encoders yourself.

Ok, thank you. Yes, I think having the encoders already on board would be useful, as I do see this as being halfway between fully manual alt/az (like my ScopeTech) and the full GoTo of my AZ Mount Pro. I'm also needing something with a decent bit of carrying capacity now, and this seems to have it all.

Going to do a bit more research, but I think this is becoming the de-facto choice for solid Alt/Az 👍

I've also got my Uni 28 effectively doing very little right now, so I believe I can get an adaptor plate for this, which will save buying another Uni 28 dedicated to the AZ100 🤔

40 minutes ago, wulfrun said:

A very-late-for-Saturday postie brought be an ES 2x focal extender, courtesy of CraigT82 on here. In excellent condition and nicely packaged in a FLO outer box, although I'm a bit miffed he never unpacked the clouds  😞 Hey ho, they'll disperse at some point!

Got one of these in 1.25" and 2" versions.... they're brilliant... was even able to use with the Ethos 13mm on Thursday night and worked perfectly... enjoy 😀

6 minutes ago, laudropb said:

Hermes have just messaged me to say they have a delivery for me, but I was expecting anything

Welcome to my world... I sometimes forget I've ordered something until my partner pops her head round the door and says "another package" then I remember 🤣

2 hours ago, johninderby said:

Knew you wouldn’t be able to resist. 😁

It is quickly becoming the most desireable alt-az mount. it’s a must have. 👍🏻

If one was inclined towards this mount, is it worth getting it with encoders and the Nexus unit pre-fitted, or can they be fitted later ?

4 minutes ago, johninderby said:

May have to get another for the ScopeTech 80. 🤔

Nice handle... works well on that 👍

10 hours ago, Dantooine said:

Wow.. you got the 13. You will love that one. My personal favourite. Whatever you put it in it’s fantastic.

I did also get a chance to use it on Thursday night in the 10” dob and the views were indeed stunning. 

Having the extended field of view does make life easier on the dob, as stars were totally sharp and free of any aberration at all right to the edge (using Paracorr), which was incredible 😃

The Delos 14 was my most used eyepiece, so it made sense to go for the Ethos 13.

I’m very glad to have been introduced to ultra wide with your APM 20, so thanks again for that 👍

Arrived safely today (thanks Neil 👍)... a Baader Genuine Ortho 12.5mm 😀

1 hour ago, SuburbanMak said:

Today the postman brought a little wide-field ST80 mate for the 127 Mak. 

That’s it I definitely don’t need any more gear now...
unless I upgrade to an EQ mount that takes both scopes of course, then, I could buy a wedge to the AZ GTi for photography, & then...

Well they definitely go together well... use mine together all the time (the binoculars are optional)👍

1 hour ago, SuburbanMak said:

This is never going to end is it? 

Uh, no... Welcome to the Astronomy Anonymous group... whatever you thought you needed to buy, think again 🤣

43 minutes ago, johninderby said:

Try meesing about in the world of 1:6 scale tanks sometime. Would have saved a bit buying a Takahashi TOA-130NFB instead of this Tiger build.. 🙀🙀🙀

There's no handle that I can see on this... unless it's internal 🤣

That is impressive though 👍

26 minutes ago, johninderby said:

Only one. new scope arriving. 😁

Wonder how long before FLO sells out. 🤔

Aww, I've already got one of these and as the StellaLyra already had a lovely new handle from @johninderby, I'm not sure what I could put one of these on... really lovely handles though 👍

Perhaps I could mount a black one on each of my Telrads 🤔🤣

3 minutes ago, johninderby said:

But I did throw in a few extra bits along with it. 😁😁😁

Indeed you did... see other post 🤣👍

BTW, the small mattress behind the scope in that photo is now where I'm sleeping having spent so much on new scopes and eyepieces this last week... it is literally the dog bed and I'm probably moving in with him 🤣

1 hour ago, Commanderfish said:

6" Stellalyra Classical Cassegrain for grab and go.

Nice one... seems we're both new owners of one of these today 👍😀

Just now, HollyHound said:

Just arrived direct from @johninderby, it was superbly packed and arrived in perfect condition 👍

One of those special handles 😀

Oh and it did arrive with this little beauty as well... a StellaLyra CC 6" with Baader Steeltrack focuser 😀

Thanks @johninderby all arrived in superb condition, thanks to your brilliant packing 👍

Just arrived direct from @johninderby, it was superbly packed and arrived in perfect condition 👍

One of those special handles 😀

2 hours ago, johninderby said:

Celestron 2" to 1.25" Adapter with Twist-Lock

Looks a little like the StellaMira adaptor supplied with the 80mm f/10 ED 🤔

Two more eyepieces to add to the "minimal" set I had planned, that's now turning into two "minimal" sets 😮

Is it possible to have just one Ethos... please tell me they like living alone 🤞🤣

20 minutes ago, laudropb said:

Finally got round to unpacking the boxes. Unfortunately we are getting some building work done at the moment, so I could not set it all up. Full pictures will be shown in the AZ100 dedicated site.

Oh wow, that's an amazing lot of lovely equipment right there... the full house of AZ100 kit 👍

2 minutes ago, Dantooine said:

I keep thinking about one. Would you say there are advantages over the vixens?

Rigidity for larger scopes I think is the advantage... I believe there is less "flexing". However, for lighter scopes this is likely not an issue 👍

10 hours ago, Frank the Troll said:

This should speed things up a little, and its not affected by clouds

In fact half the worlds "clouds" are powered by these 🤔😀

43 minutes ago, johninderby said:

A little something for the Tecnosky 125/975 F7.8 due next week. 🤞🏻

Good solid bit of kit this, had one briefly before realising it was overkill on the StellaMira 80mm, but perfect for your new refractor 👍

21 hours ago, Skipper Billy said:

As a mariner it annoys me to hear that phrase in films etc

As an aviator, it annoys me too 😬

“Copy that” is the worst... what did you actually copy 🤔If a clearance is given to you, you MUST read it back, so they can confirm you heard it correctly... otherwise accidents happen 😮

Sorry... digression again... straight back to topic 😃