Surreydocker

Got a chance to compare a few things last night. The 90 & 45 deg prisms are optically similar but I also managed to focus without a diagonal and that appeared better so I think you will see an improvement with a quality diagonal. Of the 3 that I have, the 18mm BST is my preferred eyepiece - the field of view seems wider than the bundled 25mm. I agree with others that the 10mm is not great - I much prefer the 18mm BST with a 2x Barlow. The focusser on the ST 120 is very poor when you get into higher magnifications. There is a retrofit dual speed Crayford focusser available but it bumps the cost up somewhat.

Complete newbie here - saw Jupiter and its 5 moons last night for the first time and was rather pleased with myself. Checking this morning, I discovered there should only be 4 !! So glad you posted the explanation - thanks !

Speaking as a drummer, I have mixed feelings about this picture but if the the project is a success, the sacrifice will have been worth it !

@chrisv I haven't had much chance to compare diagonals or eyepieces yet but I will try over the next week or so. I bought a budget 90 deg prism so I'm not expecting to see much difference.

I seem to be on a very similar trajectory to you. Like you, I bought the SW ST 120/600 as a first step. My viewing platform is a cramped balcony which won't accommodate a reflector or dob. I bought a Opticstar EQ700 mount which is a very solid for the money but my balcony is not big enough for the legs to fully extend. I also bought a SW 90 deg prism as I knew I wouldn't be able to use the 45 deg prism in so little a space and I wanted the same orientation as my binos. I also bought a BST Starguider 18mm (s/h from this forum). I tried it all out last night for the first time and I must admit that I got into a bit of a tangle with the EQ mount but started to get the hang of it towards the end. I really like the screw up eyecup of the BST Starguider, the supplied eyepieces not so much as there's too much stray light where I live (although draping a towel over my head helps). I like the view through Starguider so I will probably get some more. This case arrived today https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tripod-Photography-Carry-Case-Bag-70x20cm-Sponge-Padded-With-Adjustable-Strap/283801625652?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 and it fits the scope perfectly - bargain ! Since the sky is so light polluted in London, I am keen on the idea of seeing more than I otherwise would by using EAA ( and sitting in a nice warm room whilst doing so !) so I am thinking in terms of a motorised mount and a camera in the medium term, though like you, I am going to take my time.

Phil, thanks very much for this, I have ordered a copy !

Thanks, both, for your recommendations

Thanks very much for the recommendation, my balcony may not have enough room for a dob but if not, my mother has a garden so maybe I could keep one there !

Thanks Steve, EEA and narrowband imaging sound interesting- I might well end up down those alleys !

Thanks all, for the very warm welcome. I look forward to tapping into the wealth of knowledge on here !

Thanks, yes, I have a few tripods. I used a monopod with a ball head last night and that seemed to work for me (I do get a stiff neck from viewing near zenith though !)

(You have the towel. All you now need is three pints of beer & you're equipped for imminent armageddon. Welcome to the forum.) Thanks, the beer's in the fridge !

Hello everyone, I've always found myself gazing up at the stars whenever I found myself under a dark sky but, living in central London, I've never seriously considered astronomy. However, with lockdown providing clearer air and plenty of spare time, I bought a pair of binocs and I've been amazed at how much I can see, even though I live in a flat, surrounded by other blocks of flats and lots of amenity and street lighting. Aided by a copy of Turn Left at Orion and Stellarium, I am really enjoying star hopping. Last night, I draped a towel over my head (no longer caring what the neighbours think) and went out on my balcony and found M13 for the first time - it gave me such a buzz ! So now I am on the journey and looking forward to a lot more discoveries. Cheers, Ian