Stu

Ah yes, I'd forgotten the TAL. I assume you would use the Vixen instead given the choice? Would be fun to have a '4" Shootout' sometime.

Lovely looking scopes Derek, perhaps the Priory might need to start doing a refractoholics rehab course I've always liked the look of the 102 f11 scopes, beautifully proportioned and they look like a proper scope. The reality though is that it wouldn't give me anything the Tak doesn't so I just have to remain strong!! Look forward to hearing your thoughts on your new acquisitions Hope you have more luck with the skies than me lately, haven't seen a star for ages!

Beautiful setup Damian, everything covered there. As said, must be killing you waiting for first light

Looks fab sparticles, just don't step back in awe otherwise you might be observing that rare object the Canal Nebula!

Nice case. I'm not sure I get the whole x better than y in each eyepiece range. I'm sure they are all designed to similar criteria, and the differences are far more likely to be related to the particular mag or exit pupil they deliver in each scope. Just my humble opinion

Doesn't get much better than that Derek I think I'll add an 8mm Ethos at some point. Look forward to hearing how you go with the 8 and 6 in the powermate. Should be excellent. Btw, your case must be huge!

Laservet, that must count as mental cruelty, showing us all those gorgeous scopes with no chance of looking through them Lovely collection!!

I love mine too Jules, a really versatile and capable scope.

John, I had the 3.7 for a while as it gave an almost perfect high mag in my refractors. Personally though I found it uncomfortable to use. I had to push my eye into the dished lens to see the full 110 degrees and I ended up seeing my eyelashes more than the target! I guess the eye relief feels shorter than it actually is. You can pull your eye away a little but then don't see the full field which defeats the object a little. Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely eyepiece if you can get on with it.

Very nice set Derek. Most stuff covered there, and some! I'll be interested to see what you think of the 41mm Pan. It's no doubt a lovely eyepiece but needs dark skies in my opinion otherwise can be a bit washed out unless used in an SCT or other long focal length scope. 8mm Ethos compared with 10mm Delos should be interesting. Lastly... what's the little thing in the bottom right corner with the 4 little lenses or filters in it? Intriguing

Anyone noticed how quiet it is over on the 'SHOW US YOUR DOB'' thread? [emoji6][emoji6][emoji6][emoji13]

Looks very nice Shane

Thanks Chris. I do think I'm there now. Just picked up a nice custom counterbalance system from Mark at Moonraker so I have my finders back on too as they mount on the rear ring. Will post on this separately. Mark tweaked the collimation at the same time, it's still a tiny bit off but much better than before. Fingers crossed for next time out.

Some great stories there laservet, plus a reminder to us all to be careful. Always best to observe with someone else if you are somewhere remote but it's not always possible I know. This was my rocket launcher today, no visits from the police as yet [emoji6]

You might find something useful here? Or some advice at least http://www.irpoyser.co.uk/index.php?page=120

Damian, As you know I have been (mostly) silently cheering you on from the sidelines, having little to add other than moral support. To pick up your point, I think it takes plenty of courage to document and live the experience publicly, warts and all. It would be far easier to have made your mistakes in private so I applaud you for putting this all out there for everyone to benefit from. Keep on keeping on!! Cheers, Stu

Gorgeous! Bet the views are amazing

[emoji3][emoji3]

Lovely scope Dave. I've been to visit Mark a couple of times to get a few bits done on my Vixen and his workshop is always an Alladin's cave of part made or completed lovely scopes of all sorts. I've seen the Rocket there and it does look gorgeous.

Just about managed this tonight in the Vixen. Blooming difficult though, not helped by a slight miscollimation I need to get sorted. Pretty much matched your description John

Sorted

No, look closely and there's a sol finder tucked alongside it, both aligned together and just slots on. Can see the sol finder without getting in line with the RDF

I've been rumbled!

Yes, just teasing a bit Chris, apologies Your images show the splits well so its scope and/or conditions I guess.