Ian Sykes

On 01/07/2020 at 20:53, Zermelo said:

Hi,

you may be interested in a thread I kicked off recently, as I was in a similar position and ended up buying the 150i:
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/356514-advice-please-choice-of-next-scope/

You can still adjust the secondary on the 150i. As it happens, when I did get hold of the scope it was slightly off collimation, but close enough not to need tinkering with the secondary, see: https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/357345-how-far-off-collimation-is-this/

As others have said, the mirror itself is the same, decent-quality parabolic that SW use in their more rexpensive models. And as you have identified yourself, if the primary doesn't actually need adjusting, then that's certainly a plus in my book. The 150 is a clever compromise to be sure; the mirror and the tripod are more than you might expect, while the focuser is probably the weakest feature; but for the price I paid, I'm happy so far. Be aware that instructions for the GoTo are a bit confusing, as those supplied are for the non-wifi version of the mount. There are many threads in these forums that are helpful with the various alignment procedures.

 

The Skywatcher star Discovery 150 is one to avoid in my opinion. My experience with one that my brother bought has caused me to warn potential buyers. The plastic primary mirror housing that has NO collimation screws to adjust the mirror is the claim about no collimation required is verging on the ridiculous IMO. My brother's was out of collimation straight out of the box. This didn't inspire any confidence in their claims. I was asked by my brother to set up the Go to and telescope as soon as it arrived at his home. I was really [removed word] off that it needed collimating out of the box especially with no screws to do so. There's three side screws holding the mirror housing and with an hour's tinkering i managed to collimate it. This is a ridiculous situation and is caused by Skywatcher savings on weight and costs on the design and manufacture. It's said that it's for beginners so as not to need them having to collimate ever. This will result in the quality of their images deteriorating over use. And moving the scope around. Heaven forbid that it's dropped or knocked over/bumped etc. And a beginner having to try and collimate using the side screws then they will probably throw the towel in regarding Astronomy as a pastime.

I am looking for a mount for a 127 Mak and was wondering if the above would be any good for me. I basically want to do visual/Planetary imaging and perhaps an introduction for myself into some of the brighter DSO's. I realise that the mount is paramount however I want to see if my venture into the astrophotography side is what I want to do before buying an expensive mount. Thank you in anticipation.