Spile

On my blog I have a getting started page and one of the bits of advice I give is that maybe not getting a telescope is the best thing to do. I also recommend not taking the advice to get x or y from one particular person, but to read lots of posters in order to build up an overall picture. Sadly there are lots of people who will never find forums like these. “What’s the best telescope” is still often heard on the Facebook groups and it’s why a page of my blog has this title.

I’m a big fan of a zoom especially when combined with a Barlow. The Svbony gets a lot of positive user reviews especially given it’s reasonable price. As you can see I like the Baader…https://astro.catshill.com/the-zoom-eyepiece/

If you are set on a 10” then I would go for the StellaLyra but I’d also echo the recommendation to go and see one first.

It’s possible to upgrade the Skywatcher by adding a RACI and a dual speed focuser but if you are buying new then it makes more sense to get the StellaLyra. I speak as a happy 200P owner…https://astro.catshill.com/skywatcher-200p-review/

I think my time would have been looking at those doubles rather than trying to glimpse M101 in my less than ideal skies. Many thanks for the report and associated media.

Well two eyepieces (a zoom and a low power wide angle) plus a Barlow is enough for me. If I was feeling flush and the weather was more cooperative then I might get something around 28 to 30mm but I am perfectly happy otherwise.

Does that mean I need to buy three more eyepieces?

My recommendation would be to get an 8” Dobsonian, a copy of Turn Left at Orion, an app on a phone or ideally a tablet, and save some money for an eyepiece upgrade.

Another vote for an 8” Dobsonian from me. You missed a fantastic used one that was posted on here last week. However it was snapped up by my friend 😀

Number 1 below…

I wouldn’t make a judgment call without being able to clearly see the outside of the focus tube as it’s the key reference point. I’d also recommend putting a sheet of paper behind the focuser.

I clean mine every 12-18 months using the fingertip method https://astro.catshill.com/mirror-cleaning/

On the 200P I used 30mm M4

I totally agree with the sentiment. Doubles make for brilliant targets.

With my reflector, I take it outside 45 minutes to an hour before I use it. That’s the theory anyway.

I prefer to use a cap for the primary and a Cheshire eyepiece and sight tube combination tool for the secondary.

Most of your list could be my list too. Thanks for sharing.

There is a reference to STF 2021 on CN https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/595742-49-serp-that-actually-in-hercules-stf-2021/

I use a pair of compasses to level the focuser and to centre the spider as a preliminary check.

I like Stellarium on my desktop pc, SkySafari 7 on my iPad and SkEye on my Android phone.

I use a pair of compasses to check the spider is centred and also that the focuser is level. See https://astro.catshill.com/collimation-guide for diagrams.

When I started observing as a kid I didn’t even consider sitting down to observe. Fifty years later and I would not consider observing unseated for more than a minute. It’s not just relief of the aches and pains, it’s being relaxed so that more and more detail is presented to me. Well that is what I tell myself.

No. Ignore the vanes. The important thing is that the donut and centre of the bright ring are concentric. Also note that the dark secondary reflection “points” towards the primary…

Yes it should as per the following:

Doesn’t that depend on how far out you are?