Ian McCallum

I'm close to pulling the trigger on buying a SW EQ5 Deluxe mount and tripod, for my recently purchased 2nd hand SW Evostar 120. My thinking is that this mount should easily cope with with telescope, with no problems. I'm hoping it's somewhat futureproof for most things I'll ever use on it. I really like to do my research on a potential new purchase, so that I don't end up with the proverbial 'white elephant'. Those who have this or previously used it, what's the quirks, idiosyncrasies, pros and cons of this mount, please? 🤔

@chrisdg1968 What about the SW Evostar 120 instead?🤔

https://youtu.be/Qqs52N0LQyQ

Except it's been raining heavy here and there are still a lot of heavy clouds about!☹️

The first ever time I hear of Cor Caroli was in an episode of ST:TNG, citing a fictional exoplanet there (Cor Caroli V).😁

I first read that as Herriot, as in the fictional vet.🤣

I've found blue or white doubles rather uninteresting, so this floats my boat!👍

I found Almach by accident a few weeks ago, love the contrast in colours.

I'm guessing it's an earlier version of a Sky-Watcher Evostar 150.🤔 https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/251448-skywatcher-evostar-150-1200-focal-length/ Here's the more modern version... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/evostar/skywatcher-evostar-150-ota.html

I've had some really good advice regarding mounts and tripods for a larger refractor recently. I've bought a 2nd hand SW Evostar 120T from a fellow SGL'er recently, but I'm not sure what mount suits my requirements best... I'm used to a GEM, but I wonder if an AltAz would suit my visual only observing better?🤔 I've seen both some AltAz and EQ mounts recommended, that could carry the weight of this refractor and possibly something with a modern Japanese 80mm F15 one too. Here's some that I've been pointed to recently, but am unsure of... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth-astronomy-mounts/sky-watcher-az5-deluxe-alt-azimuth-mount.html https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-eq5-deluxe.html The first one is an AltAz mount, but the tripod doesn't look that great. I could buy just the mount only and get a heavier duty SW tripod for about £125 =/-. The second one is a EQ mount, which isn't the forerunner, at the moment - however, it carrying capacity is excellent and it already comes with a substantial tripod. I appreciate those who've recommended the SkyTee 2, etc, but it's more than I'm willing to pay at the moment. Any thoughts on my choices, would be most welcomed....

I got this Vixen 1.25" diagonal from @Franklinthis morning.

Isn't that a form of piscine abuse?🤔😂

It seems that cases in Dumfries and Galloway are on the increase.☹️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9zze76v721o

Translated - change the batteries!🤣

I recently bought this SW Evostar 120, from a fellow SGL'er. I set it up on a temporary mount and tripod, this evening. I'll need to get a star diagonal for it and eventually a mount and tripod not made from jelly! Coming from a 8" dob, I could clearly see CA on the views of the gas giants - I'd hate to think what they'd look like through a short tube/fast achromat!😱

Just what came today... It needs a star diagonal, a mount and tripod not made from jelly, etc.

Is this too cheap?🤔 https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-90-degree-star-diagonal-1.25.html#SID=566

That too!🤣

Me too!🤣

I came across Almach by accident, last week.

Thanks, that's what I thought.

What's the thoughts on the Astro Essentials or Sky-Watcher types? 🤔

Have just got myself my first refractor (that plastic one I got as a kid for Xmas, doesn't count), can anyone recommend a decent star diagonal, that doesn't break the bank? 🤔 It's for a SW Evostar 120 (not ED). I have one 2" 28mm LET eyepiece, so don't know if it's worth paying for the extra ability to use the 2" or would a 1.25" diagonal do mean? I mostly use BST StarGuider ED eyepieces.

This sawn off Bazooka 😂 arrived, courtesy of @neil phillips. 👍