Ian McCallum

@chrisdg1968 What about the SW Evostar 120 instead?🤔

On 15/11/2021 at 20:56, Ouroboros said:

😀 Well …. Sussex is ‘near’ France.  I’m in good company anyway. Patric Moore pronounces it Herstmon So as least three times to my reckoning in this video. 

 

https://youtu.be/Qqs52N0LQyQ

1 hour ago, Mr Spock said:

Both are on view at the  moment. Now is the time!

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

1 hour ago, Ags said:

Cor Caroli is a particular favorite of mine. I struggle to see colors in doubles but Delta Cephei always stands out. The Double Double's Double is fun in a larger scope. Alpha Centauri was my first double and will always be the "most special".

In my signature, there is a link to download my PDF of northern doubles, it has 300 doubles with a finder chart for each.

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

On 09/11/2021 at 16:25, johninderby said:

Should  be from Harriot to Hubble not that latecomer Galileo. 🙂

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. 

8 minutes ago, powerlord said:

codswallop

 

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

On 27/10/2021 at 17:39, johninderby said:

And book an apointment at your local chiropractor. 😁

That too!🤣

On 27/10/2021 at 17:37, JeremyS said:

From reading this, I’m going to go Japanese and do straight through viewing 🤣

Me too!🤣

38 minutes ago, Starslayer said:

WOw - nobody mentioned Albireo - beginner's delight. 👌. Easy too.

 

 

I came across Almach by accident, last week.

1 minute ago, johninderby said:

The same 1.25” diagonal. only difference is the brand name.Good quality.

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. 👍

2 hours ago, AstroGee said:

Deep rabbit holes are chock-full of cash I've heard. Often my own! 

No kidding!😱

If in doubt...🤣