Ian McCallum

If I got the flextube or truss type, then a shroud would be a must - I would get some light spillage from the sides, due to the neighbour's lights, etc.

I'm still contemplating getting a larger Dob than I have at present. I would like to move up from the Sky-Watcher 200P to something like either a 10" or 12", depending what I can get through my front door (unassembled). What I'd like to know is, what's the current thinking on solid tube vs. collapsible tube? I think the likes of weight/cool down time/light pollution ingress, etc. What are the pros and cons between the two types? Thoughts and ideas are most welcome, especially if I'm going to spend a lot of money on one.

I live in a ground floor flat, owned by the local Council. I believe it was built in the early 1970's.🤔

You should see the fun and game getting a couch through the front door!🙄

28 inches, but the base of the dob is 25.5 inches. I'm in the UK, so US building codes don't apply.

I did a bit more research and discovered that the base diameter on both versions I mentioned above, would be very tight going through my front door.☹️ I can see that being a problem, even using some type of dolly or platform with wheels.🙄

There's always one!🤬

Here's what I use with my Sky-Watcher 200P... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/other-collimation-tools/stellalyra-premium-cheshire-collimating-eyepiece.html

I've got the full range of BST EP's, minus the 2x Barlow.

That's probably what I read, as that rings a bell with me. I hate when I've read something somewhere and either can't remember where or what exactly was said.🙄 Thanks for correcting me.👍

I'm sure I read somewhere that if you have light pollution issues, then bigger Dobs would show this up more (or something similar).🤔

If I got a larger Dob than my present 200p, given that I live in a Bortle 6 area - would my seeing/observing be impacted by the larger aperture because of increased sky glow?

I use the red Cheshire from FLO, for my 200p.

I see that @FLO has got quite a few of both models (SW 200p and StellaLyra) in stock. They must have had a recent shipment in.

If that's Ed Ting, I subscribe to his YouTube channel.😉

Is there an online resource documenting refractor developments over the last 40 years, preferably without too much technical jargon?🤔

Even though our streetlights are predominantly LED's, there is a sodium streetlight that does cause some problems for me whilst I'm in the back garden. Also, many neighbours have bright flood lights that cause light pollution too!🤬

My situation is a Bortle 6 sky, in my early 50's and need glasses to read, but not for observing or distance work. My eyesight prescription hasn't really changed that much, as I do get them tested every 2 years. The scope would be for some lunar work, planetary, etc. For DSO's and wide field, I can use my 200P with a 2" 28mm LET eyepiece which does give some lovely views.👍

I'm still reading through everyone's suggestions and recommendations, thanks.👍 This does raise another question though...🙄 The late Sir Patrick Moore, used to recommend a refractor of no less than 3" (76.2mm) in diameter. How does that advice hold up in the 21st Century, with modern optics and advances in technology?🤔

Stunning!

I think I'll hold off for a while and see what comes along, in due course...

The funny thing is that I'm moving away from DSO's and more towards planet viewing. I'm still intrigued by the ScopeTech Maxi...

I guess I'll just have to lust after another type of refractor then! 🤣 What's frustrating is the lack of what's in stock (no offence intended towards retailers).

Would you say my Sky-Watcher 200P is a medium aperture scope?

I've just seen the price of the mount that I've been recommended by FLO!😮 Well, I guess that knocks that plan into the bushes...🙄 https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-eq5-deluxe.html