MiladyB

Well it's been quite a while, but I ended up with an offer on a Starsense Explorer 102AZ that was too good not to take a punt on. With the ever-squeezing astro budget this makes sense for me right now. I love using the 8 inch dob with the app, and having friends and family over and them being able to find things easily makes it a much more social hobby for me. I decided to go for this as something that I can have a bit of fun with and sell on if I decide I want an apo later on. I'm aware the mount isn't great, and it will show some CA, but I already have decent eyepieces to use instead of the stock ones and I think for what it cost me it should be a good enough trade off for me to justify buying scope number 3. I've saved all the recommendations in the thread, and I really appreciate all the input! When I have the budget to go for something a bit upgraded I'll definitely be looking at these options. MiladyB x

It must be so hard for retailers who are already under pressure with pricing and supply availability. I decided to pick up some stuff in the new year instead, but in a pinch, a nicely wrapped box with a picture of whatever has been ordered in it makes a good 'It's on the way' gift. MiladyB x

I'm quite tempted with the ST102 on this mount - if the mount has enough payload capacity to take the Heritage 150p flextube OTA comfortably that could fulfil a couple of my wishlist items in one... MiladyB x

Analysis paralysis did rather kick in and I haven't managed to make a decision yet but this will be going on the list as a good budget-friendly option! MiladyB x

Great review. This scope is a game changer for me. I had been finding my attempts at star-hopping in my Bortle 6 back garden quite frustrating, but the starsense has meant I've now actually managed to see things I had struggled to find. Even my husband - who is usually quite disinterested in stargazing - was very impressed. I think if you have a reasonable budget, this is a scope really worth considering as a first buy. Being able to find objects without having to learn the sky is maybe not something everyone agrees with, but for the casual scope-user it makes short observing sessions so much fun! MiladyB x

So many great suggestions! I need to take some time (and probably a spreadsheet) to go through everything and weigh up all the options. MiladyB x

I took advantage of the FLO 20% off and treated myself to the zoom and barlow - can't wait to try it out 😊 MiladyB x

I've just been chatting with someone else who has suggested the same as you, and the Skymax is definitely going on the list of possibles.

Zoom eyepiece and a barlow it is, then! That's a fab discount. So glad I hesitated the other day 😄 MiladyB x

That's a good point about the slower 'fracs. I'm thinking I should get something that offers a different experience to my fast dobs. The compact nature of the STs is very tempting. It's really tough to choose! 🤔 MiladyB x

I'm thinking £300 tops, really. Cheap and cheerful. As you say, something to take on hols/camping that won't break the bank but will give some nice visual treats without too much faff. MiladyB x

Ooh that's a spicy option! Possibly a bit over-budget, but very nice!

I never should have read the thread. It has inadvertently set me off looking at buying a 'frac as a grab and go. 😄 Oops! MiladyB x

Well I think that's answered my question about 'Should I...' I just need to have a good look at 'Which...' I have a sturdy photo tripod with a 5kg stated payload that I use for my binos that might be workable, so I'll do some more research (good call on the CA point @cajen2 - I guess I need to make sure I get the best I can for the price). Thank you everyone for your advice and suggestions - that's certainly given me plenty to mull over. 😄 MiladyB x

Thank you. The ST102 had definitely caught my eye. I'll have a look at the Bresser you mentioned as well. MiladyB x