Adrian

With an f10 SCT you don't necessarily need to fork out for the premium glass. I used to have a Panaview 38mm as my wide/finder. I loved the comfortable "facecup" and easy viewing, and in an f10 10" SCT the views were pretty good. 

I upgraded to an Axiom LX 31mm, which was immense and beautiful, but I never quite gelled with in the same way. 

I currently have a Max vision 34/68, which is also good (but I still miss the big front lens of the Panaview), and a cheap 42/68ish, which doesn't get used for long - it really doesn't make the view that much wider. 

2 hours ago, iPeace said:

Sorted. Done. Dusted. Finished. Complete. Happy. Nothing more to Scope can I offer.

Yup. Job done! So... surely you need a selection of scopes to use that glass in? 

Thanks Alan. That's a good guide for anyone tackling this for the first time.

Sent from my magic talk box

Sorry - don't know what happened when I edited my post - it was just a reminder that 3 objects in the light path could cause a 6-point pattern, as with a 3 vane spider on a newtonian.

Gina, the first photo shows some reflective areas around the edge - it couldn't be this I suppose 

Or did you leave the focus mask on (I'll get my coat  )

Let's just look at these stars. They have six evenly distributed spikes. This doesn't smack of pinching (triangular stars) or any other randomly generated effect because the effect is too regular. It smacks to me of six regularly spaced intrusions into the light path. So, first question, does the Esprit 80 have six lens clips? Are there any other possibilities for incursions into the lighpath? Dewsheild, OAG, F/W, filters, adapters? I'd advise Gina to pull the whole rig apart (again! I know, I know, I've been doing it all day myself sorting a new F/W) and peer through the%

The Axiom is looking good there - It left a large hole in my case which I have filled with a pair of binoviewers. Forecast down here is looking good for the weekend, so I may get to try out the new kit I still have a space for a second Meade 14mm plossl

It might be time to invest in some new foam, though

He will be sadly missed, but will remain an inspiration to many.

R.I.P.

Thanks, Michael. I have to wait to use them though. Light nights, cloud and my 2" diagonal doesn't have a compression ring 2" dielectric on order...

It's been a good week for the eyepiece case Not so good for the clouds, though

From this:

To this:

Mine's looking a bit bare since the eyepiece sale

That might change soon, though...

I wanted to buy the Revelation 2.5x barlow - Harrison Telescopes had it at £31 delivered.

Ordered, paid by PayPal (always a nice option) and received order acknowledgement email at 14:09 yesterday.

Email notifying despatch at 14:22.

It was on my doorstep when I got back from walking the dog this morning.

Excellent service

Here's mine - due to a change of scope these are all recent additions except the 32mm omni and the shorty plus barlow. Looking forward to some clear skies to get some time with them.

Plenty of space left, though

I visited Zoltan today to pick up a 3.25" SCT to 2" clicklock adaptor and a Skywatcher Panaview 38mm. His flat is a little wonderland filled with scopes, binoculars, bits & bobs and boxes. And it's only 10mins walk from my work

I've emailed him about these items for a week or so (he was busy with Kelling, and I was waiting to get paid) and he has been quick & helpful with his replies.

How highly do I praise 365astronomy? Thoroughly recommended

Adrian, just get the ep fixed on the back and use the existing focusing on the lens.

Unfortunately, at its closest focussing point the nosepiece is just outside the m42 adapter part.

This is why I love SGL

I would never have even thought to ask. I have an old M42 Prinzgalaxy 500mm f8 lens that I was given when I first started slr photography sitting in a cupboard. I've just got it out and it seems to be an m42 adaptor on a t thread (same diameter, narrower pitch than m42). It also has a built in tripod connector.

Held up an eyepiece to the back and whaddaya know? upside down image of the house opposite/horizon, nice and clear.

Looks like i've got me a 60mm frac - just need an adaptor/focusser to give me a 2-3 inches of outfocus.

Cheers peeps:icon_salut: