LondonNeil

Oh dear. Would the set up allow for one of those 2" to 1.25" adapters that plunges the EP down inside 10 or 20mm? Your tripod spreader. Nice. Diy? I've just done something to achieve similar extra storage. Using m12 threaded bar, stud extenders and serving trays I've added several lower decks for more eps and detritus/dust caps/ phone etc. I'll have to get a photo.

Arrived. Yep it's a expected really, the screws, gears, mount brackets but no focuser - all the bits in the photo except for the focuser. I'll now be testing the free returns.

Lovely images Mr Spock, particularly the apo, but both good.

I think because I had it in my basket one night but didn't complete, and svbony didn't realise I went back and ordered the next night, they've chased me again by email. This time, as well as saying it'll go back up in price soon, they've given me a $7 discount code. Since I don't have a use for the code buddy now if anyone is on the fence and this discount will help, message me.

Indeed that's what I expect too. Don't worry I paid on the visa card so should get the money back, but if I don't , we'll I decided to take that risk!

Yes I find it hard to believe its the whole focuser but the picture of the package I selected was focuser, clamp, gear and screws. They say free returns as well.... again we shall see!

Looking hopeful it will arrive soon, tracking shows it with local delivery agent and now cleared customs.

Just had one of these delivered Tripod Head Leveling Base Triple-wheel Precision Leveler Bubble Level 3/8" Screw Load 15kg https://a.aliexpress.com/_EIzKHdF

Yes agreed. I'm the photos and video or looks well made and very well thought out..... as it should be for the FLO etc retail of £300.

BTW, I do visual currently and have a skywatcher electric focuser on a st120, and a peg on a knob on Skymax127. The skywatcher focuser works but seems a bit cheaply made so had been considering making my own up until I came across this. I first found it on aliexpress even cheaper but the sellers wouldn't ship to the UK. I happened across that seller the other day and nearly fell off my chair when I was able to put it in my basket AND check out. It sat waiting to ship for a week and I thought, 'they won't ship, my order will get canceled' but Friday it shipped. Due in 2-3 weeks..... we shall see what actually arrives. I'm hoping I can hook up a 12v battery and control it from my phone.... I'll need to do some modifications in sure , which with 3 young kids and no spare time could mean it sits in its box for a looooong while but at the price....a chance worth taking.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_Ez8FY1J Seem to ship to the UK. I have one on the way.

I recently took the family (kids are 8, 6 and 3.5) to the national space centre.. its well worth a trip if you're close enough to Leicester. Book online as they get bcu busy, plus online bodybuilding l bookings get a free upgrade to an annual pass. We enjoyed it so much we have booked to go back at Easter. They also have a planetarium and the kids were fascinated by our trip around the solar system! If you've young kids you'll know who Maddie Moate is. CBeebies 'Maddie space and me' was recorded there.

Thanks, I didn't shan't fret then

So Wednesday tracking showed as dispatching, and 15 minutes ago it arrived! Looks and feels good quality. Also in the box were some svbony glasses. Very very dark indeed, highly mirrored. Eclipse viewers? No paperwork or label and just a freebie it seems.....🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️

Could someone tell me, how much does exit pupil really matter? My limited understanding so far is: 1. Your eye only dilates so far, and less as you age. So maybe 8mm for a child, 6 or maybe 5mm ish for someone like me about 50 2. If the exit pupil of light from the ep is smaller then the image isn't the brightest possible from the scope 3. If the exit pupil is larger than your eye pupil the image isn't brighter, you can't get all the light in your eye 3. Equal pupils is 'just right' 4. Exit pupil size is EP FL/tube FR, so for example my f5 frac with a 10mm EP, the exit pupil is just 2mm. With a 5mm EP it's just 1mm. Okaaaay, so I can see this helps you to understand the sweet spot for your scope and you. If for example, you know you will do alot of viewing of X target, and want Y ish magnification, you can chose the scope f ratio and EP to give you a good match on exit pupil and they sweetspot image should be good for you. You can chose to go all in on the best scope a best EP for that one quality image role. But many of us are going to view a range of targets, using a range of magnifications, so it's a compromise. How much of a compromise is it really? Hmm.....is this question really just 'why is a long FL tube/sloe scope, better for high magnification?' It is isn't it? It's as simple as that... maybe?

Oh dear...... maybe its a peach if you add an extender..... but I suspect from your tone you'll never know! 🤣

What about the stellalyra 2" 42mm for a cheapo option? Anyone tried it?

Seems I'm going to try the hyperflex, the 8e version though, I just grabbed the one Andrew had in the classifieds

Tracking in mine still shows just 'sender dispatching the item' 🙁😩😫 Still.... forecast is still clouds so it shan't matter for a while!

Hour can I bookmark this thread! Excellent! Also got a st120 BTW.... been cloudy since 😒

What does the ota weigh? If it's under 3kg with ep, I've a az3 mount and tripod that could suit and you could have for a few quid. You'd need rings to attach the ota, that's all. However heavier tubes are just too much for the mount and it just sags/slips in altitude... hence why I've upgraded.

Or the Helios hyperflex? same 40⁰-60⁰ fov and 18mm eye relief. Are these 2 budget options flawed, decent for the money or.....an svbony 3-8 like little known gem? Well.... probably not the later or the forum would be awash will l with praise for them, but you know what I mean.

How about the Stellalyra 8-24 lanthanum zoom? Specs seem good a comfy 20mm eye relief and a reasonable 40⁰-60⁰ fov. Any members here used it?

I'm searching for a levelling base, did you get it at a good price?

It seems that the 3-8mm svbony is a star performer but what about at longer FL? What are the best zooms at each price point and what makes therm good? Are they worth buying or do the dissappint next to 2 or 3 fixed eps and a Barlow? I was wondering this anyway but just had an old review article pop up on my phone, it love it 8-24mm celestron. Arī