gcraib

I just ordered the following for my new C8 and HEQ5:

C8 storage using original packing (might be tight) if its too tight it will become mak storage box.

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?SKU=SG33205

A couple of alternatives if it doesn't fit (will report back so others know), sadly more expensive

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/product/RM2462/

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p4836_Celestron-Travel-Case-for-NexStar-8SE-and-6SE.html

HEQ5 Storage using original packing

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?SKU=SG33342

This is a bit bigger than need be so I will pack the extra space with foam

You could buy this, bit of a more snug fit but it wasn't in stock:

http://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d00468/waterproof-tool-box/dp/SG32901

For tripod

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p169_Geoptik-Quilt-Bag-for-medium-Mounts-with-Tripod-like-EQ5.html

it says it will take the mount too, but I'd rather store that separate.  Might be useful for grabbing and going with mount attached.

For counterweights

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p2698_Geoptik-Counterweight-Bag-to-150mm-Diameter.html

Mainly to stop them moving around and damaging other things.  Should be able to keep them in cricket bag now, main compartment (ie moving the weight towards the wheels!)

Also saw this if you like to carry your counterweights attached to the shaft.

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p2697_Geoptik-travel-bag-for-counterweight-with-shaft.html

For EP's and accessories

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p980_Orion-eyepiece-case-for-1-25---2--accessories.html

I plan to utilise these in conjunction with the cricket bag and cheap toolbox that is in use for the EQ3-2 and mak.  So everything has a place. 

Spent a bit but much cheaper than some of the other cases and more importantly - OCD is satisfied

ps I found this scope cover going cheap on ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121209144425?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

useful if you have dew or condensation to clear and don't want it to get dusty.

I'll stick with using the original packing for now, but might upgrade to cut foam at some point.

this should be stickied!

where do you get lithium grease from?

I've just realised you can attach images instead of linking (still doesn't work).

So here is M45 and M31 both taken same night with my camera and 50mm f/1.8 lens.

Here is my first DSO, M31.

Its maybe more of a widefield shot, but the intention was to capture M31 with EOS550d using a 50mm fixed lens. 21 x 5s lights, 10 darks, 4 flats and 1 bias. Processed with Canon DPP and stacked in DSS.

It produced a TIFF 100MB! But I compressed that so it could be uploaded to flickr.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmcraib/6857825549/" title="M31 Andromeda by gmcraib, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6857825549_36e0937f70_o.jpg" width="2601" height="1732" alt="M31 Andromeda"></a>

Ok I need to figure out how to show photos.

Until i do here is the link to flickr: http://www.flickr.co...aib/6857825549/

http://flic.kr/p/bs19Bx