cajen2

And now: A SW 6x30 lightweight RA finder and an Oklop carry bag. I was a bit worried about the bag being big enough: the only one they do for 102mm scopes is for a f/l of 1000mm (the Starfield is 714) and I didn't want the scope to be rattling around in the bag. So I did a little research and found the bag for an EQ6 tripod was much nearer the right size. It's been like Christmas today!

Additional: Look what's just arrived! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you and well done, @Mr Spock No first light for a while: have to wait for the tripod.

FLO sent me some more clouds today (as if I needed more!): But inside, there were these: William Optics 2" di-electric diagonal.. SW AZ GTiX dual go-to mount. All I need now is a scope and tripod.....❤️

Thanks for that.

Judging by recent weather, it'll probably rain for two weeks anyway....

Well, I've taken the plunge and bought the Starfield from a certain well-known member on here.....😉 AZ GTix mount, WO 2" diagonal, 6x30 RA finder, carry bag and Berlebach tripod ordered and all but the tripod should arrive today or tomorrow. So I'll have to wait a couple of weeks for my first light! 😥

"Pioneering"? With their focusers? 😄😄😄

I'm convinced this is all a product of people trying to tighten the CL too much for the understandable fear of it letting a valuable EP or camera slip. Mine honestly will not let go of my EPs however heavy they are and I only tighten them slightly. As a result, the lock undoes with finger and thumb.

There's always the lure of the exclusive high end..... it's how the likes of Linn, Naim and Rolls Royce still sell products... Basically, bragging rights! 😆😆

🤣🤣🤣 Then there's all the accessories which Takahashi cunningly make necessary....

Yes, a long and slippery slope, Michael, which I managed to avoid.... 🤣

Agree with all of the above. StellaLyra scopes and most of their EPs are superb in both quality and value.

You have to add partially cloudy nights to strictly visual opportunities. Some of my best sessions have been during cloud dodging - often just turning the scope to a clear patch and seeing what there is.

Excellent EP; got one myself.

You seem to be saying that any optical advantages the Tak has are marginal at best. For £2000 difference, I could put up with a very marginal disadvantage! 😄

Well, many thanks for a great side by side. It's confirmed my decision to go for a Starfield. ✨👍

Now that's a great pic - well done! (not that I know anything about AP...)

My easy way to check your laser's collimation: +1 for the Astro Essentials laser: mine arrived perfectly collimated and has stayed that way.

Signed: no. 371.

I would always factor in an adjustable-height observing chair. Because only the height of the eyepiece changes as you use a dob, an observing chair makes it possible to achieve the perfect viewing position without putting strain on your back. I use a Berlebach Charon (excellent but expensive), which has to be one of my best-ever astro purchases

Sure. I assume it will as it's 'folding'. I don't mean to recommend that particular one but just a folding platform trolley with lockable castors. I'm sure you could retrofit the locking ones if you can't find a suitable one.

Well, good luck with it, MS: I think you're going to love the views! But if you have a back problem, do think seriously about exactly how you're going to deploy it. Something like this: https://www.diy.com/departments/neo-heavy-duty-folding-platform-trolley/5056293904193_BQ.prd Lockable castors would be good and then you could view from the platform. No hoisting the scope on and off.

Just returning to the EQ platform a moment, that Asterion on FLO is the one I have and it's very good. Unfortunately, if you look, you'll see it's unavailable. There's a reason for this: they were hand made in the Ukraine......so not available now and who knows, maybe never again.

You don't need the exactitude of alignment that you're used to when doing AP with an EQ mount. If the platform isn't exactly on north or it's slightly tilted, all that happens is that you might need a very slight nudge once in a while. Much easier than without one.

Once you've got the speed of tracking right, there's very little setting up to do: align north (fairly roughly is good enough) and level, and then you're away.