cajen2

Review after Xmas. It's a present and I'm not allowed near it! 😂😂😂

You have to have the stars.... Christmas tree lights! 😉😄

I have to say, after collimation, that my Heritage 150p shows no aberrations at all. I've never needed to try shortening the light path but I'd imagine this wouldn't throw off collimation much, as the two trusses are stoutly supported.

Here's mine - I wouldn't be without it now: StellaLyra 8x50 RACI and Baader Skysurfer. The mount itself is from TS Optics and expensive, but well worth it.

Mine certainly doesn't need tightening dramatically when it's gripping an EP. I just tighten till I feel resistance and that's enough.

17.......

As far as I know, Asterions are made in Ukraine, which is why they're shown as unavailable on FLO's site. If they do become available again, the site says that they will suit a dob up to 12" and 50kg.

Interesting. I love the Morpheus range too and have three of them. Can I ask why you wanted a CUE 15mm rather than a 14mil Morph?

True. It only takes one moron to investigate the lumpy thing in the garden and even if he didn't steal it, he might just break it in a fit of pique.

But as your esteemed fellow American has pointed out, he already has a 1.25" 24mm Hyperion. ES also do a 30mm 52° 1 25" but no great advantage over a decent Plossl.

Ok, fine, so what 1.25" EP fits the criteria?

Well here in the UK, the Celestron and APM are £219 and the StellaLyra is £179. The Meade is £299 so well overpriced. Note to US readers: all our prices include tax.

Any decent Plossl would do a job for you and not cost much - my personal favourite is the Vixen NPL 30 mm. The only problem is the rather narrow FOV (50°). A wide FOV low power 1.25" EP is like hen's teeth. You could try an Explore Scientific 24mm 68°.

As I said, I'm reliably informed that the Celestron, the APM and the StellaLyra are different only cosmetically, so comments should apply to all three. The other brands may be strong in the US but aren't widely available here. FLO sell the Meade UHD but it's much more expensive.

.....and StellaLyra, in the UK.

Not tried the Baader but according to @Louis D it's not as good.

I got the CUE to replace my Vixen NPL 30 for wide-field views. The Vixen is excellent but gives only 50° - this is 70° so should be a great improvement. I'll post a first light review soonest and hopefully this'll be handy for anyone considering any of the three EPs. First impressions are very good - hefty (607g) and solid. It comes with a soft rubber eyecup which folds down if required. I rarely use eyecups and since the top lens cap won't fit with the eyecup folded down, I'll probably take it off. More details after Xmas (it's a pressie!).

Celestron Ultima Edge 30mm 2" 70°. Same EP as APM UFF and the new StellaLyra UF. Delayed by postal strike. To replace my otherwise excellent Vixen NPL 30 - the CUE has 20° more FOV. There seems to have been a lot of interest in these EPs, so I'll post a first light review as soon as I can.

You're off and running with a vengeance! Good choice of first scope and upgraded eyepiece too. To recommend more EPs, we need to know your approximate budget and whether you intend to concentrate on any particular type of target: lunar/planetary, deep sky, double stars, etc. It's also handy to know if you need glasses for observing.

Excellent - well done!

That's exactly why I wanted one: to replace my (otherwise excellent) Vixen NPL 30 mil. Only 50° FOV, though.

For anyone thinking of buying the 30mil, APM or Celestron equivalents, I'll post a first light report when I get it.

Note to all: Steve and @FLO have proved once again to be absolute stars and have given me the option of a no-cost exchange or a price adjustment. We're very lucky to have such a company, folks!

Thanks Steve. I replied to your email confirming the order last night.

That's what I thought but it is so perfectly in line....