cajen2

@Shure how's the StellaLyra? I have to confess that I'm eyeing up the 8" version as an upgrade to my SW 150p.

Just given my 5mm first light. Great views without looking through a straw. 👍

Thanks...cost enough, but I've always wanted this image.

Yes, would have been nice, but it's a cheap frame with shiny plastic "glass". Got to keep saving for important things, like upgrading my scope! 😉

Hehe, no. Paid for it...with actual money! Not much better pic...too many reflections today.

Ok, awful pic, I know. I'll post another when I get the frame sorted.

Frame for the Sombrero (need some black backing paper now), plus a li'l 5mm Pentax...🤩

I'd have thought you were planning your upgrade by now, Faulksy! A 30 incher? 😉😁 Seriously, I'm a relative newcomer on here so didn't know about this thread and build....but I've just spent hours reading it from start to finish. What a wonderful job you did!

Oh, and tie the ladder to the shed roof. Where there's a will....

The key words there are "unless I do a clear out"....😉

Yes, the Fleadh is wonderful....or at least, it used to be. Haven't been for many a year. I'd really love to take you up on your invitation (the Captain goes white with shock😆) but in the current climate, it's not a good idea, I suppose. I'd really love to see Cork and Kerry again. The last time I was in Ireland, I went to the Beara Peninsula and loved it there too. Must be some great dark skies there.

Ah, yes, you use a tracking platform, don't you? That's next on my list of things to get......if I don't upgrade my scope first! 😉 Got my eye on a StellaLyra 8" dob... I realise I can use the platform with the SL, but I can't afford both at the same time....

I'm already impressed with my 14mm one. That's why I was happy to go for the 5mm. Have you got the 5mm, MS? I'd love to hear what you think.

Yes, indeed; the APM was one of the EPs I'd considered. Again, availability from trusted suppliers was the issue. Not the sort of outlay I'd like to make on eBay, for example! I've ordered the Pentax now, and I think two EPs at those f/l and prices would just be self-indulgent!😉

@FLO Hi folks. I'm looking at upgrading to the SL 8" Dob this year. Any idea at all as to when you might get one/some in stock?

If your stock 10mm eyepiece is anything like mine, it's awful. IMO, your first priority is to upgrade it. No idea what your budget might be, but the BST Starguider range is excellent value for money. I have the 8mm and it's a decent piece of kit for the price.

Well, I've finally decided. I really wanted the Morpheus 4.5mm, but none of my trusted sites had any in stock. In fact, one of them contacted the suppliers and was told that Baader are now quoting June for the next supply!😥 So I've pulled the trigger on a Pentax 5mm from Flo (now at the normal price, of course!). I'm very happy with my 14mm, so can't go wrong. I just wish the FOV was slightly wider....

Great report, Magnus. You're lucky to live in one of my favourite parts of the world. My first ever visit to Ireland was to Ballingskellig on a two-month camping trip when I was a teenager. Went to the Fleadh and had an unforgettable time. Went back a couple of times but Kerry's getting very touristy these days. There must be some great dark skies around there?

I could see only the moon tonight and a brief glimpse of what I think was Rigel. There was thin but extensive high cloud obscuring all the stars. I really wanted to do a star test after a radical adjustment of my secondary mirror, but no luck. The moon was cutting through the cloud enough for me to get good detail, so I'm hoping the adjustment was successful. I managed 250x mag with still sharp views.

Great report, Dave. I had what sounds like the same bug as you: the worst 'flu' I've ever had. I even started getting delusions on waking up (I'm an astronomer, for example! 😁). In my neck of the woods, my session was a washout. I couldn't get a pinpoint image of anything. I thought it was just the seeing (which was admittedly poor), but when I checked the scope today, the secondary was miles out! I don't know of any knocks it's had; perhaps I didn't tighten the central screw enough. So today, I've loosened off everything and readjusted. Hopefully I can check it tonight.

Very heavy dew here and fuzzy seeing. Left it a while and went out again but everything covered in dew.

Both EPs are good shouts, Dakuwaqa. The Vixen NPLs are very good at the longer focal lengths, especially the 30mm - good for locating targets and viewing larger objects. I'd avoid the shorter focal lengths as the eye relief (distance between the eye and the lens) gets very tight. The BST Starguiders are great for the price for higher magnifications.

I've always had a thing about the sombrero galaxy, so when I saw this Hubble image, I just had to have it. Now all I need is a frame...

Yes, I saw it....actual amateur telescopes involved! Depressing about the huge spread of light pollution, despite the few dark sites.

I have to say I get on just fine with my Hyperflex....but maybe a zoom is different. It's quoted at 15mm.