Going for grab and go???

[Ags]

I finally got my ST80 to dark skies this month - pitch black skies, 2000m altitude. The capability of the scope under those conditions was staggering. I am sure I cannot get anything like the same views from my city location regardless of aperture.

So now I am thinking I need to invest in a small, backpackable scope. Unfortunately I don't drive for medical reasons, so a fold-up dob is not an option. The only candidates I can see are either a mak 127 (but cooldown could be an issue) or a (carbon fibre) apo in the 90-100mm range. I suppose a 150mm newt might also be considered portable...

[RikM]

I use a 150P / AZ4 as a grab and go, but I wouldn't want to backpack it. Something like an ED80 and a sturdy phototripod would be my choice.

[GazK]

I have a 127 Mak on an AZ4, but like Rik, I don't consider that backpackable, unless you are in the Infantry!

[GazK]

How about a spotting scope with a zoom?

[Ags]

Ok, now I'm leaning towards the 90mm carbon fibre apo... Max aperture for min kgs.

Guys, backpacks are meant to be heavy! Nothing wrong with suffering for your passion :-)

[Ags]

Dumb question - how much do these sturdy photo tripods weigh? My AZ3 is 4 kilos.

[Moonshane]

I bet for a fraction of the cost of a CF APO you could get a carpenter to make a 6" newt dob in a box if you showed him some parameters and designs (assuming you don't have the skills to DIY - which you may of course!). This is what I would (will) do for a travel scope option. no tripod needed and much more compact - even OK on a plane. use an f8 and you might even be able to observe comfortably from a small three legged fold away stool.

[palebluedot]

Dumb question - how much do these sturdy photo tripods weigh? My AZ3 is 4 kilos.

How much have you got to spend? Manfrotto do some great carbon fibre tripods, this one is only 1.7kg.

[RikM]

I've got one of these, specs say 2.7 kg but it doesn't feel that heavy.

Manfrotto 294A3 Aluminium Tripod and D3RC2 3-Way Head Kit (MK294A3-D3RC2) - wex photographic

The AZ4 is about 8.5kg

[swamp thing]

Hi

How about a Dob you can carry?

Alkaid - Sumerian Optics

This will give some pretty impressive results.

Regards Steve

[Moonshane]

just what I had in mind - I am seriously going to have a go at this sort of thing in the future.

[RikM]

A 10" in a box would be very nice indeed.

[gooseholla]

I purchased a Vixen VMC110L Saturday for a grab and go. 36cm long, 4.3 inch mirror, 2kg weight. Seems ideal for getting out and about with. £180 it cost me.

[Dodge]

Hi

How about a Dob you can carry?

Alkaid - Sumerian Optics

This will give some pretty impressive results.

Regards Steve

That's just utterly brilliant. What a clever bit of design.

[Gina]

Very clever - quite amazing!