Telescope covers

[cyborg421]

I am looking for a teleacope cover so I can leave my scope out overnight to do both evening and morning observing.

I have found 2 options. One at £26 here

Cases, Bags and Covers for Telescopes and Other Optics

and one at £76 here

Dobson Covers - Telescopes UK: Telescopes & Telescope Accessories in your only London shop

Has anyone got either? Is is worth spending more? Has anyone got any alternatives?

Thanks

Simon

[Redpaul]

I use this BBQ cover from Argos for my 200p. It's shower proof so it's also handy to throw over when it looks like a short rain shower is incoming.

Paul

[Ford Prefect]

GreatGardensOnline.com

Check these out, the may look familiar

[Gomtuu]

I was wondering about this after getting caught in a heavy shower first time I went out with my kit. Just need something to chuck over it at short notice. The BBQ cover looks like a good idea Paul.

[glowjet]

A visit to your local garden center could prove worthwhile, there are many fabricated and woven covers for garden furniture which are very strong indeed and made to withstand the rigors of the winter elements, to my mind if you stick the word Astronomy in front of a cover, then you are going to be paying twice as much from some outlets for almost the same thing

[Adrian Condon]

Hi Simon,

I use a plastic survival bag, yellow at the moment. It has been to a number of Star Parties, SGL 6, Galloway 2011 and Cumbria 4 in November 2011.

The bag is very simple to use, no zips to freeze up...... Plus this one was free with a Mountain mazagine!!!

I was thinking of purchasing the cover from Green Witch, the stuff Lee sells is usually high quality and he is very helpful as well.

If you get an opportunity to go to SGL 7 you will see a vast variety of covers.

Cheers

Adrian

[cyborg421]

Thanks all,

The reason I posted was that I have been out some evenings where it has been clear and then clouded over or there has been a hint of rain in between the clear skies. Also when I know it is going to be clear in the morning and I don't want to put the scope away.

It seems to me that telescope covers = barbecue cover + £10 ++.

I do however like the idea of a drawstring at the bottom as the wind can be blustery and remove any cover. I think I'll give the £70 one a miss.

Simon

[Rapallokid]

I bought 2 covers from Green witch and they work really well. good price and good quality.

[Grunthos]

I bought 2 covers from Green witch and they work really well. good price and good quality.

Yep, me as well.

Bought one for my new dobo, liked it so much I bought another for my 6SE.

Previously I had used a barby kettle drum cover which was OK-ish but, in hindsight, only good for light duties.

[GazK]

I have the collapsible 250px and I use one of these:

barbeque cover

Its an ideal diameter and with mind it reaches down to just above the base. With yours it would still cover the most important parts.

[cyborg421]

Thanks Gaz.

Mine is collapsible as well but I would like to leave it up overnight to retain collimation.

Simon

[GazK]

Thanks Gaz.

Mine is collapsible as well but I would like to leave it up overnight to retain collimation.

Simon

Mine retains collimation pretty well between collapses.

[Ian123]

I couldn't sleep knowing my scope being outside on it's own..

[cyborg421]

Depends where you live I suppose. I understand what you're saying. I wouldn't leave eyepieces outside. My scope is also not a "pick it up and carry away under your arm" job.

Simon

[182570]

also if your scope isn't collapsible you have to consider that the wind can cause a lot of damage if you're in a fairly open spot,as some of the members on this site can confirm.

[brantuk]

I use two of the Greenwich covers - they are well ventilated and do a good job protecting the scope and mount in wet weather. In the wind I use a couple of large tent pegs and bunjie chord with hooks to tether them to the ground

[cyborg421]

Thanks Kim!

I've managed to find a survival cover for tonight but I think I'll get a Greenwitch one.

Simon