...the 'correct' way?

[Pollux]

Hi all...

Your thoughts/advice much appreciated.

Is there a correct way of mounting the tube/scope (8" Newt.)

i.e do you leave the dovetail and rings permanently affixed, and load the tube 'into' the assembly?

or, do you leave the rings and dovetail attached to the tube and hoist the whole assembly onto the mount?

Is there actually a 'correct' way, or, is it a matter of personal preference?

...M

[jezhughes]

Keep the tube in the rings and mount via the dovetail every time you use.

Otherwise you'll have to rebalance every time you mount, rather than balance checking. (i get away with not having to re balance most of the time from mounting at the same point every time.

[Bizibilder]

Normally as above, but there is no reason why you cant just undo the rings and remove the tube. I use a bit of marked tape on the dovetail so I can replace my scope in exactly the right position every time without loosing the balance point.