Skywatcher ED80 and AZ-4

[Naemeth]

Well, now I have the AZ-4, and of course my lovely ED80. So I have some pictures for you all of my new-ish set-up.

The L-bracket mounting seems to work quite well - I can reach zenith as long as I position the scope in the right place (otherwise it hits the tripod), but I was wondering if is there a more secure way of mounting the ED80 than the supplied L-bracket? What would I need?

[John]

With my ED102 I use a short length of dovetail bar attached to the tube rings and clamp that in the dovetail clamp on the AZ-4 mount head. I don't tend to use the handle as it gets in the way.

[Naemeth]

With my ED102 I use a short length of dovetail bar attached to the tube rings and clamp that in the dovetail clamp on the AZ-4 mount head. I don't tend to use the handle as it gets in the way.

Thanks John,

One like this? 15cm?

http://www.firstligh...ing-plates.html

[John]

No, the smooth bars work better in the AZ-4 I reckon. Mine is a cut down longer bar - probably the 21 cm originally but now somewhat shorter and with an additional hole drilled in it !

[Naemeth]

No, the smooth bars work better in the AZ-4 I reckon. Mine is a cut down longer bar - probably the 21 cm originally but now somewhat shorter and with an additional hole drilled in it !

Unfortunately I've no access to anything to shorten the bar, or drill a hole in it. Do I have any other options?

[nightfisher]

For the ED80 i would really look at getting a dovetail bar it will make a huge difference

[Naemeth]

Had a quick first light . Being honest, I didn't really notice the loss of aperture when I was above about 40 degrees, but I certainly noticed it below that (nearer the light pollution). I didn't notice any CA at all, but I didn't really look at any bright stars like Siruis and Vega. I just spent around 40 minutes sweeping around the sky, and it gave excellent views - I only made it 40 minutes because I'd just had a long day at work!.

One thing though, the eyepiece position is always really near the ground..even with the tripod extended, I might need an observing chair. It was because I was so close to the ground that I often found it difficult to get my eye in the right position to avoid blackouts with the 32mm TV Plossl, I eventually found the right position though.

[foundaplanet]

I use a small stool with my frac on the same mount, makes observing very easy. Some people use the extension tubes which I shouldn't mind trying for size but seated astronomy I find is very comfortable when you have been stood all day. Great easy set up.

[Naemeth]

I use a small stool with my frac on the same mount, makes observing very easy. Some people use the extension tubes which I shouldn't mind trying for size but seated astronomy I find is very comfortable when you have been stood all day. Great easy set up.

A stool might be a good idea - or perhaps one of those adjustable ironing chairs. I doubt I'll be doing much horizon viewing - but when I do I'll be stood up!