Which is the best gadget or accessory - just in time for christmas

[pompeydano]

Just a general light hearted question before santa's list needs drawing up...

What's the best accessory or gadget you've purchased for your telescope set-up and why?

I think mine comes down to;

a rigel / telrad type finder  or  an autofocuser

any other suggestions?

Dan

[Mike73]

An SQM meter...

Its shown me where the darkest skies are so I can see more....simples.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/unihedron-sky-quality-meters/unihedron-sqm-l-sky-quality-meter.html

[Freff]

First thing that comes to mind is Steve Richard's book...Making Every Photon Count. 

It was and still is a good reference aide to when I started in digital astrophotography.

[Pappy Nick]

I still think my Right Angled Corrected Image finder was my most useful accessory, but they're not everyone's cup of tea .

[rory]

Telrad. No question .

[Tinker1947]

Telrad........

[simmo39]

Telrad

[Astro Imp]

After a Telrad a 4" riser to make viewing around the zenith much easier.

[Kit-Fox]

Best bit of kit i've found the most useful especially at this time of year were my gloves

inspired by the AC3 game made by insertcoin they are wool gloves that leaves the tips of your forefinger & thumb exposed but all the others are covered so you can easily fiddle with focussers, adjusters and other fittings while keep your hands & fingers warm

they were the 'frontier gloves' but they dont sell them anymore :(    I cant think they paid for a one-off design & manufacture run though, so you must be able to get the same style without the assassins creed logo on the back.  Can we persuade FLO to look into it? 

[JB80]

Is this a telrad or similar?

http://tienda.lunatico.es/epages/Store.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Store.Lunatico/Products/CBU004

All it says it Red Dot Finder.

I'm trying to work out a list for Christmas too.

[brantuk]

For me the best gadget for my telescope set up is a laser collimator.

@Jarrod - This is a Telrad mate:  http://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/telrad-finder-astronomy.html

[JB80]

Cheers, the problem I'm having is finding a Telrad from a Spanish retailer. It's possible they exist somewhere here.

Hard to find a Borg too.

[YKSE]

An observation stool?

[ronl]

My ironing chair, or as I call it my observing stool, it's great

saves my back and legs while at the eyepiece for long sessions.

http://www.philipmorrisdirect.co.uk/leifheit-multiseat-niveau-ironing-chair/product/

[brantuk]

@Jarrod - you can get one from these guys who ship all over the continent. I've never used them myself but friends who have used them say the service is good and they have a good reputation:

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p308_Telrad-Sucher---die-Alternative-zum-optischen-Sucher---mit-Halte.html Hth

[JB80]

Yeah, telescope express are excellent and normally I wouldn't hesitate to use them but if I can order in Spain I get VAT back.

Otherwise I will wait a bit and it won't be for .Christmas

[jason.p]

Another +1 for the Telrad. Also the extra tube ring (modified) to stop the tube slipping when rotating.

Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk

[Ant-33]

I quite fancy the cardboard Galileo telescope kit in the FLO stocking fillers section - it costs about the same as a pint of beer (here in the south anyway).

[TractionMan]

Since I've got a Telrad (actually two, on on the don and one on the newt) I'm likely to get a RACI finder for the dob. Or possibly a Hotech laser collimator (cross hair version).

[Timbo]

Well, I was going to suggest a Telrad finder, but it appears others have already; oh, and so too, have I.

Might I suggest a..........

........Telrad finder?

[Luke]

Rigel Quickfinder, a 1.7x screw-on barlow to sneak in closer when imaging the moon or sun (with the correct safe filters) with a webcam, warm clothes, seating!!!

[swamp thing]

http://www.telescopehouse.com/acatalog/TeleVue_Nagler_31mm_Eyepiece_2__.html

Well.......don't ask, don't get

[Pig]

Dual focuser here, for those high power moments

[Pig]

http://www.telescopehouse.com/acatalog/TeleVue_Nagler_31mm_Eyepiece_2__.html

Well.......don't ask, don't get

I am proud to say I can vouch for this