EQ5 mount

[Caz]

Because the 8" scope isn't ideal for transportation, well not for holidays etc., Could I still use the EQ5 mount and tripod but purchase a smaller more transportable scope? If so, what would be a good choice...

[Jamie]

Yes you can and my choice would be an 80mm refractor.

Remembering that you would have to also buy a set of rings

and a plate to connect it to the mount.

[Grant]

I recently had brought for my birthday, an 80mm SkyWatcher Refractor. Gaz was selling it on the forums and it is an awesome scope for my needs, because I do alot of going up and down the country between Sheffield and Bedfordshire I wanted something quite small and this fits the bill perfectly. It would definitely fit on your existing mount and is tiny but packs a punch, couldn't recommend it more

Thanks Gaz!

[Grant]

Snap SkyGuy

[Jamie]

Yes it would.

[GazOC]

Long focal length refractors are better for planetary work as it's easier to get high magnification with them, the shorter ones (like Grants 80mm) are better for widefield views.

[Grant]

Saturn does look awesome through it though

[GazOC]

How are you finding the gear Grant? Did I chuck a Barlow in with the scope? One would be handy to get the high magnifications out of the short focal length.

[Grant]

Really really good Gaz (apart from the clouds) my favourite EP is the zoom one, it's so easy to use, no messing around changings EP's and the magnification on Saturn is awesome. There was indeed a barlow which has since been stolen borrowed by my Uncle because his meade only came with a 26mm!

Sonia, another scope I'd reccomend is a 70mm Vixen, my Dad's just got one and it went on his mount really easy and is a really nice scope, bigger than the shorter tube skywatcher like I have but still pretty portable... He picked it up cheap from ebay too

[GazOC]

I figured the zoom eyepiece fitted in better with the whole ethos behind a small, portable scope...it means you can travel even lighter with less eyepieces.

[tom.yates]

I agree Lads/lass the 80mm refractors are excellent grab and go scopes

[col]

how does the helios 80 stand up? or is it similar to the st150??

[tom.yates]

The great thing about them is you can just nip out for a hr or so or take them on your hols also cool down time on my 80mm is about 20 mins or so. my little scope is f6 so good for planets and widefield as long as you understand there limitations your ok

[GazOC]

how does the helios 80 stand up? or is it similar to the st150??

The smaller scopes in that range tend to have less problems with false colour than the larger models.

[GazOC]

Caz,

If your after something to take on holiday (ie small) and to look at planets through (ie long focal length) then a small Mak/Cass might be a better choice than a refractor.

Gaz

[col]

cheers gaz , very tactfuly done , i havnt tried it on the sky in that long i cant remember what it was like? i used it for terrestrial last summer

[GazOC]

cheers gaz , very tactfuly done

See? I CAN do it!!!

[col]

:lol:

[GazOC]

Caz,

Putting the refractor on top of your 200mm is a great idea and a lot of people do it it's called "piggybacking" for obvious reasons!!

Youre right a Mak/cass would be dearer than the 80mm refractor, I just thought I'd thought I'd mention the option.

You can also pick up EQ1 mounts for £30-£40 secondhand to mount the refractor on, you can pick the whole setup up with one hand, ultra portable.

Gaz