void Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Just purchased a StarTravel 80 scope with EQ1 table mount.There were two main reasons for purchasing this scope.I have been after something which can literally pack into a suit case to take away with me, I dont want to have to worry about moving larger tripod/ mounts. I want a substantially better star finder after my previous scopes default starfinder was rubbish.I hope to have this with me by tomorrow so I will let people know what its like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 I have hardly used mine (Orion equvilent) but I enjoyed what I did see and is very light though your eq1 knocks the weight up. I intend to travel with the OTA in hand luggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwilkey Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Hi Matt, good travel scope by the look of it. I don't think you will find the RDF much good to be honest, what did you have before? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
void Posted February 24, 2014 Author Share Posted February 24, 2014 My thinking was that the RDF might not be great but we never know.My previous main scope was a 200P Dobsonian and I was making use of the standard starfinder. I could not help but think that maybe the finder fell of the production line at some point as it was rubbish (could never see anything very clear, always gave a very blurred edge).I know for a fact this scope as a star finder will be a BIG step up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwilkey Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Let us know how you find it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Hope it arrives soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dick_dangerous Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 I love my ST80 - lightweight, with crisp views and very, very sexy indeed. You should be able to pack it up in a suitcase for travel too. I'm after a camera backpack to fit mine in, with my camera, and a camera tripod to make it super grab 'n' go.DD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VikN46 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Hi, I to am looking at this as a suitcase holiday scope for a bit of fun and clear skies (hopefully!). would love to see what you think Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
void Posted February 24, 2014 Author Share Posted February 24, 2014 I will keep you all posted. Had a look and the skies look like they should be clear tomorrow so hopefully all being well I can get out and give it a review before late. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 I found that my ST80 is OK as far as it goes, but left me wanting when it came to DSOs, particularly many globular clusters which are just small grey smudges. Pretty decent on the moon when it's not too bright and the double star near Vega I think it was (the one with blue and orange stars), as examples of what this scope is good at. Open clusters are good too, but some not as sharp as in a higher quality scope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naemeth Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 I like the ST80 as a grab and go, but I opted for a camera tripod and this mount - it packs down very small into 3 sections, and I can take my whole kit in 2 trips, rather than 3 for my other set-ups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwilkey Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 My thinking was that the RDF might not be great but we never know.My previous main scope was a 200P Dobsonian and I was making use of the standard starfinder. I could not help but think that maybe the finder fell of the production line at some point as it was rubbish (could never see anything very clear, always gave a very blurred edge).I know for a fact this scope as a star finder will be a BIG step up.Did you know that you need to focus it? You can twist the bit at the front to focus, it should turn easily, don't force it. Others, like myself, have replaced this finder with a RACI (right-angled, correct image) finder, which is much better, you don't have to contort yourself to look through it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
void Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 Well the skies are clearing and I would have loved to have shared with you my thoughts of the ST80 but sadly the item never arrived though I paid for next day delivery expecting the clear skies tonight. Oh well, guess I will have to wait until tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 That is a bummer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 @ dick_dangerous what tripod do you use with your one please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dick_dangerous Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 @ dick_dangerous what tripod do you use with your one please?Currently I just use the EQ1 and tripod it came with. It's light enough, but probably wouldn't pack down into a suitcase. Previously I have mounted it on an old spotting 'scope tripod - it was a Manfrotto.DD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy-kat Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 I see thanks for saying.Think I'll hang our for an altaz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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