Hi from South Yorkshire

[Tom v]

Been interested in the stars since I first looked at the Pleiades theough my dad's 7 x 50 s about 60 years ago but only decided to spend real time on it last year. Bought an ST80 and am really impressed with it but have joined this forum so I can learn what can realistically be expected from this modest setup.

[Dave Lloyd]

Hi Tom, welcome. There are a few on here will confirm the ST80 is a fine instrument. 

[Greymouser]

Hi Tome, welcome to the forum.

I would say you have a good start there. I have the slightly larger ST102 and have loved using it.

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to The SGL 

[Floater]

Welcome. Have lots of fun. 🙂

[Nicola Hannah Butterfield]

Welcome from West Yorks.

[sloz1664]

Hi Tom, and a very warm welcome to the Lounge. My first scope was the ST80

Steve

[PeterCPC]

Hello Tom and welcome.

Peter

[Mr Spock]

Hi Tom, welcome to SGL 

[Adam Barnsley]

Hi Tom, welcome from Barnsley.

[banjaxed]

Hi Tom, welcome to SGL.

[paul schofield]

Hello Tom. Welcome to SGL.

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire 🙂

[Tom v]

I've looked through a lot of FAQ s and topics but I'm still a bit lost about my little scope's ability.

Last August i managed to get M81 and M82 . 

Is there a realistic chance that I will be able to see more distant galaxies than those two?

[Neil H]

Hi Tom welcome to the best forum 

Neil Luton

[Whistlin Bob]

3 hours ago, Tom v said:

Is there a realistic chance that I will be able to see more distant galaxies than those two?

Welcome to the forum Tom. The answer to your question is "It depends"- on your skies. 

The Messier catalogue was compiled with equipment far inferior to yours and includes much fainter objects, but he didn't have to put up with 21st century light pollution. If you're in a reasonably dark area then for sure you can. Otherwise there's a cliché- the best upgrade for your telescope is petrol (bit tricky at the moment though). 

Even without this there are many many fascinating and beautiful objects within your telescope's reach.

[richard ashbee]

Welcome from someone who used to live in Sheffield

[ronl]

Hello Tom, and welcome to the community, hope you enjoy your time with us,

Clear Sky's.

[Kev M]

Hi Tom, welcome from a wee bit to your right..