Storage for Starfield refractor.

[Grump Martian]

Calling Starfield 102 mm f7 refractor owners. What do you use to store your telescope in.

[ScouseSpaceCadet]

My refractor is not a Starfield however the dimensions are near identical. For the last two years it's been stored and transported to star camps in this:

https://www.cases-and-enclosures.co.uk/hard-cases-protective-storage/flight-cases/roc-cases-long-silver-storage-case-l850-x-w295-x-h270mm-with-foam-insert

 

[Franklin]

The Oklop scope bags that FLO sell are very good. I have a spare one but I think it's for an ED80 size scope.

[Mr Spock]

Mine stood on its end in a cupboard.

[apaulo]

for travelling mine insists on a first class seat lol

[Grump Martian]

19 hours ago, apaulo said:

for travelling mine insists on a first class seat lol

Old school storage box. Fantastic.

[cajen2]

I have an Oklop bag for mine, but not the 102 bag (that's for a 1000mm f/l and so rather long). The bag they do for an EQ6 tripod is exactly the right diameter, with a small space at the end for accessories.

[F15Rules]

Both the ROC case and Oklop holdalls are excellent IMO.

I went for the Oklop holdall for my FS128 as the OTA is not far off 120cms long, so a suitable ROC hard case would be very bulky to store.

The Oklop holdall can be folded down to c 1/3 of it's in-use size when not needed. Also, the construction of the Oklop holdall is top notch and incredibly robust..and the zips do a great job of keeping dust and bugs out!

Dave

[JeremyS]

2 hours ago, F15Rules said:

Both the ROC case and Oklop holdalls are excellent IMO.

I went for the Oklop holdall for my FS128 as the OTA is not far off 120cms long, so a suitable ROC hard case would be very bulky to store.

The Oklop holdall can be folded down to c 1/3 of it's in-use size when not needed. Also, the construction of the Oklop holdall is top notch and incredibly robust..and the zips do a great job of keeping dust and bugs out!

Dave

And the Oklop handles are well made 👍🏻

[mikeDnight]

Although hard cases are brilliant for long-distance protection, there's something to be said for a softer option, as it not only protects the telescope but also the furniture. Especially if you're like me and carry multiple items at once, there's far less chance of getting into trouble with the boss! I reinforced my padded soft case with some Aldi exercise matting. When paying for the exercise mat I noticed the disbelieving stare of the girl serving me, as she obviously thought to herself "Who are you trying to kid"!

 

[F15Rules]

2 hours ago, JeremyS said:

And the Oklop handles are well made 👍🏻

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[bosun21]

I just leave my Starfield on my EQ5 mount fully assembled with a plastic dust sheet over it. It’s really quick to set up and the finder is always spot on. I use an Oklop bag if I am traveling with it, although if I’m going to a dark site then I’ll be taking my 12” dobsonian.

[Nicola Fletcher]

I also use the Oklop bag for mine - it’s an Altair Starwave but the same scope: https://www.altairastro.com/padded-carry-bag-for-102mm-f7-120mm-f5-f6-refractors---deluxe-100-p.asp

I originally wanted a hard case but I use the Oklop bags for both my refractors and I think they’re great. 

[plyscope]

I have the Oklop 80/600 bag for the Starfield 102. It fits perfectly even with rings and dovetail attached. I can even get away with leaving the Takahashi prism diagonal in place. I also have the Oklop 120/900 bag for the TSA120.  I have used hard cases in the past however the soft cases are more convenient and lighter.