Startravel 102

[Beardy30]

I’m considering a Startravel 102 for EEA although the Evo 102 has been recommended- which would be the better option on the azi GTI 

[bosun21]

I would go for the Startravel myself as the Evostar has a 1000mm focal length which the GTi would struggle to control it with vibration and any wind etc. I've seen good results with the Startravel previously.

[PeterC65]

I agree with @bosun21, the Evostar 102 is too long for the mount and it is best sticking below F6 for EAA (a faster scope will let you use shorter exposures).

 

[Beardy30]

Thanks folks 

[Beardy30]

I’m also considering a Sky-Watcher EQ3 PRO Go-To Astronomy Mount & Tripod or the SW azi GTI mount and tripod - which would be the better buy - can’t go for anything else tbh due to budget 

[ScouseSpaceCadet]

On 10/09/2023 at 21:55, Beardy30 said:

I’m considering a Startravel 102 for EEA although the Evo 102 has been recommended- which would be the better option on the azi GTI 

The Startravel 102 is sold in a package with the azgti so it should be fine. The mount does not cope well with longer scopes.

 

[Stu1smartcookie]

ST102 is a well built scope that is a perfect fit for the AZ-GTi . People will talk about the optics but imo it will work superbly for EAA.

[Beardy30]

I’ve opted for the AZI GTI mount and bought it separately from the stick tripod so I can use it with a steel tripod instead 

[Stu1smartcookie]

9 hours ago, Beardy30 said:

I’ve opted for the AZI GTI mount and bought it separately from the stick tripod so I can use it with a steel tripod instead 

Good call . Its a bit "overkill " but , as everyone says , mount stability is the most important . Are you buying the skywatcher extension tube ? It may help as it keeps the scope away from the tripod legs . Only £31 from FLO , or Widescreen , RVO... etc 

[Beardy30]

Yes I bought one with the mount head ready for the steel tripod 

[jjohnson3803]

Haven't done EAA, but my ST102 performs pretty well visually IMO.  And it's relatively light so it does not stress my lightweight altaz mounts.  FWIW.

Edited October 6, 2023 by jjohnson3803

[Coco]

Celestron 102 SL is a better bet, very light and f/6.5 very little fringe colour,  pick one up second hand for £100, love mine

[Beardy30]

The startravel is F/5 so faster is it not ? 
 

also quick question..Is an Asiair device compatible with the AzI GTI for EAA ? Or is it not needed at all ? 

Edited October 10, 2023 by Beardy30

[Cosmic Geoff]

The Startravel at f5 is faster.  

You do not need an ASIAR, but if it's compatible I suppose you could use one instead of a laptop.

I use a laptop for EAA.

[Beardy30]

How would the startravel 102 compare in terms of optics to the Skywatcher Explorer 130PDS - similar price point but is it a better better as a 6” f/5 

[Stu1smartcookie]

1 minute ago, Beardy30 said:

How would the startravel 102 compare in terms of optics to the Skywatcher Explorer 130PDS - similar price point but is it a better better as a 6” f/5 

you will have to take into account the central obstruction on the Newt , but of course there will be no false colour visible with the 130pds . You will need to use a collimation tool from time to time of course . 

Edited October 26, 2023 by Stu1smartcookie

[Beardy30]

But is it better ? 
sounds to me just like more maintenance for very little difference 

[Stu1smartcookie]

I liked the 130PDs when i had one , but its all about personal choice and if i hd the choice i would go for the refractor . 

[Beardy30]

Thanks interesting you would chose the 102 , might thoughts also 

[happy-kat]

Isn't the 130pds on the heavy side for the az-gti

[Stu1smartcookie]

I have used it on the AZ-GTi before ... it seemed to be ok .. not ideak in any breeze though

 

[Beardy30]

My tripod is steel so very substantial - the 130 is 4k I think so about ok I’d say