Scope with bad back?

[Pakmoto]

OK I've decided to take the plunge for my first scope, I've done as much research as I can without hands on.

But my issue before I choose which scope has got to take into account I have a spinal issue where if I'm bent over bla, bla, bla.

So which scope will keep me upright the most (Refractor, Reflector, Dob)?

Regards Pak...

[John]

Probably a schmidt-cassegrain or maksutov-cassegrain on a fork mount. The observing position is very comfortable with those designs.

[brianb]

So which scope will keep me upright the most (Refractor, Reflector, Dob)?

Using it is probably going to be less of a pain than carrying it. But SCTs give the best combination of aperture & low weight, and the viewing position is relatively comfortable - the eyepiece height doesn't change much with the altitude of the object and you can be comfortably seated.

[Nexus 6]

Hi Pak, definately agree with comments already given, for portability, lightness, quick set up, nice optics, easy seating position sct's or Mak's are great, I have used the Celestron Nextstar 6se and found it a great scope, I can only summise the 4 or 5 Nexstars would be just as good and as they are smaller would be even better to handle.

Hope that helps

[Pakmoto]

Funny I didn't even consider a SCT or Mak, Doh!

Carrying the weight isn't a problem for me, It's just the bending that is the issue.

But thank you, your replies are very helpfull and certainly gives me food for thought.

Regards Pak...

[CGolder]

Hello Pak,

I have the same problem as you and when i had a dob or a eq my back would be hurting when i go to bed at night.

I am now the owner of 2 sct's on alt az mounts and they are superb, my back has never been an issue since

[brantuk]

Excellent advice above - I can only add that aligning with the straight through finder can be stressfull for a back condition. A right angled finder would be well worth considering. I changed all my finders to raf's for similar reasons.

[Nexus 6]

Good point Brantuk, did'nt consider that, would be a wise thing to do

[Pakmoto]

Excellent thank you all for the advice,

I'm also thinking now that storage will be made much easier with the smaller size of a SCT/Mak.

I'm so glad I thought about this before buying, the last thing I want is to have to cut my viewing short due to pain.

Regards Pak...

[Pakmoto]

Well I've gone for the Skywatcher Skymax 127 SupaTrak,

should be ok for a first scope,

Once again Thanks.

Regards Pak...

[LukeSkywatcher]

I'd look at the Skywatcher Heritage 130P. It is designed to be a table top scope so there is very little bending of the spine. Its a great scope.

I am in a wheelchair and the Heritage is my best buddy.

[G2EWS]

Hi Pak,

I have two discs embedded in my spinal cord and the danger for me is letting my lower back get cold.

So in preparation I have bought a Blazewear back heater with uprated batteries. Unable to link as on iPad which always gives problems, but you can google.

Best regards

Chris

[Helen]

I'd also suggest getting a chair. It makes viewing much easier and better as you are much more stable!

Helen

[G2EWS]

Hi Helen,

Just been looking at them, but the skywatcher one appears to be out of production. Any ideas?

Regards

Chris

[John]

Ironing chairs used to be one option. The Lidl ones were £12.99, don't know if they still do them. This one has a modded seat:

http://stargazerslounge.com/1018515-post10.html

[Stevenebm]

great advice above.didnt even take in to account when thinking of a scope of the position when viewing.

[Neilius]

I have a bad back and this may sound obvious, but set the tripod so that the centre of the mount is level with your waist. That way, there's not so much bending.

Still, depends on the scope.

[rabbithutch]

Word from a friend in Sydney who has family in Christchurch is that the damage is severe. Hospital had to be evacuated. Need has overrun available ambulances and private vehicles are being pressed into service.

New Zealand has been hit time and again since at least last September.

[stolenfeather]

I hate to disrespect anyone here but the best thing I ever received as a gift was an astro-chair. You can see it on my site picture. It has really made my experience with my telescope better!

I wish you clear skies and a stress-free back!

Isabelle

[rabbithutch]

Word from a friend in Sydney who has family in Christchurch is that the damage is severe. Hospital had to be evacuated. Need has overrun available ambulances and private vehicles are being pressed into service.

New Zealand has been hit time and again since at least last September.

Sorry! I obviously got this posted in the wrong thread. -b

[G2EWS]

So experienced scopers!

Which of these would be better:

Folding All purpose ironing perching stool chair on eBay (end time 13-Mar-11 16:33:09 GMT)

Leifheit Ironing Stool in White: Amazon.co.uk: Kitchen & Home

The eBay one looks more comfortable but does not have the full amount of adjustment, but does that matter?

Compared to some I have seen it has the horizontal bars for feet so is not likely to disappear below ground!

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards

Chris

[Horus]

Probably a schmidt-cassegrain or maksutov-cassegrain on a fork mount. The observing position is very comfortable with those designs.

Mine isn't .........

[wozza]

Wow that's thrown a spanner in the works ,i didn't even think about this looks like i might have to reacess again

[G2EWS]

So experienced scopers!

Which of these would be better:

Folding All purpose ironing perching stool chair on eBay (end time 13-Mar-11 16:33:09 GMT)

Leifheit Ironing Stool in White: Amazon.co.uk: Kitchen & Home

The eBay one looks more comfortable but does not have the full amount of adjustment, but does that matter?

Compared to some I have seen it has the horizontal bars for feet so is not likely to disappear below ground!

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards

Chris

Any experienced folks know the answer?

Regards

Chris

[AstroNinja]

Chris

The ebay one is closer to the Lidl one I have, which you are welcome to come and see and try if you wish. I think mine is more sturdy and I am not light!

Jon