Damage to telescope?

[AstroB]

Hey all.

I just got my first scope today (Skywatcher Explorer 200P), and had a little accident while setting it up After attaching the scope to the mount I tried moving it around in all the different directions. It's an EQ-5 mount by the way. Foolishly due to not adding sufficient counterweight, I managed to crash the scope into the mount. I don't think it was very hard, but I could hear a thump.

Is it possible for real damage to occur this way, or is the most likely outcome just knocking the mirrors out of collimation at worst?

Oh, and also - any advice on targets for first observing night? As of now my list of targets is saturn, the orion nebula and M31 if I manage to find it

[shaunster]

doubt any damage occured, but its likley knocked out of collimation

[Moonshane]

you could try the galaxies in Leo or Ursa Major. I doubt you'll have done any serious damage. collimation is something you'll need to do most sessions anyway so good practice!