Shame I didnt see your sms invitation in time to come along. I have always enjoyed observing sessions down at Julians place. Lucky fellow he is to have such a great view of the sky.
Glad you got to put your scope through its paces but yeah next to an 18" a 12 will start getting lonely soon
FWIW a paracorr will help the 24 pano a lot (as you know I have both). I cant view without a paracorr now without seeing the abberations and thinking 'yuck!' Once you get used to seeing sharp stars to the edge anything less looks horrible.
Mozzies yeah I know Im covered in lumps and bumps from visiting the Briars the other night