About 12 months ago I decided it was time to upgrade some (most) of my astro gear. I have posted a few questions here about some of the equipment, and other issues like international postage. I have also been in touch with a few individuals regarding some specific issues. It has been so hard to make some of these decisions.
Well, I have now started to order my gear, and the first of the items arrived today - my new Esprit 150. Just looking at it in the box, and then next to my now relegated WO Megrez90, I am very happy. Boy is it heavy.
So thanks everyone who have been so patient answering my questions. Good times ahead.
The carry/travel case is 1040mm long and 420mm wide – AND IT HAS WHEELS. I have never owned any astro gear that needed WHEELS. Other than my car and a tractor, I don’t think I have anything else with wheels.
Inside the case; impressive. Left to right;
9x50 erect-image finder scope with tube rings
2inch diagonal
Field Flattener
Field Flattener extender tube
2inch Eye Piece: 28mm
Field Flattener Adapter
Looks great Darrell..let us know how your going with it..
Theres been a spate of buying recently by a lot of our members ..and we've had nothing but bad weather..it needs to stop! ...the buying, and the bad weather that goes with it!
I know ..I know...I'm guilty too.
I congratulate you on a fine purchase.
I was thinking about s 100 mm but hey if the case has wheels I want one.
Lucky I purchased two block and tackles endless chains when Aldi had them on special.
Alex
Well, I have my eye set on an AP Mach1. But I have been reading about "moment arm" and what is reasonable etc. So I am now wondering if I should just bite the bullet and go for an 1100, or would the Mach1 be okay? I am looking at this for photography mainly, and it will be on a Pier.
The Mach1 has a rated capacity of 30kgs. The Esprit weighs 15kgs. By the time I add the guide scope, cameras etc, I am looking at 20 or 22 kgs.
The weight should be fine, but this moment arm thing is confusing.
I know I suggested that Mach1 will be sufficient, and it will be, but IF you can afford the 1100, I say go for it. The beefier the mount the better, for a permanent set up that is. Buy once cry once
EDIT: With the 1100 you could mount both scopes simultaneously and collect Luminance with the Esprit, and RGB with the WO...
Thanks for all the kind words of suport. However, none of it has helped with the weather. We have just had our wettest, most drizzly week for 5 years (according to my records) with more to come.
Ah well. I keep telling myself we needed the rain, after the driest 7 months we have had for 15 years (once again, according to my records).
Darrell you would not mind passing some of that rain over here in SA ... we have had next to nothing (mind you cloud and wind seem to be abundance, apart from a full moon usually and then it is clear and close to still!).
By the way, the scope looks awesome. Like to hear how she goes when the weather finally gives you a break.
