SW Virtuoso GTi 150P

[Alexvk2]

Hi
I have ordered the GTi 150P as a first scope for better or worse ... It seems an 8" DOB is the way to go but I figured I might be better served at this stage by a PHD unit (press here dummy) and a more portable unit as I usually do outback camping trips in the Australian winter.
Question is apart from taping the eyepiece and making a shroud I would be very grateful for any advice on what I should get or do to make the most of this unit and viewing our amazing skies.
Thanks Alex

[Rainmaker]

Hello Alex, just googled the scope, it should give you many hours of entertainment under the stars. I think a good accessory would be getting the Stellarium app on your phone to help in choosing objects and just get out there.

I don’t know if you got the optional tripod but it would be handy to have.

Cheers
Matt

[Eldest_Sibling]

A precise collimation is necessary to see the planets sharp and up close. At f/5, the 6" Newtonian won't be too difficult to collimate, compared to a 6" at f/4, but being a collapsible that will work against you somewhat when compared to a solid-tube affair, like my own 6" f/5...

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The telescope, with its 750mm focal-length, is nigh an all-rounder, versatile, for observing most everything in the sky, from 23x, to 200x and beyond.

If you choose a laser to collimate, the unit itself will most likely need collimating upon arrival, and before using it to collimate the telescope.

For my reflectors at 6" and smaller, I use passive tools, like a Cheshire/sight-tube(with cross-hairs) and a collimation-cap...

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