I finally ordered the whole Kit - Your Thoughts

[NCRAW]

Hi All
I have finally ordered the last couple of bits for my astronomy kit. This is my first ever scope and spent a lot of time researching it so I hope I did ok. I’m totally satisfied with everything I bought except with the Scope itself, I’m sitting on 97% :) as I wish I bought a 100mm but this one I got at a bargain bargain price so cannot complain, and with money saved (about 1000 dollars as I wanted the AT90EDT originally), I spent a bit extra on the EPs. My kit is the following (most of it is on the way)

- Sky Watcher HEQ5Pro Mount with Goto and 240V power supply
- Celestron Onyx 80ED with built in dovetail, ret. dew shield, peep-hole for a finder scope and hard case. Crayford style focuser single speed
- GSO red dot finder with large screen and multiple brightness
- GSO 1/12 dielectric 2” diagonal with copper ring and reducer to 1.25”.
- Celestron Ultima 2X Barlow.
- Baader Hyperion 5mm and 21mm EPs.
- A couple of accessories: red LED torch, Silva Compass, got a couple of books, print outs on how to align, etc and forgot to get a Planisphere!!

Now, and u might hang me for this, but I do really hope that Melbourne gets hit by the new scope curse as this heat and dryness is just too much.

I have dealt with a few people while purchasing the above items and must say everyone been so helpful and big thanks to people on this forum and other ones for their help.

Hope everything arrives soon and in good condition.

[PeterO]

Thats what I keep thinking every time I get something new. :rofl::rofl:

[Robert9]

Don't worry about new-scope curse. I'll support a change in Melbourne's weather even though I have a new scope. At the end of the day I'm too tired and feeling too blah to go star-watching - moon-less nights and all.

What criteria did you use to decide on a refractor rather than reflector?
Hope it all arrives safely and soon and gives you lots of fun.

Robert

[NCRAW]

I had to walk to the tram and then from tram to work and oh boy is it hot out there!!! I was dripping sweat.

I dont know Robert, something about a refractor. For me a telescope always meant a refractor, this is the image i always had in my head since i was a kid and im pretty fond of lenses, more than mirrors hehe. Probably i could have bought a newt for less money and more light gathering power and dobs are just not "complicated" enough for me and i didnt wanna start a hobby with something i didnt like.
My dream is something like a Takahashi FS102 or some high end refarctor in the 4" size

[Robert9]

I understand the mental images of what makes a telescope. I think we all have them. However, I opted for the 6" reflector based on portability. Would have liked an 8" dob (and may yet get one) but the Nexstar is a superb scope which travels easily when we go off caravanning. Lots of light gathering (f10), excellent imaging and quick and easy to set up. Love it!
Hope its cool at work. I'm retired but will be going to Chaddy to look at astronomy books at Borders with a 30% discount voucher :P.
Robert

[leon]

Absolutely let it rain for many days, and when it fines up enjoy your new purchase, sounds like a nice kit.

Leon

[renormalised]

Nah....Taks...this is what you want:D:thumbsup:

Equinox Interscience Inc (http://www.eisci.com/telescopes.html)

:D:D

[NCRAW]

Who knows, maybe once i get into it i will get myself a reflector.

Thanks for the replies guys and lets hope and pray it rains. I felt so sorry for our garden yesterday.

As for the Equinox products. I think im got myself one of them Daylight Star, hmm i just need to by a Humvee first!! :D