[steve.garner (Stephen)]

After using a few small scopes ( more like toys really ) over the years I have been firmly in the, look at some bright objects/planets - oh that's nice - there's some dots - is that it, camp. I bought a secondhand 'decent' scope, a Saxon 8" collapsible dob, going cheap because the eyepieces and finderscope were missing and one of the collapsible rods was jammed. After sorting all of the issues out and cleaning the filthy mirrors ( I was a bit nervous to do this but it was ok ) it was ready to go. I'm fortunate to live in an area which gets nice dark clear skies with relatively low light pollution but it's been a frustrating couple of weeks in Brisbane with total cloud over. So last night conditions were excellent with the moon not rising until late the test drive began.
I can see the Milky Way clearly so that's what I pointed the scope at - WOW I'm now firmly in the, this is the best thing ever, camp. I think as learners we have to get out of the point the scope and have a quick look mentality, as when you spend time to really let your eye adapt to what is there you see so much more. I'm truly blown away by how many stars there are up there.
Dark skies are a must.

One very happy novice