After much research and debate, I finally got my fisrt scope - a GSO 12in from Andrews Comms! It is a white one - delighted with that too !!
First light was Jupiter and its 4 moons - fantastic!!! So amazing to actually see something that you have only witnessed in books or on TV before. Also checked out the moon, alpha centuri, and the odd cluster. Brilliant
Have a few observations and questions.
I found the 25mm Plossl eyepiece the best and used for most observing so far. I order a 30mm GS superview and was disappointed with this (it receives great reviews elsewhere on the net). ANy comments on this eyepiece from other users?
The scope needs collimating and I need to work on this - will follow andy's shot glass for this but may come back for more help.
The contract, sharpness and detail of the moon were amazing. Hard to figure how the image could be improved??
For Jupiter - it was very bright and could make out indistinct cloud belts. Should I be able to make out more detail than this? Would collimation make a big difference?
Alpha centuri double star is easily resolved but the images are blurry and not pinpoint.
Looking at an open cluster, all the stars appear sharp - much sharper than Alpha Centuri doublet.
Am trying to reconcile how the moon and open clusters have excellent images and yet Jupiter and double star not so good. Could it be my eyes??
This is all so exciting - and I haven't seen so many things yet !!!
And also observing in Sydney with an almost full moon - how good can it get in a moonless sky out in the country !!!