Thanks for the replies folks
The viewing angle to date has just been about convenience as it has been just too easy to have the scope set up on the deck and then come and go as I please. I have setup a relatively stable platform in the back yard so wil quit being so lazy and do some observing from there. At least then I will be able to compare the angles and views.
On dark adaption and light pollution in 2000 I spent several months in South America and for a week when crossing from Boliva into Chile had the most unbeleivable skys when up on the altiplano at 4000+ meters. Naked eye stuff and the milky way etc. was just unbeleivable so I can't even begin to imagine what views you would have gotten out of a decent scope
(just a pitty I aint gonna have those skys from my backyard in Brissy but I do know what a difference location etc. can make).
I am keen to try out a dark site at some stage so will just have to wait and see what I can sort and it should provide some decent benchmarking. Only problem is what happens when you make the effort and the conditions aren't great (like cloud etc.)? That would have to hurt
Last nights mission was to see a galaxy and on that score dark adaption could have cost me the prize
(although it was low as well so I guess I ain't making it easy for myself). Target was the sombrero galaxy but all I could get was a faint (barely noticible) cloudy like blotch against the black of the sky. Oh well....allways next time
Have fun and thanks again