[Lismore Bloke (Paul)]

I've just started using my 12" Guan Sheng. Very happy so far. Collimation was out a long way, but optics seem to be pretty good for a mass produced item. One of the things that helped me decide on this one, apart from value, was the old advice of E J Hartung. He basically said that as a telescope is a companion for use in darkness it should be simple and efficient, and that elaborate fittings get in the way in the dark and are subject to damage. The dob. design is ideal for me, as i am not interested in imaging at the moment.

The eyepieces supplied are not the best but will get you going. I am avoiding buying any high grade EP's until I have had a chance to observe with some good bits of bottle. Try and get along to a gathering of some kind or join up with some fellow IIS members in your region and see what they use. The only accessory I am fitting to mine is to swap over the Telrad, easier to use than the right angled finder, a straight through one would have been better.