Yea,
There is a little movement, but not that much. Apparently I got the heavy duty AZ3 version with a more robust saddle that required me to attach the rings separately to the mount after first dismantling the dove tail bracket that originally came with the scope.
The mount is only being used for Observations, yet stability is still important for that. I find I may have to loosen the nuts here and there so I can swing it up & down before using the slow/mo controls. Basically I was using the unit a bit tight for my liking & think a bit of adjusting here and there will make it much smoother to use. Over all, I believe the mount suits it well for a quick grab and go!
Performance wise, I really did not have enough time for my experience & I was a little disappointed, however had to remind myself that it’s simply not going to pull in the same amount of light my 12” Dob does, not to mention I live smack bang in the middle of a light polluted town!!!
I really need to make a report from a dark site. Jupiter looked pretty good but despite what people say about pushing these scopes beyond the usable magnification (150X I believe) I think they are pulling themselves if they expect resolution, brightness & contrast to hold at the same time.
Lower powers yielded excellent results which was fine by me...after all, it is a short focal length and small app. I was able to resolve a few globulars & it seem to split doubles like me 12” Dob, if not better IMO... Basically limited use tonight due to most things too low and washed out...what I did see made me feel it was worth while getting the scope...I intend to image with it a little down the track.
Terrestrial was fantastic...simply amazing at how far I could see. I could see a reflection in a window clear across town and make out a tree blowing in the breeze...a few kilometres easily. Must be all this star gazing improving my site.
Anyways...I can’t wait till I got time to go to a dark site...It really does make me appreciate my 12” Dob a lot more that is for sure. I think I am going to stop showing some of my mates...funny how many people think they are going to see posters in a telescope, & how others simply can’t what’s right in front of them!!!
Quick question for those reading...My laser pointer left me a little depressed. It is 10Mw...Am I to take it, that a light polluted sky can also effect the power/effectiveness of these things. I do believe I will need to read up on using them. I think after using it continually it got a little better. I will also test it out at a darker sight.
The 15X70 Bino’s from AOE are a blast...looking forward to spending more time with those as well. That’s enough playing for now...time for Bed.
Later guys
Dave
PS...Here are some more Pics for those interested:
Grab & Go Mount (AZ3 Heavy Duty for qucik & easy Observing)
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...kyn/pic4-1.jpg
Parts:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...kyn/pic3-1.jpg
The Case:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x30/davekyn/pic7.jpg
The Rings:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ekyn/pic10.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ekyn/pic11.jpg
Red Dot Finder:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ekyn/pic12.jpg
Getting in & out of Doorways...(super easy)
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x30/davekyn/pic6.jpg
My gear starting to look like a collection since joining Iceinspace:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x30/davekyn/pic5.jpg
Later
Dave