Land of the long white cloud

[Sarge (Rod)]

Just got back from two weeks in New Zealand south island. A touring holiday with my wife, but I chucked in the binoculars to sneak in some night viewing. (couldn't quite fit the scope into the baggage allowance - haha)
Couple of the sites were, Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo, what magnificent dark skies, the milky way was so bright it almost cast a shadow. Also at Queenstown, behind the gondola/cafe, also great dark skies. Most other locations had cloud of various degrees, but I got a couple of good nights viewing, so very happy.
Well done Kiwis, you are very lucky, thanks.

Clear skies
Rod

[xelasnave]

Rod you need one of those portable dobs .
I think they are created to take as hand luggage.

[skysurfer]

Originally Posted by xelasnave

Rod you need one of those portable dobs .
I think they are created to take as hand luggage.

His 12" SW collapsible Dob is definitely NOT suitable for air travel, unless you are willing to pay hundreds of $$$ excess luggage fee.

But, indeed there are even 12" portable Dobs which weigh no more than 12kg, but cost also $$$.

What about an ED refractor ? I have a 110mm ED with lightweight tripod, all together 12kg, and traveled to South Africa with it, the scope tube without focuser (3kg) fits in hand luggage, rest in checked luggage. I have only 1.25" eyepieces (Pan 24 and Nagler 13) which saves lots of weight.
And can do Astrophotography as well.
For visual only this nice cute 15cm tabletop Doblet will do well.

[xelasnave]

I was thinking smaller.
I recall a hand made dob 6 inch that was light and the trusses broke down.

[Sarge (Rod)]

- but guys that would leave no room for my clean undies?

I was quite happy using the binos, but might invest in a folding pole mount to stabilise them.

Clear skies
Rod

[pixelsaurus (Mike)]

Originally Posted by Sarge

- but guys that would leave no room for my clean undies?


Clear skies
Rod

You can buy undies here

[ZeroID (Brent)]

And thongs.....