You definition of a "grab and go" 'scope

stephenb (Stephen) · #1 31-05-2009, 08:51 PM

We all use this term "grab and go" and I think it means something different to everyone. What does the term mean to you?

Here are some broad guidelines to help...

1. Type of use
2. Weight
3. Portability
4. Features

Perhaps write your definition in point form and then provide an example of your ideal "grab and go". Here is mine to start of with...

1. Purely visual - No imaging considerations
2. I can pick the 'scope up with on hand
3. It can be packed and travel in a confines of a small travel case (say, approximately 400 x 400 x 400mm)
4. Alt-Az mount with or without GOTO
5. Very quick setup.

pgc hunter · #2 31-05-2009, 08:54 PM

lift it up without grunting, take it out in one piece and start observing immediately without hassles such as polar alignment.

stephenb (Stephen) · #3 31-05-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgc hunter

lift it up without grunting, take it out in one piece and start observing immediately without hassles such as polar alignment.

Nice one! sounds perfect to me. Yes, no polar alignment.

Next...

space oddity · #4 31-05-2009, 09:01 PM

I would regard binos as the logical grab and go. 15x 70 s are just hand holdable and fit most of the criteria.

dannat (Daniel) · #5 31-05-2009, 09:06 PM

I agree,15x70 ultras/MB from AOE or Andrews, beautiful coating,compares to abut 90mm scope - comes in its ow lockable carry case. Can carry photo tripod for mounting - could be carry on luggage

Wavytone · #6 31-05-2009, 09:35 PM

Best I have is the spotting scope version of the Meade 4" SCT, with a sturdy camera tripod. It is small enough to put in a backpack and travel long distances on foot. Originally I bought it to take to solar eclipses by plane, and its probably still an ideal solution for that. The mirrors need recoating now, however.

Tried 15 x 70 binocs but not enough - we're more into the moon and planets. Soon after I bought an ED102 f/7 refractor with an altaz mount - this has seen a fair bit of use on casual weekends away - quick to pack, quick to assemble, and it still leaves enough room in the boot for luggage for 3 people on a camping trip.

seeker372011 (Narayan) · #7 01-06-2009, 06:25 PM

grab and go and a travel scope are not necessarily the same thing

on saturday night i walked out of the house looked at the sky, went back in and was driving away with my 10 inch dob in less than 10 minutes. even the cloud hadn't reappeared by the time i was on my way to sydney observatory ..though of course it did a bit later and in spades

in my view a dob is the best grab and go scope you can get-a 6 or 8 inch would be even easier to handle, but as it turns out the 10 inch just fits perfectly in the boot of my car. Its not something you can take on planes but if you want to be away in a few minutes-nothing like grabbing the dob IMHO
so thats my definition- how fast can i be on my way with everything i need?

dannat (Daniel) · #8 01-06-2009, 07:02 PM

Can i say one thing about Dobsonian mounted newts, After hearing nearly every man & his dog (aptly named sirius) recommend one i decided to loan a 8" from the ASV to check what the fuss is about.

Grab & go i would definitely say not - i find it easier to move around my 6"xlt & eq mount - the dob tube & mount are heavy & difficult to manage..and this is only the 8" a 10"must be worse surely.I await the proverbial stake now i have said my peace

Starkler (Geoff) · #9 01-06-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgc hunter

lift it up without grunting, take it out in one piece and start observing immediately without hassles such as polar alignment.

That pretty much says it all for me except I would add "no external batteries or cabling to maintain or mess with".

Heres my grab and go 130mm newt (80mm just isnt enough

)

scopemankit (Chris) · #10 01-06-2009, 08:16 PM

My first miniscope was 3.5kg. 200mm f/4.5. you can pick the scope up with one hand, the stand and a six pack in the other and tuck you sandwiches (in a plastic bag) under your armpit. That's what I call "grab 'n go"!!

AlexN · #11 01-06-2009, 08:21 PM

1. Type of use
Imaging.
2. Weight
If I can carry it...
3. Portability
If it fits in my car

xnomad · #12 02-06-2009, 12:33 PM

I don't find a GEM a hassle to roughly polar align for a 'quick grab and go'. As long as you are in the general direction of the SCP it's only minor adjustments on the Dec Axis now and then.

I've only got my 127mm Mak on an EQ3 and I would consider this a grab and go.

It's always mounted up, I just collapse the legs and chuck it in the boot. Or I just pick it up and put it in the garden.

For longer trips with a full boot it's easy to stow away amongst the surfboards and camping gear etc (unmounted of course), where I guess a big Dob would be too space consuming.

Another plus is that you can put the Mak in a lockable container and chain the thing to the inside of the car if you leave the campsite to go for a surf or whatever.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #13 02-06-2009, 02:37 PM

A true Grab and Go setup should be very light weight. You've got to be able to pick it up with one hand.
It's got to be quick to set up.
It's got to pack down small.

I have an iOptron Cube as my "Grab and Go".

Can be used either visually or for wide field astrophotography.
Weighs just under 5kg
I took mine OS a few weeks ago.

It fitted neatly into a corner of my small suitcase using my clothes as padding.
It's GO-TO!! with an easy to use interface and takes only minutes to align.
Runs on 8AA batteries (that last for ages) that fit neatly into the built in battery compartment.
Can handle a scope up to 4.5kg but the supplied 80mm refractor weighs much less.
Costs under $500au.

To me it's the best little grab and go set up around.

Wavytone · #14 02-06-2009, 09:02 PM

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc....html#features

Even Edmund thought it was worth copying in the 1980's
http://scientificsonline.com/product...cd2=1243940365