Whilst browsing astro buy and sell yesterday I came across what appeared to be a good price for the above motorised system. I spoke with the guy last night who has assured me everything is in good working order etc.
Id previously bought a nexstar SE6 but soon realised it would bo no good for DSO and needed an equatorial to do this.
It might mean selling the SE6 though theres no harm in keeping both!
The price.... £350 (which was my accepted offer and was up for £375). Its located in south wales.... but we intend on being nearby in 2 weeks time and hes happy to hold for me. (I offered to paypal a deposit whivh he said wasnt necessary.)
I am aware from reading a similar thread the eq6 would be the bettrr choice but need to keep things affordable. I have no idea on the telescope other than they are made by mreade.
Opinions, things to ask and look for and just general comments welcome.
This is the header for the advert....
Bresser Messier N-203 telescope on a Skywatcher EQ5 PRO Synscan GOTO mount
http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=71514
He had previously agreed a deal with someone to swap for a dob, but the fella failed to show so he left it. He sounded honest enough.... though his thick Welsh accent was difficult to understand at times.
Does this sound like its this setup? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bresser-Teleskop-Messier-NT-203-EXOS-2/dp/B0029VOYLO/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374268842&sr=1-1-fkmr2&keywords=Bresser+nt-203+eq5+GOTO (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bresser-Teleskop-Messier-NT-203-EXOS-2/dp/B0029VOYLO/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374268842&sr=1-1-fkmr2&keywords=Bresser+nt-203+eq5+GOTO)
The Bresser Messier N-203, is basically a re-badged 8" Meade LXD75 (non-Schmidt) Newtonian.
The EQ5 Synscan has a payload capacity of 9kg, the weight of the N203 is 11kg so the mount would be overloaded especially for imaging. It would possibly work but would be under strain and would not be very stable.
For a cheaper, lighter alternative to the EQ6, I'd suggest looking around for an HEQ5 Pro Synscan which will handle a load of 13kg and works well for astrophotography.
They are not cheap but I don't think you'll be disappointed with it.
The Amazon ad. is with a Bresser mount which I've never heard of.
Quote from: mickw on Jul 20, 2013, 08:47:45
The EQ5 Synscan has a payload capacity of 9kg, the weight of the N203 is 11kg so the mount would be overloaded especially for imaging. It would possibly work but would be under strain and would not be very stable.
For a cheaper, lighter alternative to the EQ6, I'd suggest looking around for an HEQ5 Pro Synscan which will handle a load of 13kg and works well for astrophotography.
They are not cheap but I don't think you'll be disappointed with it.
The Amazon ad. is with a Bresser mount which I've never heard of.
To be fair to the guy he did say that the scope was too big for the kit, but that was how it was supplied. He did actually say my 6" SE6 could be used without any strain on it for photography, though I now also know is F10 so maybe not the best either.
The payload is one of the primary problems. Plus does it have a guide port which is essential for long exposure deep sky imaging.
I have a feeling Julian images with an EQ5, but his is white so there could be different models.
Cheap is not always the best way forward for imaging. You might buy this lot and then find yourself having to replace it in the not to distant future because it wasn't man enough for the job. As Mick says, HEQ5 is really what you need for imaging which is the smaller version of the NEQ6.
It's best to invest your money in the mount, you can always get a more suitable telescope later, and meanwhile use what you have for practice.
Carole
A few things to think about
How old is the setup and how long has the mount been overworked ?
Presumably you would just use the EQ5 with your SE6 and put the N203 in a cupboard until you get a strong enough mount.
I believe the EQ5 used to be Syntrek steered by the hand controller with no facility for tracking or guiding, Synscan suggests it can be guided and will track - I could be wrong about Syntrek.
If you were to go for an HEQ5 Pro Synscan or EQ6 (preferred but more expensive) you would be pretty much future proof
UKABS
http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=71680
and it's in London
Carole
I also highly recommend the H-EQ5. I have one and it's great. You won't regret buying one of those.
Quote from: Carole on Jul 20, 2013, 09:41:15
UKABS
http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=71680
and it's in London
Carole
Thanks Carole..... I did see that and did make me think! I completely understand all the points made without exception. And I admit everything has gone back to costs and what appears to be a good priced setup. (the scope is £350 and eq5 pro approx £500... So £350 sounds great!)
So if I were to buy this one, what would you recommend to go with it that doesn't break the bank? Or could I simply use the SE6 with it until such time I know what I want?
Would it be possible to have a chat? I'd need to be sure on what I am looking at if I did get in touch with this guy. I'll happily pm my number o call you.
Cheers
There is nothing stopping you using the existing scope providing it has a mounting bar or can be fitted with one.
Quote from: Mike on Jul 20, 2013, 10:37:21
There is nothing stopping you using the existing scope providing it has a mounting bar or can be fitted with one.
I dont know the answer to that, but did ask the same above! I have phoned a dealer and waiting for a call back on whether doing so is feasible.
I am happy to have a chat, but the guys know more techie stuff than me, though I can certainly advise based on my own experience of imaging.
Although your existing scope is not ideal - the first few months is often getting to learn how the mount works how the camera works and how the software works, how to guide - F10 won't matter initially as all early images are pretty rubbish. This will give you time to save up for a more suitable scope. ED80 is a pretty good all rounder F7.5 or the WO faster smaller scopes though these don't tend to come with a finder which is a PITA. I have just bought one and am not using it until I have had a finder set up made for me as I've been there and done that before!!!!
BTW what sort of camera are you going to use as that's another expense?
Carole
Quote from: Carole on Jul 20, 2013, 11:37:56
I am happy to have a chat, but the guys know more techie stuff than me, though I can certainly advise based on my own experience of imaging.
Although your existing scope is not ideal - the first few months is often getting to learn how the mount works how the camera works and how the software works, how to guide - F10 won't matter initially as all early images are pretty rubbish. This will give you time to save up for a more suitable scope. ED80 is a pretty good all rounder F7.5 or the WO faster smaller scopes though these don't tend to come with a finder which is a PITA. I have just bought one and am not using it until I have had a finder set up made for me as I've been there and done that before!!!!
BTW what sort of camera are you going to use as that's another expense?
Carole
Hi Carole..... thanks for that.... have just sent my number...
I'm not really sure on all fronts. My current camera is a 550D, but I do have a spare 300D. Ive also just bought a Celestron NexImage 5 cam (which I realise is no good for DSO), but will benefit i would imagine. I have no idea whatsover in costs involved in adapting to reduce running temperatures.
But my gut feeling and thoughts..... I want to actively encourage my littlun. he wont be encouraged if he is not getting involved and using the equipment, so hence the logic in buying 2 setups. I imagine it also gets boring doing time lapse and long exposures, so again, theres the extra bit of logic. (Hey I might need three!!! lol)
But... and heres the rub. Reading gives you only a certain amount of info. I think speaking and using are the absolute best ways to get the most and advance.
The SE6 should already have a short dovetail to fit the existing mount which could be changed for a longer one if mounting any heavy cameras
Quote from: mickw on Jul 20, 2013, 11:57:01
The SE6 should already have a short dovetail to fit the existing mount which could be changed for a longer one if mounting any heavy cameras
It sounds like it will be fine, though its actually almost the entire length of the telescope!
Quoteactually almost the entire length of the telescope!
Perfect
Although it could be one of two types - Losmandy or Vixen/Skywatcher - see the types here:
http://www.modernastronomy.com/accessories.html#accDovetails (http://www.modernastronomy.com/accessories.html#accDovetails)
Losmandy is more of a flat plate and Vixen is sort of wedge shaped
Quote from: mickw on Jul 20, 2013, 13:14:23
Quoteactually almost the entire length of the telescope!
Perfect
Although it could be one of two types - Losmandy or Vixen/Skywatcher - see the types here:
http://www.modernastronomy.com/accessories.html#accDovetails (http://www.modernastronomy.com/accessories.html#accDovetails)
Losmandy is more of a flat plate and Vixen is sort of wedge shaped
I would say the dovetail on mine (and I'm making the assumption as Im not unscrewing) would be very similar to this:
(http://www.modernastronomy.com/images/products/camera_dovetail.jpg)
Although it is much longer that this image lifted from your link.
Going back for a moment to the topic of the thread.... I appreciate the comments stated about the EQ5 pro not being man enough for the scope, but what is the telescope itself like? I ask because I was speaking to the guy I bought the my neximage from and he said he knew someone with this setup and was impressed with the scope. (He didnt know anything about the tripod and drive.)
I'm just wondering if it would viable to use that on an HEQ5? (Since the combined cost for the eq5 pro syscan andscope is £350, i could nigh get most of my money back and have paid next to nothing for something that is supposed to be half decent.
And I did get a reply (finally) from the guy selling the HEQ5 telling me I can collect during the week. I'm not 100% sure if Ive secured it or not, but Ive taken it to mean that!
I am glad you're getting the HEQ5 Les, you won't regret it. You were actually quite lucky as the HEQ5s get snapped up very quickly.
Carole
Quote from: Carole on Jul 21, 2013, 20:36:45
I am glad you're getting the HEQ5 Les, you won't regret it. You were actually quite lucky as the HEQ5s get snapped up very quickly.
Carole
Spoke to the guy just now and all seems well. It's near canary wharf. Need to ring in the morning to confirm when I will pick it up.
He sent me some photos..... Is there anything I need to look at when picking up?
(http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/4849/95pg.jpg)
(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/8743/tc4q.jpg)
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1346/52hq.jpg)
(http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2866/0zpo.jpg)
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8584/z6xk.jpg)
It has a guide port so that's good.
If you can see the mount on the tripod, check whether there is any play in the axes when locked (though this can be fixed if it's not much) and make sure the latitude bolts (thats the silver ones showing in your photo) turn OK, should raise and lower the mount head, and the black knobs (in the photo) turn the mount head left and right.
Looks like he has the original latitude bolts - I am not sure whether people recommend they be replaced with heavier duty ones on the HEQ5 (they certainly do with the NEQ6 as the ones supplied can bend). You'll have to ask the HEQ5 owners whether you should replace them as a precaution.
Ask to see it working with the hand set.
Hopefully he will also be supplying you with a manual, but you can get one on line I think if he doesn't have one.
He says it's in good working condition, so I am sure it will be fine.
Carole
OK thank you Carole.
When I spoke to him last night, it was mine to collect and we agreed I would email him first thing once I'd check my diary at work. I told him I couldn't do anything on Tuesday or Friday, but today Wednesday and Thursday were fine. I got an email back saying cant you do Monday - I have lots of interest! It certainly alerted me to this being a first past the post and not as I'd thought - and despite actually agreeing to come along this evening at 8 exactly as he'd requested!
So anyway..... All is well... He confirmed it was mine and I just needed to pick it up tonight after a demo which he offered. He also asked if I wanted a dovetail and rings for an 8". (which is what I presume he used with it)
Fingers crossed!
One other thing.... I'm not quite sure from his advert. The picture above shows the bag, which he says he will throw up. But it also reads like he'll sell it for £30! Now I know astronomy is an expensive hobby - but I can't see that back would have been that new let alone second hand! If it's a kosher expensive bag, please let me know. I'll certainly be fine taking it as included in the price, but I can't think it can be possibly worth paying an extra £30 for.
To be honest Les, I seem to recall it was a bag for a Dobsonian. Can't see why you would need it anyway unless you wanted to keep your tripod in it or something.
Carole
Quote from: Carole on Jul 22, 2013, 15:08:16
To be honest Les, I seem to recall it was a bag for a Dobsonian. Can't see why you would need it anyway unless you wanted to keep your tripod in it or something.
Carole
Ok... Just thought it was for ease of transport. Does seem expensive for a secondhand nylon bag though if that is what he meant!
I picked up the Heq5 last night. There was no telescope attached to counter balance, so he only margininally moved using the hand controller. I hope I've not been a bit too trusting! There were a couple of things that made me a bit suspicious of the guy, but he certainly knew astronomy and how this tripod worked and what everything was for.
In the meantime, I am still toying with going ahead with the other purely because of its price and knowing I can recover a huge lump of the outlay for the eq5 pro syscan leaving me with a decent 8" telescope to play with for the time being, which I would also sell when the time comes. Here are a few photos of what he sent me....
(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3821/axop.jpg)
(http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3863/jb94.jpg)
(http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4451/1b5i.jpg)
...and one huge image --> http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/3868/cbuz.jpg (http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/3868/cbuz.jpg)
(Edit: Massive IMG changed to URL -- Rick)
Apologies for the oversized image.... Image shack is playing up at the moment. Will amend later or do resize manually if necessary.
Would it be ok to bring the Heq5 along to the next meeting on Thursday?
Not sure how much time any-one would have to look at the HEQ5 on Thursday, but DSC seems a better bet.
Regarding the Newtonian telescope and EQ5. Although it is probably a very nice scope for visual, you might have problems getting focus for Astrophotography as I understand it, which is why they bought out a version for Astrophotography which I currently have. I seem to recall people having to move the mirror further up the tube.
I would think you'd be much better off learning astrophotography with a small refractor as previously suggested.
See what the others have to say.
Carole
Personally I wouldn't bother with the Bresser, apart from needing to learn how to collimate it (get the mirror and eyepiece aligned) it is unlikely you'll recoup any money spent on the HEQ5, don't forget you would first need to recoup the full cost of the bresser kit.
Quote from: Carole on Jul 23, 2013, 09:24:47
Not sure how much time any-one would have to look at the HEQ5 on Thursday, but DSC seems a better bet.
Not even to just give a very brief health check that it seems to "sound" right etc? If not then, would anyone be ok for me to bring and show? Im just a bit wary now I've thought about it.
Quote from: mickw on Jul 23, 2013, 09:55:54
Personally I wouldn't bother with the Bresser, apart from needing to learn how to collimate it (get the mirror and eyepiece aligned) it is unlikely you'll recoup any money spent on the HEQ5, don't forget you would first need to recoup the full cost of the bresser kit.
Did you mean Heq5? (I assume you meant EQ5?)
I'm actually quite surprised as it does seem an incredibly cheap price for an Eq5 GOTO syscan with the 8" scope at £350.
I thought you was looking to get back some of the money spent on the HEQ5 by selling the EQ5
Quote from: mickw on Jul 23, 2013, 11:10:04
I thought you was looking to get back some of the money spent on the HEQ5 by selling the EQ5
Yes.
How much would you say a EQ5 Pro syscan GOTO would be worth? I appreciate it's not going to be anywhere near the outlay on the HEQ5, but I would have thought it would be a sizeable chunk and a big percentage of the outlay for the Purchase with the Bresser and EQ5 as a package of £350. On astro buy and sell they seem to be advertised at up to £400 (over priced I know) but I'm sure that £275 a £300 isn't unrealistic?
But I agree that it's obviously Pointless if that telescope isn't worth the effort and the only reason I've even entertained it was the guy I bought the imager from saying that it was a good bit of kit. Obviously Carole's comment on the photography side of things are a different issue, but I was talking short term here. I've no idea when I would have a telescope I can mount on it - asside from the SE6 SCT which I'd like my littlun to be using.
Les, you can use your existing scope albeit F10 or something to get you started. I am sure a 2nd hand imaging scope will come along soon you can afford.
Check the reflector out with the other imaging guys in case I am wrong about it.
There is a small refractor for sale on SGL - William Optics 66mm SD Doublet Apo For Sale £245
You won't be able to access the ad unless you've been a member for some time, but if you were interested I could make the contact for you. This is what he said. Unfortunately as stated earlier, astrophotography is not a cheap hobby and no real way of doing it on the cheap except for planetary which you can do easily with your current scope.
QuoteI'm very reluctantly offering my lovely William Optics SD 66mm for sale as I have now replaced it with a TV76. It is a very compact scope, ideal for taking anywhere and mounting on a photo tripod or lightweight alt az mount. I have taken this scope pretty much everywhere I've been on holiday, including Egypt and Tanzania so we have a lot of history! There are a couple of threads on the forum detailing my trip and how I've used the scope.
The optics are in pretty much perfect condition, and the scope is an SD doublet apo using Ohara glass. Focal length 388mm, f5.9. Specs below. There are a few small cosmetic marks on the OTA but nothing serious. The foam in the case is getting a little worn but still serviceable, as is the case itself.
http://www.williamoptics.com/telescopes/zenithstar66sd_features.php
Under dark skies, its a wonderful widefield scope, but it also gives surprisingly good views of planets. Both Saturn and Jupiter show good detail at up to x120 or so. I've seen shadow transits and GRS with it and often pop it outside for a quick session at home in preference to a larger setup. I've only ever used it for visual but am sure it has good imaging potential too.
I'm also including a very nice SCT 2" WO diagonal which fits very securely on the scope.
Any questions please ask. I'm looking for £245 collected, or can arrange shipping at cost. PayPal as a gift or fees paid, or bank transfer also ok.
Cheers
Stu
Thanks again Carole.
I can't see that add, so not a member long enough! I'll pass on this one, but thanks for looking. If I'm going this route it seems silly to go for something a little less than what I'm hoping. (won't that one look a little out of place on an heq5?)
Wrong frame of mind Les.
The WO 66 would be incredibly stable on an HEQ5.
The closer you get to the payload limit of any mount the more likely you are to suffer vibrations which will reduce the quality of any images.
I agree, I think a small refractor is a good way to start, gives a nice wide FOV too.
I used to use a WO Megrez on a CG5 GT which is about the same size as an HEQ5 and I know some-one who uses a WO66 on an NEQ6 sometimes, he does some wonderful work with it.
Carole
The 66 is a great scope and perfect for those large nebula. It is also a very nice visual scope. You are way better off using a wide FOV scope to learn on than one with a very narrow FOV as it will only end in tears and frustration.
Quote from: mickw on Jul 23, 2013, 18:11:18
Wrong frame of mind Les.
The WO 66 would be incredibly stable on an HEQ5.
The closer you get to the payload limit of any mount the more likely you are to suffer vibrations which will reduce the quality of any images.
It was said partially tongue in cheek, but I do take your point It certainly would be good if I could get something sorted before next weekend for sure. A naked tripod won't be much fun! (The 6SE will be used by the littlun)
I do take the advice on board though and hopefully my comments which my be challenging are not taken the wrong way!
On that note, I did ask if it would be possible to take the Heq5 along to the next meeting just to get a once over. (I don't mean setting up properly - just a quick examination to be sure there isn't anything amiss.) I know when we attempted to setup the SE6 Mike suggested bringing that along. I still don't have the finder sorted for this, but will do shortly, so still pointless for that. The HEQ5 however is mostly to give me peace of mind that I've not been sold a pup! Do you think I'd be able to bring it along, or alternatively, some kind soul would be ok to come round - or bring over to help out?
OK.... see I do take notice! :P
I've been in touch with the guy in the ad that Carole posted and made an offer which has been accepted provisionally. (Its complicated - but I told him I would pick it up one evening as would be using it this weekend..... He's said OK - but is away until the 5th and I think he's let me have the option to keep trying elsewhere until the weekend. At least thats how it reads!)
So unless a miracle happens and something else comes along, I will be the owner of this William Optics 66mm SD Doublet Apo with 2" diagonal
(http://stargazerslounge.com/uploads/monthly_07_2013/classifieds-6762-0-33468100-1374260232.jpg)
So whats needed next?
QuoteSo whats needed next?
Camera.
Off axis guider.
Filer wheel.
filters.
Another camera for the off axis guider.
new laptop to run all the software needed to run the mount, filter wheel, and cameras.
New observatory.
and the list goes on and on and on.... :cheesy:
Mac.
Quote from: Mac on Jul 29, 2013, 13:44:47
QuoteSo whats needed next?
Camera.
Off axis guider.
Filer wheel.
filters.
Another camera for the off axis guider.
new laptop to run all the software needed to run the mount, filter wheel, and cameras.
New observatory.
and the list goes on and on and on.... :cheesy:
Mac.
Well I did order a new laptop from Dell yesterday, so Ive at least got that bit covered! :P
Now straight away from the above I have a question. What is an off axis guider? I know what it is and what it's for..... Just the "off axis" but is a struggle. Is it different to others or is it a generic name?
Generally, guiding is done using another scope, a small scope or in some cases a modified finderscope. this is usually fitted alongside the main scope to align the scope on a "guide star" near the field of view of the main scope so does not have the same view as the main scope.
An off Axis Guider is an adapter that fits between the main scope and the camera and has a small prism/mirror that pokes into the tube and can "see" what the main scope sees. The guide camera is mounted on this (at right angles to the main scope) and is guiding on a star that is in the same position as seen in the main scope which means it is a lot more accurate.
Not all roses though, you need to make sure you can get camera and guide camera in focus which can be a problem with some cameras and some scopes
An off-axis guider would be of no use on a small 66mm scope. To use them successfully you would need a decent aperture and a very sensitive guide camera.
If the imaging scope is of a small aperture it is advisable to use a separate guide scope instead.
Les, you won't need a filter wheel with a Canon and the off axis guider is an alternative to the system I showed you on Saturday. So you can either use a 2nd cheap telescope for guiding (and some means of mounting it), or the finderguider.
Also you don't need to guide straight away, get the hang of the mount, camera and laptop control in the first instance.
But you will need a guidescope and guidecamera once you want to start guiding.
Plus dewheaters (you might be able to get away without these initially), What you need most is a nosepiece to attach your canon to a 2" telescope drawtube plus a cable to attach the Canon to the laptop (plus USB extension cable). A table and chair to sit at and red plexi glass, this would probably do you for this weekend.
Install the Canon software and PHD guiding software (free), and DSS (Deep sky stacker) also free.
You will also need Photoshop once you start processing (not free :()
Carole
Quote from: Carole on Jul 30, 2013, 00:15:19
Les, you won't need a filter wheel with a Canon and the off axis guider is an alternative to the system I showed you on Saturday. So you can either use a 2nd cheap telescope for guiding (and some means of mounting it), or the finderguider.
Also you don't need to guide straight away, get the hang of the mount, camera and laptop control in the first instance.
But you will need a guidescope and guidecamera once you want to start guiding.
Plus dewheaters (you might be able to get away without these initially), What you need most is a nosepiece to attach your canon to a 2" telescope drawtube plus a cable to attach the Canon to the laptop (plus USB extension cable). A table and chair to sit at and red plexi glass, this would probably do you for this weekend.
Install the Canon software and PHD guiding software (free), and DSS (Deep sky stacker) also free.
You will also need Photoshop once you start processing (not free :()
Carole
Thanks Carole.
USB cables - not a problem - have lots of them! The 2" adapter for the Canon.... Are they going to be pretty standard on small refractors? I'm happy to go buy one now if I can be certain it will work on the WO 66. Photoshop, I have. Still need to dig out the canon disc... But hopefully won't be a problem. Chairs and small table I can do! :lol:
I wasn't looking to do anything regarding guiding just yet. I can't even walk yet, let alone run! lol.... The question was merely to clarify what Mick meant by off axis guiding.
You only need a cable to join your Canon to the laptop at this stage as we dsicussed.
Carole
The WO66 fell through in the end - the guy was just too demanding and price kept going up.
Have now sorted something else.... An Orion 80ED APO with 2" crayford and 2" diagonal +rings, dovetail and finder with 90 degree diagonal for the princely sum of £235
I know its a F7.5 but seems to be a good price and not to big for a novice to use!
Sounds ideal.
Carole
You can't go wrong with an ED80. Great scope.
Phew.....
I had to make a quick decision on buying or not (They go very fast as you know)...
I just went on instinct and Carole's comment "dont go bigger than 80mm"
Im hoping that this will last me for quite some time... but not be too narrow a field it'll cause difficulties for a noobie!
QuoteCarole's comment "dont go bigger than 80mm"
That was meaning while you are learning the ropes at imaging, you can always get something more powerful once you've got a bit of experience should you so wish. An ED80 is ideal for a learner.
As you've found out there is a good market for 2nd hand kit. Even if you eventually decide to get something more powerful you will still need the ED80 at times anyway for larger objects like Andromeda galaxy, North America nebula, Orion nebula etc etc. Most people tend to have more than one scope.
Carole
Quote from: Carole on Aug 09, 2013, 09:24:14
QuoteCarole's comment "dont go bigger than 80mm"
That was meaning while you are learning the ropes at imaging, you can always get something more powerful once you've got a bit of experience should you so wish. An ED80 is ideal for a learner.
As you've found out there is a good market for 2nd hand kit. Even if you eventually decide to get something more powerful you will still need the ED80 at times anyway for larger objects like Andromeda galaxy, North America nebula, Orion nebula etc etc. Most people tend to have more than one scope.
Carole
Yeh, I realised what you meant and why....... Though I already have 2 scopes! Actually - I've not collected it yet - and waiting to hear back on when I can! I do hope Im not gonna go through the same thing as with the WO66! - Nah - no one can be that bad!
It comes without an eyepeice (He had 3 for sale seperately at a bargain price - but got snapped up before he got back.) But I did buy one for the WO66 that never came off (28mm) so at least I can use it straight away, get used to it and EQMod and then attach a camera eventually!
Cant believe this.
I just chased up the guy to find out when it would be ok to collect (after Id received an acceptance of my offer) and he's said - sorry should have got back sooner - had a better offer and sold to them!
Jeez.... am I just unlucky?
Thats why Astrobuy and sell should be set out like a forum with replies visible.
Well that didnt take long! Something else sorted already!
I'm gonna keep quite this time and not say a dickie! (Bit of a wait until the end of August though)