Now that I have figured out some of PhotoShop

[anysia]

I am running my earlier Mars avis through Registax again. Kind of kicking myself for deleting the Jupiter avis,as I could have probably have gotten some more detail using PhotoShop. It will come around again, along with Saturn.

Been actually looking at another telescope package, one with a 6" mirror. It's not so much the larger objective, but the eyepieces that come with it, the parfocal ring and the 2x barlow, that if I got them here, would cost me more than if I got the telescope package on Ebay. Go figure!  Not going to do this for a while yet, but save my pennies and get it later.  Also, a 2nd scope will allow me to have one with upright eyepieces for both the west and east skies without having to turn the body of the telescope in the rings.

Comments

[gandalf379.livejournal.com]

What I usually do with my eq newts is twist the tube so that the focuser is straight up when aligned with the pole. Tis makes it easier to view from either side of the tube. It works for me ,but probably isn't for everyone.

[anysia.livejournal.com]

Yeah it works for me too, but I get a bit worried if turning it in the rings will somehow damage it. If it's something that won't cause harm to the mirror, I am all for it.

But the first reason still stands. It would coste me $300 AUD to get the eyepieces and barlow, BUT there is a telescope (true, not a Meade or Celestron, but it's a pretty decent one) with a 6" mirror for $216 AUD. I would be an idiot not to go that route.

[gandalf379.livejournal.com]

It never damaged the mirror for me.You should'nt have much trouble.Just loosen the rings enough to get it to spin.
What kind of scope is the 6 in you are looking at?If it's got a long focal length your planetary images will be sharp!
:)

[anysia.livejournal.com]

Well, yeah, I know about loosening the rings, that is how I turned it. Don't really think there is any other way to do it.

Can't really afford a Meade or Celestron, but I have been doing side by side comparisons with 'no name' brands on their constructions, and where the mirrors are made, warranties all all those other bells and whistles. They actually do have brandnames, but they are eclipsed by Meade/Celestron/Bushnell etc etc. But I am going for another with long focal length, as I still want to do photography.

[gandalf379.livejournal.com]

I believe,(do not quote me) that they are using the chinese brand SYNTA. My orion xt8 happens to be of the same make too.
I find orion seems to be better priced though,and a little more attention to detail is paid to the construction, particulary in the focuser,and primary mirror adjustment screws. It's too bad you're so far away, I'd sell you my c8-n for a decent price, but the shipping would probably be too much. Check into an orion 6 in long tube 1200 mm focal length. It will give nice planetary views.
Mark

[gandalf379.livejournal.com]

I think Orion's web site is www. telescopes.com, otherwise put orion telescopes into a search.
they sell the 6 in long tube ota for 179 dollars american.Not sure what they would charge for shipping though.
I'd sell my ota from my 8 in for about 240(has 2 in focuser with 1.25 in adapter) but again , the shipping could be alot, not sure. My zip is 07110 usa.
Let me know what you think, you may still be better off going with the 6 in. orion tube if the shipping is alot less though them.

[anysia.livejournal.com]

The problem with ordering in the US, is the huge markup and possibly a 30% additional 'duty' tax to pay on it when it arrives that chaps my butt. Shipping is part of the cost. If I order an Orion/Meade/Busnell from a local store, then no only slap that 30% duty on it, but also add a bit more for their own profit/overhead. Remember the pricing differences I posted about the DSI? $600 AUD vs $900?

I will check orion though, they might be better cost per item. If not, there is always my fallback..Ebay. :)

[gandalf379.livejournal.com]

i got alot of my best stuff on e- bay.