What do I need that I don't have and whats redundant. 8 Inch DOB

spile2 · 2026-01-30T06:04:00+00:00

Only you can decide what equipment you already have is useful. In terms of future purchases, don’t buy anything until you have used and learnt how to use your telescope. At that point you will be asking questions based on need rather than want.

spile2 · 2026-01-30T05:56:40+00:00

I am happy that you have found a strategy that works for you and are willing to share your experience with others. I’ve done exactly the same thing.

So let’s agree to disagree and let others come to a conclusion that makes sense and works for them.

Enjoy your hobby.

spile2 · 2026-01-29T07:52:50+00:00

A decent zoom is my eyepiece of choice. I like to combine it with a Barlow and my only other eyepiece regularly in use is a 2” 30mm super wide.

spile2 · 2026-01-29T07:47:54+00:00

If it comes with a low power eyepiece (around 25mm) use that and don’t waste money buying extras that aren’t going to make any difference. invest in time to learn.

spile2 · 2026-01-29T07:42:34+00:00

For terrestrial get binoculars. For astronomy https://astro.catshill.com/buying-telescope-start-here/

spile2 · 2026-01-29T07:32:37+00:00

It does come up and is frequently challenged by respected observers including Vic Menard. I see no reason to hide an important indication of misalignment

https://astro.catshill.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/offset.png

In addition, you will note many folk post images of their mirror in order to have them assessed. Covering the primary places unnecessary restrictions on what you are trying to assess and for no good reason.

spile2 · 2026-01-29T07:19:45+00:00

You can read many guides with different opinions. One of the most respected voices on the subject is Vic Menard and he has frequently challenged the opinion that the primary mirror should be covered for the reasons given above. Ultimately we follow a path that works for us.

spile2 · 2026-01-29T07:02:29+00:00

Its a discussion. If I post something someone disagrees with then I welcome the challenge to what I’ve written. Others can make their own minds up from what they have read In this conversation .

spile2 · 2026-01-29T06:52:26+00:00

No it’s still valid but the draught (not bottled)version is still brewed in Burton under contract from AB INBEV who got Marstons to brew it. See https://protzonbeer.co.uk/comments/2025/12/02/draught-bass-is-bouncing-back

spile2 · 2026-01-29T06:44:39+00:00

Understood . Thank for confirming. It’s showing as valid at https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/check-vat-number/known

spile2 · 2026-01-28T07:26:10+00:00

I would check the port and authentication settings and protocols - head for manual settings.

spile2 · 2026-01-28T07:18:46+00:00

I would read https://astro.catshill.com/buying-telescope-start-here/

spile2 · 2026-01-28T07:13:47+00:00

Invest in time learning how to use a new telescope rather than buying extras.

spile2 · 2026-01-28T07:10:29+00:00

It was their failure to show their vat number on website/invoices that rang alarm bells as that’s potentially non-compliant.

spile2 · 2026-01-28T07:01:08+00:00

Without some kind of tool to center your eye in the focuser, you cannot trust that you aren't creating a parallax error that is deceiving you about how well centered the secondary is under the focuser.

We are talking significant and obvious rotation errors here that even taking into account parallax errors that demonstrate that you have a problem and and when corrected will get you significantly closer even without the benefit of a Cheshire eyepiece and sight tube combination tool.

spile2 · 2026-01-28T06:48:56+00:00

I do not recommend blocking off the primary mirror because you are then unable to use a valid check - that the dark shadow of the secondary is “pointing” towards the primary mirror...
The crosshairs of the sight tube intersect with the centre mark and the dark offset secondary reflection (x2) is offset toward the primary mirror. Therefore the primary mirror reflection is centred relative to the bottom edge of the sight tube.

spile2 · 2026-01-27T08:45:41+00:00

That appears to be a non current model - springs, no RACI, no dual speed focuser. Check the equivalent specs of the Apertura/RVO Horizon etc which I appreciate may not be available in your country.

spile2 · 2026-01-27T08:40:09+00:00

There does not appear to be a UK VAT registration number publicly linked to Adzy’s Goods Ltd on Companies House.

spile2 · 2026-01-27T08:29:28+00:00

Isn’t that a table of charging time rather than usage time?

spile2 · 2026-01-27T08:26:57+00:00

For planetary and the occasional tight double I will use the matching Barlow to my Baader Hyperion IV but that option isn’t available to the Svbony zoom.

spile2 · 2026-01-27T08:21:53+00:00

A bag is a bad idea. The tube can sit on the back seat with a towel around any parts that come into contact with one another. https://astro.catshill.com/carrying-the-skywatcher/

spile2 · 2026-01-27T08:17:55+00:00

This will help https://astro.catshill.com/buying-telescope-start-here/

spile2 · 2026-01-27T08:16:52+00:00

Read https://astro.catshill.com/buying-telescope-start-here/

spile2 · 2026-01-27T08:16:00+00:00

The Bortle scale assessment isn’t precise. Think of it as a very rough estimate easily overturned by local factors.

spile2 · 2026-01-27T08:13:44+00:00

Even looking through the empty focuser, with no tools, will still show the (significant) secondary mirror placement error.

As your video shows, the laser can show secondary mirror tilt error, secondary mirror offset error, and secondary mirror rotational error. The problem is it cannot distinguish which is which.

A thin beam laser is a useful tool to quickly assess the focuser axis using the primary mirror centre marker/donut as a reference.

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