Ferebee64
sage
Reged: 04/10/08
Posts: 210
Loc: Portland, Oregon
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Hi,
I am considering purchasing the EXT 80 to take with me on backpacking and camping trips - as a backpacker I have several backpacks, day packs, stuff sacks and waterproof bags already and I am not too sure about the tripod that comes with the backpack edition - too wobbly - (many reviews say that the standard stand is too wobbly - so surely the BP version must be even less stable) so I was wondering what, if anything is so special about the backpack that comes with the backpack edition? Is it form fitted to hold the scope and mount? Does it just use the packaging that the scope came in to hold the scope and mount like the JMI cases do? I wonder if I wouldn't be happier with this purchase if I ordered the EXT 80 regular version with the standard tripod and then retrofitted one of my day packs or sacks to hold the scope and mount (using the packaging if necessary) and lashing on the tripod and sack to my usual backpack that holds my camping gear.
If anyone could supply some detailed pictures of the backpack - and the scope in the backpack (with the cover open - not of it zipped up like it is on its Meade product page)- and some observations or insights pertaining to my idea I would be much obliged and very grateful.
Thanks in advance
RF
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Rusty G
member
Reged: 12/01/07
Posts: 66
Loc: Hueytown, Alabama
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Go to youtube and do a search for etx 80. You'll find what you're looking for.
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1_old_dog
sage
Reged: 09/07/07
Posts: 435
Loc: Smoky Mnts
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Howdy, I don't have the 80 but I do have the 60. I think the ETX BB versions are packed the same only difference might be size.
This is my sons ETX60 and it's always at the ready
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old stuff but good stuff
http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html
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1_old_dog
sage
Reged: 09/07/07
Posts: 435
Loc: Smoky Mnts
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open
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old stuff but good stuff
http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html
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Ferebee64
sage
Reged: 04/10/08
Posts: 210
Loc: Portland, Oregon
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Thanks 1 old dog - Thats exactly what I needed to see - it looks like no packaging or formfitting is even attempted and just about any 20-30 litter daypack will work. I carry a 40 to 50 lb pack for weekend trips already according to the website the scope/mount in the bag with the tripod lashed on weighs about 12 pounds - hmmm - I think if I skip food and water I could carry that load to the top of Mount Hood and be treated to some truly dark skies - thanks for the pics and your service
RF
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caheaton
super member
Reged: 05/26/09
Posts: 157
Loc: SW Ohio
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If this helps any, I have the non backpack edition of the ETX-80 and a Jeep branded backpack (it's actually meant as carry on luggage, as it also has a handle and wheels); I'm able to just fit my ETX 80 inside it and use beach towels for padding underneath and around the scope. It works fine that way and the external pockets of the pack are great for holding accessories and charts.
Craig
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grendel
sage
Reged: 04/12/09
Posts: 243
Loc: Canterbury, Kent, UK
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I have a standard wheelie backpack too for my etx 80, but do have to wind the focus all the way in to properly close the zips, so thats always worth checking.
Grendel
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1_old_dog
sage
Reged: 09/07/07
Posts: 435
Loc: Smoky Mnts
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grendel,that's a good point with the ETX. The focuser will have to be drawn in all the way in order for the scope to fit in the backpack.
--------------------
old stuff but good stuff
http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html
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Ferebee64
sage
Reged: 04/10/08
Posts: 210
Loc: Portland, Oregon
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Thanks guys - I am on the fence as to what to do - get the standard version and jimmy a rig to my backpack or buy the backpack version and just lash it to my pack - either way its going to probably suck - its a lot of weight for so little aperture to take on backpacking trips - and im not sure i would be willing to haul that much weight enough to make the expense justifiable - as for camping - if i camp out of my truck (which I often do) then I can get a little more aperture like the ETX 125 for just a couple hundred more - however if i go that route im pretty certain I would never haul the 125 on any overnighter pack back trips - unless! I get a harness and saddle pack for my dog and.... hmmmm?
What to do - what to do?
fortunately i have all winter to figure it out - i wont be doing any more backpacking or camping this year - i probably not that much stargazing either - fall has definitely fell in the northwest
tanks again
RF
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1_old_dog
sage
Reged: 09/07/07
Posts: 435
Loc: Smoky Mnts
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Have you thought about bino's? maybe that's the way to go for backpacking?
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old stuff but good stuff
http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html
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Ferebee64
sage
Reged: 04/10/08
Posts: 210
Loc: Portland, Oregon
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you know - thats not a bad idea - i already carry a small pair of field glasses - i could just replace the field glasses for a larger pair of astronomy glasses - and a lightweight collapsible tripod - hmmmm? any body have any suggestions on what would be a good rig for this? I dont know much about bino's what is the minim aperture size or is it power with binos? I have some researching to do.
RF
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1_old_dog
sage
Reged: 09/07/07
Posts: 435
Loc: Smoky Mnts
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There's forum just for Binoculars.
--------------------
old stuff but good stuff
http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html
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