Back in August I bought my first refractor used from a fellow CN member, a Sky Watcher 100ED. Although the 100ED is not as small as many of the 60 and 80 mm refractors I have seen here, I consider it small and grab and go compared to my 12.5" Obsession. I can pick the refractor up, mounted, and carry it outside to my patio in less than one minute. During the heat of Summer in Florida, it may take 45 mins to 1 HR for reaching thermal equilibrium. Now, with Fall here and days in the 70's and nights low to mid 60's, it takes 30 mins or less. I have been very impressed with the contrast of this refractor and what you can see. I was lucky enough for my first light to be able to simultaneously view the GRS on Jupiter while Io's shadow was transiting, all with excellent seeing and high contrast that the refractor provides.
Lately, I have been using the 100ED for lunar and double star observation. It is excelling at both. I have only taken it to darker skies while camping once, Bortle 4, but was able to get some very nice views of open clusters M36, 37, 38 in Auriga, M42, M45, and Kemble's Cascade. Kemble's Cascade is a real favorite of mine. The relatively wide view of ~2.5 deg TFOV was welcomed while viewing the Cascade when compared to my 12.5" Dob.
I have the 100ED currently under-mounted on my Orion Space Probe 130EQ tripod with a Stellarvue M2C head. The tripod can handle the weight, but the length of the tube makes for excessive vibrations. I am using some vibration pads recommended to me by another member here to get me by until my backordered wooden Denali tripod comes in from Stellarvue (hopefully in the next week or two). Once I get that, this will be an even sweeter set up...The Grab and Go nature of this scope is getting me outside more at night after work when I only have a couple of HRs and this is most welcomed. I use my Dob when I have more time on the weekends lately due to the convenience of the refractor. The 100ED will have a place in my stable in the years to come.
Clear skies to all,
Kyle
