Jump to content

  •  

CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.

Photo

Travel telescope for visual astronomy

  • Please log in to reply
52 replies to this topic

#1 AstroDani89

AstroDani89

    Vostok 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 143
  • Joined: 27 Dec 2024

Posted 18 May 2025 - 10:54 AM

👋🏾 everyone,

I tried to search for an answer before making yet another post, but one can literally spend all day "searching " and STILL not find an answer. I'm not ready to take on driving across country with my trailer. I also have to overcome my fear of bob cats and mountain lions before I even think about using them on any given trip as a soloist....so until I find friends who are willing to travel with, I'm in search of a decent telescope I can pack either as a carry on or checked luggage that will be compatible with my 31mm Nagler, a few of my TeleVue Ethos eyepieces, and my PVS-14. For those of you who frequent New Mexico and Arizona, what do you recommend?

Also,for those of you who already own land in these areas, do you fence in the area you wish to use for astronomy or does everyone have observatories? For those of you who use your lot for a second home/astronomy site, what are some recommended security parameters/precautions for when you're away? I'm thinking of maybe a tiny home for now as I'm nowhere close to retirement age.

Any and all recommendations appreciated.

Edited by AstroDani89, 18 May 2025 - 10:55 AM.

  • Plutón and ClsscLib like this

#2 hyiger

hyiger

    Fly Me to the Moon

  • *****
  • Posts: 6,699
  • Joined: 05 Sep 2021
  • Loc: East Bay, CA & South East, VA

Posted 18 May 2025 - 11:08 AM

Any small refractor would do (AT80ED would work). I would pair that with a carbon fiber tripod like the TC-40 or RT90C, a small Alt/Az mount head like Noh’s CT-20 and a PiFinder to create a very portable push-to system. All of this will fit in a backpack. I would never put anything valuable into checked luggage. 


Edited by hyiger, 18 May 2025 - 11:35 AM.

  • ClsscLib and AstroDani89 like this

#3 ButterFly

ButterFly

    Cosmos

  • *****
  • Freeware Developers
  • Posts: 8,402
  • Joined: 07 Sep 2018

Posted 18 May 2025 - 11:34 AM

Don't worry about the bobcats - you can easily kick away even the most deranged ones.  Mountain lions rarely attack stationary people, but it is still best to keep away from pounce points, because they are stalking predators.  An open space is far better than one right near a big bush.  And don't forget about the deranged bears that will just eat you for no reason at all.  You are in their wilderness, so don't bring food along to attract them.  Be ready should they ever come, but it is very unlikely that they will.  Any time you go into wilderness, you should be prepared to stay much longer than intended.  You yourself are the most likely cause of any issues that may arise, so take some classes to avoid getting yourself in trouble, and to learn what to do should you do so.  The fear is the most insurmountable part.  Modern humans have all the advantages our predecessors had, and much more.

 

My 80mm with retractable dew shield does great with my PVS14, for the dark skies, and the wildlife at night.  The retractable dew shield helps out a whole lot.  Don't forget about the mounting though.  That will add lots of weight for the plane, as well as space.  You can consider one of the travel folding dobs, which are their own mounts, but you need to make sure it can handle the added torque arm with the PVS14, and ... .

 

Another option is to join TAAA and use their site for storage and viewing.  You get what you need to get there once, then it's waiting for you when you get there again.  You carry on your eyepieces and intensifier, to bring to your dob waiting for you.  There are out of staters that do so already, and you can also stay on site comfortably.  There are plenty of options for plenty of price points.  Picking up a used dob locally may be better than flying yours in even once.  Other clubs in the area have similar arrangements.

 

There are no answers, but only options.  Spend your time looking for more options rather than answers.  Even when you find something that works out for you, keep looking for more options.


  • wolf man, Madscrambler, ClsscLib and 1 other like this

#4 AstroDani89

AstroDani89

    Vostok 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 143
  • Joined: 27 Dec 2024

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:02 PM

Don't worry about the bobcats - you can easily kick away even the most deranged ones. Mountain lions rarely attack stationary people, but it is still best to keep away from pounce points, because they are stalking predators. An open space is far better than one right near a big bush. And don't forget about the deranged bears that will just eat you for no reason at all. You are in their wilderness, so don't bring food along to attract them. Be ready should they ever come, but it is very unlikely that they will. Any time you go into wilderness, you should be prepared to stay much longer than intended. You yourself are the most likely cause of any issues that may arise, so take some classes to avoid getting yourself in trouble, and to learn what to do should you do so. The fear is the most insurmountable part. Modern humans have all the advantages our predecessors had, and much more.

My 80mm with retractable dew shield does great with my PVS14, for the dark skies, and the wildlife at night. The retractable dew shield helps out a whole lot. Don't forget about the mounting though. That will add lots of weight for the plane, as well as space. You can consider one of the travel folding dobs, which are their own mounts, but you need to make sure it can handle the added torque arm with the PVS14, and ... .

Another option is to join TAAA and use their site for storage and viewing. You get what you need to get there once, then it's waiting for you when you get there again. You carry on your eyepieces and intensifier, to bring to your dob waiting for you. There are out of staters that do so already, and you can also stay on site comfortably. There are plenty of options for plenty of price points. Picking up a used dob locally may be better than flying yours in even once. Other clubs in the area have similar arrangements.

There are no answers, but only options. Spend your time looking for more options rather than answers. Even when you find something that works out for you, keep looking for more options.


I REALLY like the idea of taking a class. I'm not si sure there's anything like that in Ohio, but I'm definitely willing to try to figure it out. What crazy is I sit outside for hours at the rental I use for work in West Virginia without a care in the world. New Mexico's wild life intimidates me with no real cause for intimidation. I went hiking there in 2022, saw a sign that stating I was in mountain lion territory and to "make myself" bigger, turned around, and have been terrified since. The closest encounter I've ever had was hearing some type of wild cat growl near my cabin on Thursday night. Even that led to me stumbling down several stairs, getting back into my SUV and renting a room at the local lodge, lol. A class would definitely help me manage my fears I think.

Do you mind sharing more info about your telescope? Someone mentioned a TC-40 carbon fiber mount. I'll probably get that.

#5 daveb2022

daveb2022

    Apollo

  • -----
  • Posts: 1,468
  • Joined: 13 Jun 2022
  • Loc: San Joaquin Valley

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:16 PM

If I were to worry about strangers visiting in the night, I'd never be able to sit around a campfire like I've done hundreds of times. Staying aware is important no matter where you are, but I won't let it stop me. YMMV.

 

Not sure what kind of observing you prefer. The type scope/tripod you select might make a difference. Go-to, push-to, DSC's or a PiFinder are a few options. Do you want tracking? I can live w/o tracking but if I were traveling, I'd kind of want an option for dealing with LP and many times it means some type of pointing capability.

 

I kinda like my TV85 as a travel scope. Wide angle observing is nice from a dark location and the little APO does very good or performs reasonable on the larger planets and moon. Pairs well with a Nagler 31. If coupled with an intensifier, it's a formidable DSO scope even in somewhat bright LP skies. At a truly dark spot, a small refractor (even an ED) would perform well IMO. Even my little 72mm AT does OK in dark skies and with it being lightweight, a lighter duty go-to tripod can be used.

 

About the only thing I don't like is how TV has proprietary requirements for mounting their scopes, but there are ways around it. Balancing for heavy EP's is also worth researching, but like the mounting issues, there are solutions. 

Of course, every time I have the 85 out, I miss my larger NP101. So I'd never complain about a slightly larger scope such as a 6" SCT, but the optics aren't quite as sharp, and wide field observing is more limited. 


  • AstroDani89 likes this

#6 VA3DSO

VA3DSO

    Gemini

  • *****
  • Posts: 3,263
  • Joined: 28 Feb 2015
  • Loc: Canada

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:17 PM

We don't have bobcats or cougars where I live in Canada, but we have lots of bears, wolves and coyotes.

 

I observe alone 95% of the time, and my strategy is to find a spot where I can set up and have my vehicle very close. The further out into the wilderness I go, the closer I set up to my vehicle. My normal observing site is a nearby sports park parking lot, so I set up about 20-30 feet away (as I'm in a big flat field and I have never seen any wildlife there) but when I go out to a dark sky preserve, I actually take my vehicle (Ford Escape) off-roading and find a good spot where I can set up right beside it.

 

And I have my vehicle near me not so much so I can jump into it, but so I can set off the alarm if something approaches. I have a friend who was approached by a bear when he was observing in the bush, and he set off his car alarm and the bear took off like a shot.

 

When I go backwoods camping, I pack a compact survival knife that I sleep with. I realize if a bear decides it wants to sample me, I don't have much choice - but I'll give him some things to think about while he's trying. I don't keep any food or other smelly supplies with me (ie: toothpaste, deodorant, etc) - they all go into a bear bin that gets hung 20-30ft above the ground away from my camp.

 

The more you learn about co-existing in the wilderness, the better you'll feel for sure. I have had bear encounters while hiking and mountain biking and have lived to tell the tale. But familiarity doesn't make me any less cautious when I'm visiting their space. Taking a class and asking the instructor for specific advice is a great idea.

Good luck!


Edited by VA3DSO, 18 May 2025 - 12:18 PM.

  • vtornado, wolf man, 12BH7 and 1 other like this

#7 GalaxyPiper

GalaxyPiper

    Surveyor 1

  • *****
  • Posts: 1,572
  • Joined: 20 May 2017
  • Loc: Sacramento, California

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:17 PM

Are you a member of a local club? That is usually a good place to start and get ideas bounced off of well traveled photographers and dark sky AP individuals.

 

Also, going to star parties hosted by other clubs can give you experience and be surrounded by like individuals. Safety in numbers.

 

You can contact clubs in the state you are going to visit to get dates and locations.

 

Here's a list to start with...

 

http://www.seasky.or...s.html#Oklahoma

 


Edited by GalaxyPiper, 18 May 2025 - 12:22 PM.

  • AstroDani89 likes this

#8 hyiger

hyiger

    Fly Me to the Moon

  • *****
  • Posts: 6,699
  • Joined: 05 Sep 2021
  • Loc: East Bay, CA & South East, VA

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:20 PM

Here in California, I'm more worried about deranged people than deranged animals. My dark site though has plenty of coyotes, feral pigs, foxes and the occasional mountain lion. By far the scariest and most dangerous animals (mostly during the day though) are... believe or not... cows. 


Edited by hyiger, 18 May 2025 - 12:27 PM.

  • payner, VA3DSO, GalaxyPiper and 4 others like this

#9 hyiger

hyiger

    Fly Me to the Moon

  • *****
  • Posts: 6,699
  • Joined: 05 Sep 2021
  • Loc: East Bay, CA & South East, VA

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:22 PM

Do you mind sharing more info about your telescope? Someone mentioned a TC-40 carbon fiber mount. I'll probably get that.

I have 3 TC-40 tripods and one RT90C. The TC-40's are a bit on the short side but I use occasionally for visual when sitting in a chair (I'm 6'2"). The RT90C is a little bigger and heavier but the legs stretch out quite far. 


Edited by hyiger, 18 May 2025 - 12:23 PM.


#10 GSwaim

GSwaim

    Mariner 2

  • *****
  • Posts: 297
  • Joined: 04 May 2021
  • Loc: Planet Earth

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:30 PM

I use a TeleVue TV85 with a Gibraltar HD4 alt-az mount with the TeleVue ash wood tripod. Very sturdy mount setup.

Setup is about 5-7 minutes(taking my time), take down time is the same. 

I only do visual observations of the solar system, both day and night. 


  • AstroDani89 likes this

#11 Jethro7

Jethro7

    Fly Me to the Moon

  • *****
  • Posts: 6,043
  • Joined: 17 Dec 2018
  • Loc: N.W. Florida

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:39 PM

everyone,

Any and all recommendations appreciated.

Hello AstroDani86,

My Air travel rig consist of a Tak FC 76 DS, Desert Sky Astro DSV-M mount, Benro Series 303 carbon fiber tripod. Total weight assembled 15 Lbs. I also limit myself to one diagonal, night vision device set up and a quality Zoom eyepiece and 2x multiplier. All of this fits into a Pelican rolling case and the tripod goes down under for airline travel. I would think if you were to join an Astro Club and get hands on instruction with Dobs and Cats you will parlay your fears. These scopes are really easy to use once you understand how to collimate them. A successful Astronomy travel kit is a matter of keeping everything simple and as light as you can. The PVS14 is a huge game changer for traveling with a small refractor. 

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

 

20240316 182306

Edited by Jethro7, 18 May 2025 - 12:40 PM.

  • AstroDani89 likes this

#12 SporadicGazer

SporadicGazer

    Apollo

  • -----
  • Posts: 1,211
  • Joined: 04 Feb 2023
  • Loc: SF Bay Area, CA, USA

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:43 PM

  ... I'm in search of a decent telescope I can pack either as a carry on or checked luggage ....

We could use more info about your preferences, budget, & goals to really help.

 

E.g. if convenience was a top priority and budget not a problem I can't imagine doing better than the TeleVue TV60 compact scope.  OTOH- it would be too small for a lot of things.

 

I'd never want to check anything fragile, so sticking to carry-on size options and looking for "big" I remember Gary Seronik's Travel Scope.  I found an article he posted online, though the original was in S&T, and also notice he has some other designs too:

 

https://garyseronik....ch-travelscope/

https://garyseronik....ck-travelscope/

https://garyseronik....st-travelscope/

 

Again, only options and you'll need to decide your own priorities and tradeoffs.

 

Good luck!



#13 vtornado

vtornado

    Voyager 1

  • *****
  • Posts: 10,335
  • Joined: 22 Jan 2016
  • Loc: North East Illinois

Posted 18 May 2025 - 12:59 PM

I don't airline travel, I'm a car/day pack traveler.

 

In my years of hiking out west.  I have never seen a big cat, even though I would love to see one.  I think they stay well away from humans.  I have seen their scat along the trail, so I know they are around.    I have seen bear and moose up too close, but that was because I was trespassing in their area, not me being stationary and them encroaching on me. You may want to play some soft music while viewing so they know you are there.

 

I live on an urban watershed and I do have trouble with urbanized coyotes and deer in the rut.  Never had a bad encounter but they do get too close for comfort.

I lased the coyote with my GLP, but bucks in the rut don't give up.  I abandoned my gear and went out and got it later.

 

Regarding a scope.  I don't get dark sky at home, so when I am out in the rural areas, I concentrate on things that don't show up in light pollution.  I have to hike from where my family sleeps to a clearing about a mile away.  I use a f/6 70mm Svbony ED.  These scopes are small enough to be in an overhead and fit in a daypack. They are cheap enough where I won't cry if they get some dirt or moisture in them.  I can leave them in my parked car without worrying about theft.  I put them on a photo tripod.  That gets slung across my back.


Edited by vtornado, 18 May 2025 - 01:06 PM.


#14 Tony Flanders

Tony Flanders

    ISS

  • *****
  • Posts: 24,695
  • Joined: 18 May 2006
  • Loc: New Lebanon, NY and Cambridge, MA, USA

Posted 18 May 2025 - 01:30 PM

What crazy is I sit outside for hours at the rental I use for work in West Virginia without a care in the world. New Mexico's wild life intimidates me with no real cause for intimidation.


Irrational fears like that often dissipate in time, once you realize there's really nothing to worry about. For the record, I've never heard of any astronomer anywhere being attacked by a mountain lion. And bobcats (which are probably more abundant in West Virginia than New Mexico) avoid contact with humans. In all my years in upstate New York I've heard bobcats, and often seen their tracks, but I've never actually spotted one.


  • payner, Jethro7 and AstroDani89 like this

#15 ButterFly

ButterFly

    Cosmos

  • *****
  • Freeware Developers
  • Posts: 8,402
  • Joined: 07 Sep 2018

Posted 18 May 2025 - 01:48 PM

... but bucks in the rut don't give up.  I abandoned my gear and went out and got it later.

 

When some idiot campers about a quarter mile from me bugled back at the elk was the only time I ever packed up in terror in cougar country.
 



#16 ButterFly

ButterFly

    Cosmos

  • *****
  • Freeware Developers
  • Posts: 8,402
  • Joined: 07 Sep 2018

Posted 18 May 2025 - 02:18 PM

Do you mind sharing more info about your telescope? Someone mentioned a TC-40 carbon fiber mount. I'll probably get that.

It's short.  The longer the refractor, the shorter it seems!  Vibration suppression pads help it out a whole lot.  I just picked up a ZWO AM3 setup (mount, tripod [TC-40], pier) to try out.  It has no alignment routine available, so it does a terrible job in alt/az for visual.  I then tried a Wave 100i setup (mount, tripod, pier) that actually tracks well because it has an alignment routine.  For standalone use, you will need a handcontroller for it, or just use your phone.

 

With my 120 f/7.5 on those, I am very near the bottom of my Starbound chair's travel range.  Both of those tripods are shaky as is, and even when weighed down, but those pads really help out.

 

I really hate SkyWatcher's pier, because you have to use allen keys to get the mount on the pier.  Even when replacing those with thumbscrews, it's still very annoying.  Much to my surprise, the Wave 100i works well with the ZWO TC-40 and the ZWO pier.  That pier has built in thumbscrews. so I don't have to feel around to find the screw hole first.  My covered 120 has been happily on there for the last several days, with 40 mph gusts.

 

I much prefer my Manfrotto 475B with N12 head for my 80mm and my 120.  I lived in NYC back when I got it, so there were plenty of used options around.  It's an expensive setup brand new, and heavy, but its elevator center column is really nice to have.  A cedar solver setup gets me goto (should I ever need it), but I am still the tracker on that.

 

The focal length of the 120 (~900mm) frames things really nicely with my intensifier, but it's a little slow (f/7.5).  I got an 8" f/4 for that, but the torque is way too high for the N12, so I had to explore other portable mounting options.  I definitely need to counterweight that scope with both the above mounts on those tripods, because of the tipping over hazard.  My 120 gets a counterweight too, just because.  My 80mm f/6 is fine.

 

My 15" f/4.2 UC dob is the scope that gets out most often.  Although it was designed with plane travel in mind, I have hugged it way too many times by now to just hand over to baggage handlers.  At the very least, the mirror would travel as a carry on.  Terror can be justified!  Unfortunately, even with an intensifier, even under the darkest of skies, you simply can't beat aperture for image scale.  CAC does have a 40" StarLockWoodStructure for that, but it's for shared use only.  You can reserve an 18" for personal use after training.  That's probably the easiest was to dip your toe in the water, carrying on your eyepieces, and not worrying about the scope just yet, and definitely without buying cougar infested land first.


  • AstroDani89 likes this

#17 AstroDani89

AstroDani89

    Vostok 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 143
  • Joined: 27 Dec 2024

Posted 18 May 2025 - 02:23 PM

Are you a member of a local club? That is usually a good place to start and get ideas bounced off of well traveled photographers and dark sky AP individuals.

Also, going to star parties hosted by other clubs can give you experience and be surrounded by like individuals. Safety in numbers.

You can contact clubs in the state you are going to visit to get dates and locations.

Here's a list to start with...

http://www.seasky.or...s.html#Oklahoma


I joined 2 astronomy groups while I was in New Mexico with hopes of being able to link up with individuals in the future. I also met a really cool couple on Thursday.

This list is AMAZING!!!! Both of the astronomy groups I joined are on there. I tend to miss the star parties, and the few that I know of occur during my work week. I'm an independent contractor and my schedule goes for 3 to 6 months in advance. I think once I get into a few of the right groups, I'll be able to plan accordingly for the next season.


Edited by AstroDani89, 18 May 2025 - 09:57 PM.

  • VA3DSO and GalaxyPiper like this

#18 AstroDani89

AstroDani89

    Vostok 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 143
  • Joined: 27 Dec 2024

Posted 18 May 2025 - 02:43 PM

Hello AstroDani86,
My Air travel rig consist of a Tak FC 76 DS, Desert Sky Astro DSV-M mount, Benro Series 303 carbon fiber tripod. Total weight assembled 15 Lbs. I also limit myself to one diagonal, night vision device set up and a quality Zoom eyepiece and 2x multiplier. All of this fits into a Pelican rolling case and the tripod goes down under for airline travel. I would think if you were to join an Astro Club and get hands on instruction with Dobs and Cats you will parlay your fears. These scopes are really easy to use once you understand how to collimate them. A successful Astronomy travel kit is a matter of keeping everything simple and as light as you can. The PVS14 is a huge game changer for traveling with a small refractor.

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro


I love that you provided all the details I'd need for a travel set up. Im going to get these items for my next trip. Hopefully it all comes in on time🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
  • Jethro7 likes this

#19 AstroDani89

AstroDani89

    Vostok 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 143
  • Joined: 27 Dec 2024

Posted 18 May 2025 - 03:22 PM

We could use more info about your preferences, budget, & goals to really help.

E.g. if convenience was a top priority and budget not a problem I can't imagine doing better than the TeleVue TV60 compact scope. OTOH- it would be too small for a lot of things.

I'd never want to check anything fragile, so sticking to carry-on size options and looking for "big" I remember Gary Seronik's Travel Scope. I found an article he posted online, though the original was in S&T, and also notice he has some other designs too:

https://garyseronik....ch-travelscope/
https://garyseronik....ck-travelscope/
https://garyseronik....st-travelscope/

Again, only options and you'll need to decide your own priorities and tradeoffs.

Good luck!


Fair statement. I'm learning my preferences as I go. I'm used to using my dobsonians, so I'm coming with limited knowledge of refractor. I don't really have a budget. And my goal is to use the telescope for visual observation of DSOs with my PVS-14.
  • Jethro7 likes this

#20 12BH7

12BH7

    Fly Me to the Moon

  • -----
  • Posts: 5,241
  • Joined: 05 Jan 2022
  • Loc: North of Phoenix Arizona

Posted 18 May 2025 - 06:04 PM

Irrational fears like that often dissipate in time, once you realize there's really nothing to worry about. For the record, I've never heard of any astronomer anywhere being attacked by a mountain lion. And bobcats (which are probably more abundant in West Virginia than New Mexico) avoid contact with humans. In all my years in upstate New York I've heard bobcats, and often seen their tracks, but I've never actually spotted one.

We have plenty of Bobcats pass through our area. We've even had a few nursing kittens in our yard.  A bobcat is basically nothing more than a big house cat. When I'm in my backyard the bobcat usually just sits there or does a very slow casual cat like walk away.  I've had them within 3 feet of me and they don't seem to care. 

 

If you're planning a trip to Arizona and New Mexico, don't worry about the wild life. Even the rattle snakes want nothing to do with you. However, don't turn your back on cattle. 

 

Also, if you're coming to this area do be aware that there are large areas with no cell service. So if your using a DSC that needs connectivity that could be a problem. 

 

As for fences - no. It's mostly open range. But you will run into a lot of barbwire.


  • AstroDani89 likes this

#21 Jethro7

Jethro7

    Fly Me to the Moon

  • *****
  • Posts: 6,043
  • Joined: 17 Dec 2018
  • Loc: N.W. Florida

Posted 18 May 2025 - 08:40 PM

I am coming with limited knowledge of refractor. I don't really have a budget. And my goal is to use the telescope for visual observation of DSOs with my PVS-14.

Hello AstroDani89,

Much of this Astro Hobby is personal and one's various choices of Genre of scopes and related equipment that we use, are born from each of our own experiences, needs and perceptions. In my case, its refractors, I find that these scopes amazing easy and feel more comfortable and immersive to me than any other scope Genre. Refractors provide a very natural and the most beautifully contrasted views that I have ever born witnessed to and that's why refractors are my personal favorite Genre. However, refractors have one big problem and no it's not the lack of aperture.This aperture thing is where the PVS 14 is the game changer. I was very happy and content with my nice Chinese manufactured refractors till I decided to purchase a Takahashi and that did it. Sometimes you can't go back. 

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro


  • AstroDani89 likes this

#22 ABQJeff

ABQJeff

    Skylab

  • *****
  • Posts: 4,303
  • Joined: 31 Jul 2020
  • Loc: New Mexico

Posted 18 May 2025 - 08:46 PM

First on the airline travel scope, I have airline traveled with a 102 F/7, 150mm Mak, 150mm Mak and 80mm F/6.  With a PVS-14 for DSO viewing a ST120 (120mm F/5) would be a good option.  You can take off the dew shield and easily fit in a Peiican case.

 

Below are photos of the various set-ups, by water to prove not in New Mexico (we have the least water acreage of any state.)

 

IMG_5142.jpeg

IMG_8679.jpeg

IMG_1716.jpeg

 

On critters, for Chaco, El Malpais, or Cosmic Campground, don’t worry about it.  These are open dry areas (read: minimal food).  I have never seen cat or bear foot prints in the snow at my observation sight (I saw a rabbit once).  Bats are frequent.

 

Funny to say but most wildlife hangs out around the city (bc food).  There are more bear, coyote, mountain lion and bobcat sightings in my neighborhood in Albuquerque city limits than I have ever heard of at the national monuments and parks. 

 

Photo of critter joining my wife on her morning walk in our neighborhood:

IMG_3954.jpeg


Edited by ABQJeff, 18 May 2025 - 08:51 PM.

  • Ptarmigan, VA3DSO, Jethro7 and 3 others like this

#23 ABQJeff

ABQJeff

    Skylab

  • *****
  • Posts: 4,303
  • Joined: 31 Jul 2020
  • Loc: New Mexico

Posted 18 May 2025 - 08:56 PM

BTW if you are flying into/out of Albuquerque, I have scopes you can borrow for the weekend if I am not using them (and if I am using them that means I am going to my dark site and you are welcome to join me.)

 

When I go “all out” at Lava Falls…

IMG_9673.jpeg


  • Jethro7, 12BH7 and AstroDani89 like this

#24 daveb2022

daveb2022

    Apollo

  • -----
  • Posts: 1,468
  • Joined: 13 Jun 2022
  • Loc: San Joaquin Valley

Posted 18 May 2025 - 08:58 PM

Fair statement. I'm learning my preferences as I go. I'm used to using my dobsonians, so I'm coming with limited knowledge of refractor. I don't really have a budget. And my goal is to use the telescope for visual observation of DSOs with my PVS-14.

I figured your budget is higher end if you own some of the EPs you're listed and a PVS14. I'm not an optics expert but I assume you are aware the EPs you use for different FL scopes yield different results. Are you using the Televue adapters? I'm guessing so with the EP you've listed.

 

With my shorter focal length scopes, (while using a PVS14 rigged for TV EPs), I find I'm using focal lengths from 8-12mm for higher powers and every now and then something a bit longer like my 27 Pan. The one exception (I own) is the 55 plossl converted to a 67mm. Coupled with a Hydrogen Alpha filter, it is an amazing combo. Just putting a Ha filter on the PVS14 and using it as a monocular is fascinating. The NVD only allows for limited FOV, so I tend to use cheaper EP's such as the DeLites along with a TV 32 or 40mm plossl. I also use filters with NV while observing from LP skies...almost have to. 

In my level of LP I find the Pro planet 642 filter works well with exposing some nebulae provided the sky isn't overly dark. I tend to pick filters depending on the magnification of the EP and the sky darkness levels. I tend to use a 610nm long pass in lighter LP and 685nm IR pass filter for more aggressive LP skies. Higher power EP's such as a 5-7mm EP might not need a filter in skies darker than an urban environment. 

 

No matter what, using my NV setups, balancing can be an issue. 

 

cn 101 - Copy.jpg

 

I've used my 31 Nagler (with the PVS14) with my 4" refractor, but wow, it's a heavy combo. So I tend to use the 32/40 plossl for those focal lengths. 

 

Good luck on your quest.


Edited by daveb2022, 18 May 2025 - 09:31 PM.

  • AstroDani89 likes this

#25 AstroDani89

AstroDani89

    Vostok 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 143
  • Joined: 27 Dec 2024

Posted 18 May 2025 - 09:23 PM

Irrational fears like that often dissipate in time, once you realize there's really nothing to worry about. For the record, I've never heard of any astronomer anywhere being attacked by a mountain lion. And bobcats (which are probably more abundant in West Virginia than New Mexico) avoid contact with humans. In all my years in upstate New York I've heard bobcats, and often seen their tracks, but I've never actually spotted one.


I'm definitely looking forward to the fear dissipating. I really enjoy being outside. I do so by myself 90% of the time, so having something I'm afraid of is absolutely a hindrance to enjoying a hobby I love.
  • VA3DSO and Jethro7 like this


CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.


Recent Topics






Cloudy Nights LLC
Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics