Erfahrung mit Skywatcher Startravel-102 OTA Refraktor-Teleskop 102mm 500mm f/5:

A quick report as well on the 102mm f5:
 
I managed to find some felt lining as my wife went to a shop that sells fabric for clothes, got some for me and lined the rings for me (yes, my wife is awesome as despite the fact that she is not into astronomy, she really encourages me to enjoy my hobby).
 
I sold the 120mm f5 as the mounting requirements were such that it was "too much trouble" for me. I had to take the wooden tripod the  TS AZ5 to mount it, whereas the 102mm is VERY HAPPY on my  Manfrotto 475B tripod with a Stellarvue M2 head!
 
Friday night I went to one of the dark sites I frequented. With such a wide field instrument, I spent the entire evening in low magnifications with my Nagler 31mm, Ethos 21mm and a bit with my Ethos 13mm (for M4 and M13 only). Great views of extended nebulae like the North American and Pelican Nebulae, Veil Nebula, M8, M20 and M21 in the same field of view, 8 satellites and at one point I was tracking 2 satellites at the same time and of course a long journey from Sagittarius to Cygnus.
 
This telescope is the perfect compromise for me in terms of aperture, weight and field of view. Plus it is inexpensive and is very compact and easy to carry and will make an excellent scope for the summer or when conditions are such that taking my 12" Dobsonian is not worth it, or I want to set up quickly and easily.
 
I of course will not abandon the lovely TS60mm f5.5 which I use for quick looks from my home and I plan to attempt Barnard's Loop this winter when Orion is high in the sky!
 
Clear skies,
 
Nicos

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