Reply To: Equipment advice

[Andy Wilson]

Hi Gordon,
I know what you mean, lugging a heavy telescope outside can put me off observing.
Assuming you are using your Televue for visual observing, I wonder if an altazimuth mount would be lighter? You can get manual or ones that track sufficiently for visual observing. Some of the tripods themselves can still be a little heavy, though the whole package should be lighter than an equatorial mount.
The latest smart telescopes look very interesting. I am contemplating buying one of the lighter models. Of course the observing experience will be different. They specialise in Deep Sky targets and none are good for planets. Most can observe the Moon and Sun, though only the full disc.
Best wishes,
Andy