So, what scope do you use?

I thought it might be interesting to see what kind of scopes people here use.
(who'd have guessed the weather is crappy again!)
So I've listed the big brand names.
If your scope is an 'other'
then tell us what it is and why you use it.
Or for that matter if you do use a major brand scope and
want to tell us what makes it so good / bad for you then please do!

I'm aware there are quite a lot of brands & types out there
and some of the best makes are not in the poll option above,
but its just a bit of fun to see is there one maker in particular
that is more popular for some reason.

Frank,

Currently own a few scopes:

1) Helios 4.5" Newtonian. My first scope and absolutely loved using it. I'll never forget the view one crisp September morning looking at Jupiter and the Great Red Spot was standing out a mile. Just one of those memories engraved in my mind that I'll never forget.
2) Coronado Double-Stacked Solarmax 40 - Daytime scope for observing the life of the Sun. Particularly good scope for the Summer, when the weather is clear - scope, nice cold drink, hat and suncream...what more can I say.
3) Pentax75 SDHF: 3" apo refractor. 500m focal length for real wide-field imaging. Joy to use
4) TEC140: 5.5" apo also in observatory with Pentax piggybacked on it. Latest addition to the family. Lovely scope for visual use on the Moon and planets so far. Primary use will be for astrophotography. Focal length of 980mm.
5) Currently developing plans on how to "obtain" a certain Obsessionator. But don't worry, I've got a cunning plan.... :twisted:

But Everyone in Ireland buys Celestron and they all get them from...

I'll see myself out

Oh Meade and Skywatcher for me. Oh and a PST, and a skylux in case relations kids come up and want to play with a scope. Oh and an ETX 70. I think thats it!

Hi Frank

An 8" Meade SCT
William Optics 80mm Zenithstar

Somewhere in the future I hope there'll be a 5 or 6 inch short focus refractor.

Paul

Hi Frank

My "main " scope is a C11 but it hasn't had much use due to the long Summer nights and the reluctance to spent 30 minutes setting it up only to have to take it down an hours later. This is going to be my September to April scope.
My Meade 8" has a new lease of life now that I have portable tracking (thanks to Pauls lx10 base) and this is the instrument that is getting the most use. I just upgraded it with a new Meade 50mm finder and a Telrad complete with Kendrick heater band.
The Orion 80mm short tube is a great little instrument. Only cost $200 in the USA (took it back on the plane with an EQ1 mount). It gives nice wide field views and can be taken outside ready to run in seconds.
To top it all, my most used instrument cost less than €20. You guessed it, Lidl binos on a camera tripod!! Can't be beat !!

I have to choose between meade, obsession, intes, skylux and celestron, my most used scope is the meade, although that might change when my new shed is weather sealed. I need 3 solid dry days to do it, Its rained every day in the last 2 weeks, so here's me waiting.