First light with new 12" ZhumellPosted By Darrell Hensley |
I finally got to use the culprit that had my concience at an all time bad.The optics are really great.I did'nt think that going from 10" to 12" would be that different,but it had a wow factor to it nontheless.The down fall is the particle board mount and it has to use the springs.I've gotten accustomed to no springs and quality wood that looks like wood.The handle-only one-is in the front,I like having a handle on each side.Having one in the front is almost useless with a scope this size.I'm probably gonna build a new mount or even a pedestal mount like the one I have for my 6" dob.I have all the equipment needed for this,so while we are having this terrible weather I might just do this.We've had freezing rain,regular cold Kentucky rain,and flurries since I got my new scope.We had one day that was clear-thank goodness!!!One more thing about the mount,they did'nt put the bearings for the ground board in the box.I had some virgin teflon and an old LP album to use.Had this been a first time astronomer or a green newby they would be waiting for Zhumell to make up their minds on what to do.All in all,I like the scope but they could do better.With the mount they give I think the price should be a little less.If anyone ever gets the chance to buy a mirror out of a Zhumell dob go for it,the images are terrific.Nuff Said,Darrell