@pdxtrains posted:I’m a lunar observer too and used to have gigantic telescopes. Gone now. I’m happily observing with 60 to 80 mm scopes, that I can pick up with one hand and be set up in seconds. Trying to keep it simple all the way around.
I used to have an 8" F/8 Newtonian but now I use a 6" F/5 RFT but I still miss the big scope. I've recently begun to look into building a 16" F/6 but telescope building doesn't seem as popular as it used to be and parts are harder to find. Like model railroading ready to use out of the box seems to be the norm and us old timey crafts people are a dying breed regardless of what the hobby or project is. I know people half my age who will call an electrician to replace a switch or an outlet or buy whole new faucet and have it installed by a plumber because the one they have drips because they are clueless about how to fix it and I learned how to do it when I was 12 years old going out for my Home Repairs merit badge.
Jerry