Extreme observing...

[Philippe]

Ok, rumor has it that Santa is (finally!) bringing our family a scope for Christmas. A 90 mm refractor. A Meade DS-2090-AT to be exact.

I will need a carrying case for it or, preferrably, a soft padded bag, like a duffle bag. One of the activity I plan on doing with the scope is to bring it along on canoe camping trips. The night sky is simply amazing that far into the woods! A sky that clear and a frisbee is all you need to explain to an 8 years-old what the Milky Way is...

Orion's Padded Scope Case serie seems interesting. They claim to be water resistant, which is a HUGE plus if I'm to bring the scope along on those trips. Anybody has any experience with them?

Or, any other suggestions? A hard case is impractical during portage and a water resistant or waterproof bag with a shoulder strap would be a best case scenario.

Thank you all!!!

[Kaptain K]

Water resistant is probably not enough for what you are planning. You need water proof is there is the slightest possibility of dunking.

[redshifter]

You'll need some sort of case for a tripod and mount as well.

[Philippe]

Kaptain: obviously, water proof and able to float would definitely be best, but I'm being realistic here. I'm guessing that water resistant is the best I'll find without breaking the bank. Already, that would protect the equipment from the occasional splashes from the paddles, unplanned rain shower and heavy evening dew. Also, a water resistant bag will float for a few minutes. And if we are talking "dunking", then we are talking flipped canoe. And, either I'm close to the shore, and a few minutes will do, or I'm in the middle of the lake, and then the telescope is the last thing on my mind.

redshifter: the padded cases from Orion have 2 compartment with a padded divider. one compartment for the scope and one for the tripod.

It's a bit why I'm interested in those, but they are quite affordable, and too good to be true comes to mind, so if anybody who's used them can comment on their quality. or lack thereof...

Thank you!!

[Kaptain K]

Hmm
I just went to the Meade site and couldn't find a DS-2090-AT.
I found a DS-2080-AT and a DS-2090MAK.
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You say it's a refractor. Even the 2080 is a three foot long hunk of metal tube to be hauling around the backwoods, fording streams, etc.
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Those are computer guided GoTo scopes. Computers and even a little bit of water don't mix well.
Speaking of "breaking the bank" how about a brand new computer with a fried computer.
I'm not trying to throw cold water on your idea, but please remember Murphy's Law!

[Philippe]

Yes, I know, that model is no longer listed on Meade's site. Here's the specs from the manual:

DS-2090
Optical design..................Refractor
Clear aperture .................90mm
Focal length ....................800mm
Focal ratio ......................f/8.8
Resolving power................1.3 arc secs
Max power ......................300X
Mounting.........................Single-arm, motorized Alt-Az
Alignment .......................Altazimuth
Slew Speeds ...................1x sidereal to 5.5°/sec in 9 increments
Tripod ............................Aluminum, full-length; adjustable w/accessory tray
Optical Tube Dimensions ....3.5" x 31"
Included eyepieces............25mm, 20mm, 17mm, 12mm, 6mm

I'm aware of all the risks and pitfall of canoe camping. We've been doing it for quite a long time. But I figure that if we can manage to do it with an 11 month baby and a 3 years-old toddler without incident, we should be able to manage to add a scope to the mix. Particularly since the kids are now grown and can help.

Anyway, I'll need something to carry the scope, either canoe camping, or going to the cottage, etc. It won't be a stationary "conversation piece" in my living room.

[redshifter]

Have you considered something more compact, such as a Meade ETX scope?

[Kaptain K]

Or the Meade 2090MAK?

[aurora]

Isn't a Pelican case waterproof?

Might check various astro vendors, see what they have.

[KaiYeves]

Leave out lots of cookies to ensure you get it.

[Philippe]

Have you considered something more compact, such as a Meade ETX scope?

Or the Meade 2090MAK?

Well, the scope has already been bought. It actually occured to me afterward, while thinking about a case or bag for it, that it would be interesting to bring on camping trips.

[Philippe]

Isn't a Pelican case waterproof?

Might check various astro vendors, see what they have.

Definitely waterproof and able to resist just about anything, but they only make hard cases. Not very practical during portage.

But I'll keep them in mind.

One local vendor (we have just 2 in the Montreal area, :-( ) carries the Orion soft case. I'll check them in person, see if it looks like decent workmanship...

[winensky]

Double bagging with a, dare I mention it, environmentally unfriendly heavy duty rubbish bag may buy you a few more critical seconds in case Murphy comes along for the ride.

Kind regards
Matt