: The only thing that I find wrong is using such a small : tube for the scope. Best thing is to go find at least : a 125mm and preferably larger tube for this.

My newtonian is a spotting scope that one hand holds on the shoulder, a la bazooka. With a 30mm-20mm and a porro prism star, it works better than you would think--but weight and size are issues that have to be balanced against the view. Go figure: The contrast, btw, is quite good. Even better now that I lined the scope and focuser with velvet.

I take the prism off and stick an extension e.p. tube in to look at the heavens. (It has a tripod mount.)

But thanks for the leads. It will be valuable to me when I start fooling with the next scope. cheers, Gw