Can help to recommend which 8 inch SCT for airline portable?

maguro77 · Post by **maguro77** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:11 am

Hi all

i saw previous post about 8 inch SCT for airline carry on -
Can anyone share actual experience on what is largest apertue airline portable scope that can meet carry on restrictions plus also 'lightweight' ie about 5 to 6 kg. (not keen on refractor cos apertue too small) I thot the C8 would fit but am interested to hear fellow member's experience. thanks.

Joyce

Post by **weixing** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:28 pm

Hi,
Yap. I think C8 should be the largest aperture scope avaliable that can carry on most airline.

Have a nice day.

mySG_jy · Post by **mySG_jy** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:33 pm

just a reminder, some airport are very strict on weight. and are strict with bag size. also depends on how big is plane you are taking, some have small overhead cabinet space which are mostly for domestic flights or budget airlines.

if you are bring hardcasing then it could be a challenge. I have brought a C6 SCT from US before, it survived the trip.

cheers

kingkong · Post by **kingkong** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:06 pm

i've carried on a c8. no hardcase. no foam. just padded bag. might have to remove some protruding parts - finder, focuser, etc.

Post by **rcj** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:11 pm

mySG_jy has a very valid practical point. Airline portability varies depending on the airport and airline. They can have individual restrictions and characteristics. The biggest i have carried on my lap on the plane is a 5-inch-like newtonian. The 3-inch "short-tube" fast refractors will not be a problem. It is best to check with your airline and airport involved, just in case.

maguro77 · Post by **maguro77** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:34 pm

Thanks to all for their experience - you might guess, i am trying to handcarry a C8 back - or maybe the C6 then. Will check on the airline/airport requirements before deciding.

cheers, Joyce

Post by **acc** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:44 pm

Do try to squeeze in an 8" if poss

You won't regret the extra 2" of aperture...

cheers
cc

maguro77 · Post by **maguro77** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:57 pm

Noted - 8 inch is the preferred - so i must do my homework abt the airline/carrier requirements properly. Dont want to end up with having to check it in. That will be a disaster. thanks.

Post by **weixing** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:00 pm

Hi,
Remember to get the XLT version. Also, be careful and put lots of padding. SCT corrector plate is quite thin and not that strong.

Have a nice day.

mySG_jy · Post by **mySG_jy** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:06 pm

are you buying a whole set? including mount and tripod? those are heavy, so make sure you can handle all that. a large hardcasing suitcase to keep all those acessories into 1 bag if possible. or else 3-4 bags will be very hard to manage buy yourself especially if you need to transit. unless of course you have few helping hands.

cheers