Fantastic service from FLO. Ordered a Startravel 120 on 2nd. February delivered on the 3rd. As a complete novice I spent months researching telescopes and astronomy before purchasing each time I looked to buy I came back to FLO. I sent so many questions to the guys at FLO each time I got a speedy professional unbiased and so helpful reply. Very pleased with my purchase fantastic scope for a beginner although due to cloudy skies only been able to use 2 or 3 times. Pretty sure that I’ll continue to use FLO in the future.

A few years ago, after many weeks of research, I purchased a Meade 125 Maksutov - This was my first step into the Hobby of Astronomy, but I found, however, this scope was quite heavy and didn't suit my lifestyle, and if I am honest, didn't suit my impatience as it had a GoTo facility. I am sure GoTo's work really well, but they can be an issue if you want to transport your scope all around the place, as the electronics add weight.

I decided to exchange the Meade for a Skywatcher Star Travel 102 which turned out to be really portable and a great scope. It is easy to pick up, pack away in a sports bag, take on holiday and with it, also have the power to see the planets really well, and have the added bonus of being useful for terrestrial viewing.

I recently had a young friend who wished to start on their Astronomical adventure, so I sold them my 102, putting the difference towards a new 120 Star Travel for myself. I have just received the scope from FLO and it's a really easy scope to set up, it also looks great, and I actually keep it set up in the lounge as it looks the part and adds to the decor. The 120 has a bit more Oomph than the 102, so I'm looking forward to seeing a few more things in the sky.

If you are a beginner and wondering what to get for a first scope I can recommend either the 102 or 120, both are portable, useful, good looking, easy to use and add to with other upgrades. I bought a 90 degree erecting prism to help in the viewing of 'higher' objects and a Baader Zoom Lens (from FLO) which makes my viewing even easier by having the one lens to suit all conditions.

I am a newcomer to Astronomy and am learning from my mistakes, so be aware that Scopes are larger than what they appear in Photographs. Make the effort to see some in a Telescope shop. I was amazed just how big they were when I visited the nearest one to me. Remeber you need to store these items, live with them and move them about. This 120 fits in nicely with portability and usefulness.

Gordon - Sutton Coldfield

Excellent service from FLO as usual , the Sky-Watcher Startravel is an excellent scope very sharp pinpoint views of stars, great for nebulae star clusters and double stars. Had a view of Jupiter but it was low just above the horizon so the image quality wasn't good, hopefully when it is higher this will change. I find the tripod steady enough and very light, all in all a excellent product and of course service from First Light Optice

Hi,

I bought this telescope as my first telescope, and somehow, avoided buying a 6 inch Dobsonian, and went for the smaller refractor.

I had my reasons. It's more portable. It doesn't require collimation. It doesn't have a noticeable cool-down time, and it has better contrast (no central obstruction).

So, first light.

Opened up Stellarium, and got to work. Picked off the Orion Nebula (M42), which looked stunning. A sparkling star arrangement on a dark velvety backdrop. The nebula was clearly visible, however didn't extend too far. I then moved over to the Pleiades (M45). Wow! the seven main stars were very bright, and were accompanied by many other fainter smaller stars. The view was stunning.

However, the best view came when I decided to check out the Beehive Cluster (M44). Lined my scope up using the supplied Red Dot Finder, and put my eye to the eyepiece. Absolutely incredible. I cut fit the whole cluster into the field of view using a 32mm eyepiece, and the view was absolutely stunning! Incredible! The contrast was outstanding.

The Moon is also definitely worth a look in this telescope. It seems so much sharper than in a compared 6 inch newtonian reflector.

I only gave this telescope 4 stars, as the mount provided (AZ3), isn't really up to handle the work. I quickly replaced it with a AZ4, and am extremely happy with the telescope.

Don't be afraid to buy this telescope over a 6 inch reflector. Aperture isn't ALWAYS king.

Cheers!