Tasco Skywatcher 6 or 8 inch DOB

[jmb]

I find myself leaning back towards the DOB...boy, am i getting dizzy...
well, i have found a TASCO SKYWATCHER 6inch for $390 and 8inch for $440. Does anyone have any experience of these... i will presume if you all think these are a good buy that i would go for the 8 inch...
i have contacted BINTEL & ANDREWS...but they either no longer sell 6 inch or cant match this price....either way, i haven't found the 6 inch $299 Dob...it was mentioned on this site's forums
the advantage for me of the 2 dobs i mentioned is that it is local (Brisbane) so i wont have the added postage...
what do you think, and thanks for your help

[Nordo]

I don't know if anyone here would recommend Tasco. I live in Queensland and I am willing to pay for the freight for a DOB from Andrews.
They may not have the advice and backup you may require, but you can get all of that here. As the guys here have already said, the best bang-for-buck is a DOB from Andrews.
Why don't you be like me. I am holding off buying until I have met all the people at Astrofest, and listen to their advice, and looked at their equipment. If you are willing to spend a night there, most will let you look through their equipment to give you a better understanding of what's available within your budget. I probably won't be staying the night as I will have SWMBO in tow .
Don't forget to take warm clothes

[astroron (Ron)]

Jmb, take notice of the post above , also you might pick up a discount at AstroFest or even find one for sale at the Buy Swap and sell table.
My best advice is try before you buy.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Besides after astrofest you'll realize that nothing will do if it's less than a 16" truss dob

[jmb]

thanks everyone,
lools like i'll have to try and get to the astofest at least one night...
do i have to book if i dont stay overnight...

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I don't think you need to book if you aren't sleeping in a bunkhouse, though even if you are camping it would be a good idea to give them a call or drop them an email from the Astrofest website. For day trips its just turn up, but you will still have to register for insurance, safety etc purposes. The odd person (not meaning they are odd ) sleep in their car. (in house Iceinspace Qld Astrofest joke. If they read this "they" will know who I mean )

[Nordo]

jmb
The best would be to spend most of the day there. If you want to spend some night viewing time there, then head off home, make sure you tell someone that's what you intend to do and they will tell you where to park your car (so that your headlights don't upset the viewers ).

BTW, there will be plenty of girls there. A lot of guys bring their wifes/girlfriends, as well as the female enthusiasts who attend. Check out the photos on the Astrofest web site. It's not just a group of guys showing off their big weapons and drinking lots of alcohol - at least I don't think it is . Paul????

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Never seen any of that.

[toetoe (Peter)]

Originally Posted by Nordo

I don't know if anyone here would recommend Tasco.

I'm getting great enjoyment with my little fella.

[ving (David)]

tasco and skywatcher are the same?

skywatcher dobs are supposed to be good
www.myastroshop.com.au sell the 6" if you are still interested in the smaller size