Newbie seeks 'scope

stinky · #1 20-01-2006, 07:18 PM

Looking at buying a telescope (location SE qld) and am open to suggestions / offers. Presently am loking at an 8 or 10 inch dob.

What would be better - an 8" GS dob with 2" focuser / 2 eyepieces
or a Skwatcher 8" dob - 2" focuser / 2 eyepieces. Both at $580

Is it worth stretching to a 10" GS dob at $780 - 4 eyepieces.

Grateful for any input

ving (David) · #2 20-01-2006, 07:25 PM

more aperture is always woth it

are ther transportation issues?

as for skywatcher vs GSO... there are loyalties in both camps and you may or may not get a straight answer here

mickoking · #3 20-01-2006, 07:30 PM

G,day guest,

Quick answer, Both scopes will do a good job. I currently own a GSO 250mm Dob and its a great scope

stinky · #4 20-01-2006, 07:32 PM

Hmmm - no transport issues - black to the observatory.

I can pickup an 8" Skywatcher locally, but the 8 or 10" GS dobs would arrive by frieght (10" is $200 more) - would have to spot and collimate the GS's myself. As I undestand the Skywatcher has a better mount and the mirrors in both are the same????

ving (David) · #5 20-01-2006, 07:32 PM

oh yeah, and i own the 200mm, and it fantastic

ving (David) · #6 20-01-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guest

As I undestand the Skywatcher has a better mount and the mirrors in both are the same????

optics mate, optics are the go!

the mount, you can work on that with mods

stinky · #7 20-01-2006, 07:35 PM

So far 8" GS 1 vote, 10" GS 1 vote, Skywatcher 0

I can see where this is going....

ving (David) · #8 20-01-2006, 07:37 PM

yup, just go for what you can afford

janoskiss (Steve H) · #9 20-01-2006, 07:45 PM

Try www.myastroshop.com for the skywatcher Dob. You should be able to get it for considerably less than $580. Talk to Bintel about GS Dob. From what I've heard they are abandoning the basic dobs and they are going to stock only premium. You can probably get one from them with a Crayford focuser (well worth the upgrade), and a good set of eyepieces for the price. Either which way you go tell them iceinspace sent you.

The main diff btw the 8" & 10": the 8" you can pick up and carry around easily as a complete unit (esp. after you fit a couple of handles to the base), but with the 10" (and 12") you'd be carrying base and tube separately. And, of course, 10" collects more light, so you'll see more.

stinky · #10 20-01-2006, 07:55 PM

Thanks for the info - affordability - ok for the $780 pn the GS 10" if that's THE scope I will have for a long time. If I am going to get into upgrade mode then the 8* is more attractive. Portability is not an issue as the scope will live at one site.

The GS 8" at $580 includes a Crayford 'style' focuser.

If I do get into this I can imagine getting into the photography side so that would mean a change of mounts, or even scope which brings the 8" into the equation - good as a portable second scope and upgrade. Or would a mount upgrade on the 10" be enough?

Gee this is confusing and I guess I won't know until i jump in whether I got the right beast or not!!

Scot me up Beamie!

janoskiss (Steve H) · #11 20-01-2006, 07:55 PM

I should add that if money is tight and you really want a 10 or 12", then you might want to buy from Andrews (www.andrewscom.com.au). As I understand it:

Andrews do not have an internal QC system like Bintel do which is why they can offer the scopes for less. Bintel have experienced staff who disassemble inspect and reassemble each scope; centre spot the mirror if need be; and send back any scopes that are no good. All this costs money. Andrews buy the goods in bulk and sell them onto the customer as they receive them; they follow the "box-in box-out" business model.

stinky · #12 20-01-2006, 07:56 PM

PS Prices include an allowance for about $80 freight (the Skywatcher is local pickup)

cahullian · #13 20-01-2006, 07:56 PM

Like ving I also have the 8" dob it is a great beginners scope but the 10" will give you more light. The cheaper 8" will leave you more $$$$ for quality ep's where the 10" will give better detail on faint fuzzies.

stinky · #14 20-01-2006, 07:59 PM

The prices for the GS I am working on are from Andrews Janoskiss - deal for deal Bintel were abot $150 more expensive (they charge MUCH more freight). Skywatcher is local and they provide backup. (At least try befor you buy - private observatory)

stinky · #15 20-01-2006, 08:01 PM

Good point cahullian - and I guess at the beginning I won't be able to find, recognise, appreciate the best fuzzies. So the 8" and some eyepieces for lumar / planet fun may be the go?

janoskiss (Steve H) · #16 20-01-2006, 08:02 PM

Let me put it this way: If you do get serious about this hobby, and especially the photography side, you will end up spending so much money on accessories that the cost of the scope will be insignificant.

So don't stress about buying the scope that will go the distance at the moment. If you go the distance, either an 8,10 or 12" Dob will be fine. And you'll enjoy either one without spending big on accessories. 8" is an absolute bargain. But if the scope will stay in the one place get the biggest aperture you can afford, that's 10 or 12". But if you do not live under dark skies then you will want to take your scope to some occasionally.

stinky · #17 20-01-2006, 08:07 PM

Skies here are pretty dark, in fact at night with no moon the only way to get around is by braille, preferably on all fours. That's why it doesn't matter if your scope is b;ack or white!

Striker (Tony) · #18 20-01-2006, 08:07 PM

If you got a bad back go for the 10"....I found the 8" was too low and I was bending over too much....but you can put it on a stool to get a bit more elevation.

stinky · #19 20-01-2006, 08:09 PM

That's a new angle on things...

What are the respective heights on 8 and 10" - if anybody could tell me.

cahullian · #20 20-01-2006, 08:12 PM

There is only a 50 mm difference between the 8" and the 10"