A Question about a Beginners Dobsonian

[digbyj]

Hey Folks,
First post here, been having a look through and getting some great info as I plan to buy first scope this week.
From my research I have narrowed it down to a Dobsonian, and would like an 8" but looks like my budget will only stretch to a 6".
My question is, can I use a Dobsonian - I'm looking at either the Saxon or Ozscopes (which look the same) - to view scenery, like distant mountains, ships etc.
Is it generally with a decent astronomical telescope that you sacrifice scenery viewing?
I appreciate there are many different scopes out there which reverse and rotate images, but if we can base answer on the one I have mentioned that'd be great.
If not, can anyone recommend a scope around the 200-400 mark that may suit my needs?
Many Thanks for reading this.

[doppler]

Hi Digbyj

A dob mounted telescope is designed to look up only. It is possible to use an equtorial mounted reflector for terrestial veiwing but the eyepiece is in an awkward spot and the veiw is upside down and a diagonal adapter usually wont focus. A refractor with diagonal adapter is the only budget scope that is suitable for both astronomy and terestial veiwing. If astronomy is your main intrest a $400 dob reflector will be much more satisfying than an equally priced refractor.

Here are a couple of links for cheap qualiity scopes.

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/31/categorylist.aspx

Or check out the IceInSpace classifieds

[digbyj]

Thanks Doppler, yeah maybe Im better off just getting some binoculars for land viewing rather than compromising the scope.
Thanks for your input.
Have been keeping an eye on the classifieds but nothing suitable yet...

[wavelandscott]

Or check the selling/trading threads out here on the site. A used scope can be a great value and help you get more bang for buck. Also check out a local Astro Club...some have loaner scopes for very reasonable rents...good way to try one out before spending a big chunk of you hard earned dough...

[Merlin66]

I see you're in Vic....
If you join the ASV (a good move!) they have Dobbies for loan...try before you buy!

[barx1963]

Yeah, get onto the ASV. Website is here http://asv.org.au/
I had an 8" on loan back a while back. It was $60 but $50 was a refundable deposit and it was for 3 months. Also you get an intoductory guide and an Atlas (which may be a bit old, but will get you started)
Only other proviso is you must be a member.

Malcolm

[digbyj]

Thanks for the help, I got a secondhand (but never used) 8" Dobsonian today. Should do the job, very hazy tonight with the easterly that's blown in so will have to wait to test it out..

[ausastronomer]

That's a great starter scope and as you alluded to earlier, binoculars will be your best option for terrestrial viewing.


I would recommend something in the range of 8x to 10x magnification with 40mm to 50mm objective lenses. Anything much larger than 10 x 50 are difficult for some less experienced binocular users to hand hold.

Cheers,
John B