Good Deal?

[fekko]

Hey Guys/Gals,

Been looking at getting a dob and have found this online.

http://www.fishpond.com.au/Sports_Outdoors/Zhumell-Z10-Deluxe-Dobsonian-Reflector-Telescope/9999190451431

It is shipped from the states but shipping is free. (Est to take over a month)

Main thing i can see which would be a bonus over other scopes i have found are the below.


2-inch, dual-speed Crayford focuser
Primary mirror cooling fan
New adjustable azimuth bearing system
Laser collimator

Also most of the reviews i have found for Zhumell dobs are pretty good.
Anyone have any experiance with them?


Thanks,

[Varangian]

Try this, cheaper 10" Dob by $50 and you'll have it 2 days.

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

Their dobs have increased in price over the past 2 weeks by $50 but they also offer free freight.

The mirror quality is pretty much identical to the Zhumell:thumbsup: although the mount will probably be black and not white (as in the images on the Andrews website). If you're after a black OTA in particular then you'll need to go for the Zhumell.

Cheers.

ps I don't work for Andrews, I don't supply them or know anyone that works for them.

[Varangian]

Oh by the way it comes with everything you've dot-pointed above with the Zhumell package as well as 4 eyepieces (6mm, 9mm, 15mm and 25mm). It doesn't however come with a laser collimator but i wouldn't worry too much about this. I would pick up a cheap $30 cheshire collimator to align the mirrors of the dob. It's more accurate in my opinion.

[fekko]

Thanks for that Varangian.

I have been trying to decide which way to go.

Not sure if the Dual Speed Focuser and the Laser Collimator would be worth the extra $50 and a month or so wait.

Does anyone know if there is much benifit with having a Dual Speed Focuser (Zhumell) over a Single speed(GSO)?

AHHHH to many decisions.

I was originally leaning towards the GSO but with the $50 price jump it has swayed me back a little in the other direction.

[Scorpius51]

I agree with what John has suggested. You also have the local supplier who can sort out any issues - but that's unlikely to be required.

Cheers
John

PS: You get the dual-speed focuser with the GSO.

[Tandum]

The GSO dob has a 10:1 knob on the focuser.

[fekko]

Are you sure with the Dual Speed Focuser?

It lists on the Andrew's website 2" Crayford style single speed focuser

[Tandum]

Are you looking at the right scope?

Guan Sheng GS-880 10" ASDX
250mm x 1250mm

Adjustable Super Deluxe (ASDX)


The deluxe version with the single speed is an old model I think.

[fekko]

Hey Robin,

Yeah thats the one i'm looking at.

I think i might have found what is going on tho.
I was reading the section just below it.

Deluxe version includes a 8 x 50 finderscope, 2" Crayford style single speed focuser with a 2" to 1.25" adaptor and Premium GSO 9mm and 25mm 1.25" Plossl eyepieces.

Makes it a bit confusing.

Well in that case there is not really any benifit with waiting a month just for a Laser collimator :D

Thanks for the help Everyone.

[Varangian]

Dale, I've got the 12" and it comes with a dual speed and feather touch dial.

[barx1963]

I have the 12" GSO dob from Andrews. It definitely has the dual speed focuser. On the Andrews website it clearly states that the focuser includes the 10:1 (ie dual speed) focuser.
These scopes are exactly the same as the Zhumell ones that are sold in the US
I think I would tread very carefully as if any probs with the Zhumell you may be on your own!

Malcolm