Advise/Opinons/Help Please :) ...... First Dob purchase... GS/Bintel/SkyWatcher??

[frenchbluehour]

Hi there...:hi:

In advance... Your valuable opinions/thoughts/advise is much appreciated...:D


I'm Nicole...

I'm interested in viewing galaxies/stars, planets, nebulae, the moon!... although moving into deep space imaging is my preference....

I'm tossing up between the Bintel BT 202-8"Dob @ $499 ... or the GS - 880 10" DOb@ $599... or a SkyWatcher 8" Dob (SW680) @ $605 to start off with?

I am happy just to get my hands on my very own Dob asap for good observing, then purchase a more suitable scope/mount etc compatible to my DSLR cameras for Astrophotography down the 'not too far track'...


The more I read or I'm given advise, it seems that "you can't have it all" as such! when it comes to purchasing a good beginners scope that is also good for Astrophotography ?? correct ?? no ??... please help :confused2:

I am happy to spend up to $1,500.00 to start off with .... if I could get a balance of good viewing and beginners Astrophotography ..is this possible?? or should I just start off with the above mentioned for viewing :question::question:


advise/thoughts/opinions please ..... :)

[LAW]

My advice, as a fellow beginner, would be to get something your going to get the most life out of.
I knew astrophotography was where I wanted to go so I bought an 8" f/5 newt and the best EQ mount I could afford.

When I was starting out I wanted something that was easy enough to use, but not so simple that I wouldn't learn the basics. so I intentionally bought a mount that wasn't GOTO, this kept cost down and means I have to 'manually think' about the sky.

You can get very satisfying results from nothing more than a reasonable (8-10" f/4-5) newt, on a stable mount, and any camera you already own, as long as it's mounted securely.
Later you can 'add on' guides copes, off axis guiders, autoguiders, filters, better cameras... But you'll need a solid base tht won't frustrate you.


I didn't find the EQ mount particularly daunting, but it is a little more work than a Dob in regards to setting it up every night and portability.

Good luk! Welcome to the sky.

[rustigsmed]

Hi Nicole,

If you're thinking of astroimaging in the not too distant future. i'd probably get a HEQ5 equatorial mount with an 8" (f/5) reflector, they are packaged at around $1599. That will allow you to do deep sky photography as well as planetary, and you haven't 'wasted' your money on a dob as well.

Or if you were after a dob first, i'd probably get a 10" - 12" although they are starting to get big! :)

Good luck

Rusty

[Scorpius51]

Hi Nicole,

For visual observing, a Dob is the best way to go for aperture, convenience and cost.

However, if you wish to combine visual observing and astrophotography with one scope, then an 8" f/4 or f/5 Newt on a HEQ5, or HEQ5 Pro mount, makes for a good compromise, and is within your budget, particularly if you buy 2nd hand through the IIS IceTrades.

I have such a setup and it is very good for visual and astrophotography.

Whatever you choose, Dob or Newt OTA, go for one that has a dual speed focuser and good collimation knobs!

Resist the temptation for impulse buying and go along to a local astro group meeting or star party.

Cheers
John

[raymo]

Hi Nicole, If you decide to go with a dob, I strongly recommend you get a
Skywatcher 8 or 10 collapsible. I have a 10, and the collapsing system is
very strong, and provided that you hold the tube fully extended when you
nip up the locking knobs, the collimation remains good. I rarely have to
adjust mine. Andrews are, I believe selling the 10" for a brilliant $699,
which would leave a bit left over if you want to get a 10-1 focusser,
although I have no problem with the supplied focusser for visual work.
The 10" tube weighs about 14kg, so if that's a bit much, go for the 8. I have no connection with Skywatcher whatsoever
raymo

[frenchbluehour]

:thanx: for the great info and ideas guys... very much appreciated...

John,
I laughed out load when I read your comment about impulse buying - this is something I'm trying to avoid!!....
I am keen to get along to IISAC next weekend for a night, perfect opportunity - perfect timing!


Cheers again :)

[Hzadbhat]

If you're sure you will go the photo route, then, with that sort of coin, go there straight away.
I personally want both, however I'm not all that interested in photo's right now, so have started with visual.
I'll look at photo at some stage in the future. I'll most likely be going for a scmidt-cassegrain for that.
I've got a 10" dob and love it.
But that is all I want for now.
I don't know enough to recommend a particular setup, but luckily, for you, there's quite a few people here who do.

[frenchbluehour]

Brandon....

I'm pretty sure of what route I'm on with Astrophotography :).... although I have been recommended to just get my own decent Dob for viewing to begin with (probably sick of me harassing them to use theirs :lol:)... then go to from there....

[ausastronomer]

Hi Nicole,

Despite what others have said I think you're better to end up with a separate visual scope and a separate imaging scope. An 8"/F5 equatorially mounted newt is a "fair" scope for visual and a "reasonable" scope for imaging. Further if you have two separate scopes you can be doing some visual observations beside your imaging scope while it clicks happily away. If you only have one scope you get bored pretty quickly IMO. The reasons I don't think an 8" equatorially mounted newt is what you need for visual are pretty simple:-

1) It can be a handfull for a female to get up on the mount and set.

2) Even with rotating rings, the eyepiece can get into some very awkward positions and make it quite difficult to use comfortably.

I think you would get more enjoyment getting an 8" or 10" collapsable tube dob for visual use and an 80mm equatorially mounted refractor as an imaging scope down the track. You would then more than likely find neither scope redundant for several years.

Cheers,
John B

[brian nordstrom]

:D Ahhhh, Astro Photography ...
The 'slippery slope to empty pockets' . No truer words spoken :sadeyes:.
If it was me I would grab the 10 inch collapsable Dob and enjoy whats there and go the ED80 + EQ5 way for AP later on .
Keep an eye here in the classifieds good deals come up all the time .
And :welcome: to IIS .
Brian.

[norm]

Hi Nicole,

How's your head? Are u totally confused now with the options and opinions given.... :lol: It's all fun and it will help with your choice in the long run.

I'll throw my 2 cents worth and I tend to agree with Auastronomer. If your new to astronomy and the hobbie, start with visual with something basic like a dob, preferbably collapsible if the budget will stretch. Give yourself 6 months or more to get comfortable with the whole process of visual viewing. Eg, setup, night sky planning, eyepiece and accesories etc. if you think your hooked, then save up for an intermediate astrophotography setup and go from there.

I think if you can make it out to IISAC and meet some folks at the camp is an excellent idea, check out what is out there and ask heaps of questions.

The final point I will make is to ensure your expectations are set when it comes to viewing objects, especially galaxies, dso's etc. You won't see colour, you won't see bright illuminious objects etc. At best most will be just a grey fuzzy smudge
depending on the aperture u end up with. Planets and the moon will look pretty good though as will some globular clusters etc. But don't expect it to look like pics from mags etc. I just thought I'd throw this in as I tend to think there is some exaggeration of what is seen. I expect I may get a barrage of disagreements here....but it's just my opinion and those of people who have never looked thru' scopes before and commented afterwards.

Also, this isn' t meant to be anything negative. Your venturing into a great hobbie and each time you check out something new, it does make you marvel what's out there. My enjoyment is where you see clear dark skies and its like "wow" - particularly true in light polluted Sydney!

Good luck with your decision making process.

Norm:)

PS: go for a 10 inch dob.

[Screwdriverone]

Hi Nicole,

If you do get to IISAC, head over to the imaging field and you can take a look through (or at, if it's imaging) my Skywatcher 8" on the HEQ5pro which is the package mentioned here.

Best bang for your buck for AP as well as visual and planetary. I have had a 5" reflector, a 12" collapsible dob and this 8" HEQ5Pro (in that order) and the 8" F5 scope is the best one that I have had. I love it!

You should be able to find me, just ask for, or look around for the really tall guy ;)

Cheers

Chris

[frenchbluehour]

:thanx: guys... your advise/opinions are truly appreciated ....

Thanks Chris.... that is very kind of you... I will be sure to look for the tall guy in the imaging field!!... :)

Norm, my head is OK!:P..... I do tend to over-think things!! your words have been echoed, that's for sure!... thanks again for the great advise...

:lol: hehe Brian... you are not the first to warn me of this slippery slope... I'm prepared for the slide!!.... thanks for the warm welcome and advise :)....

John, your well words are well heard!!.... thanks again for the sensible advise... :)

[frenchbluehour]

OK... So I think I've settled with jumping in!!.... and on the Black Diamond ED80,
mounted on the EQ5 Pro GoTo.... thoughts please??? :D

I'm very excited actually...heading to Sydney this week, have spoken to Bintel over the phone and intend on getting there in person this week... for a look/price with adapter etc ...

..Wish me luck :)

I'm thinking a 10' DOB if all's not OK :P ...

[gavcol]

Hi Nicole

Well as wished and first of all: Good Luck!

I have the Gold Pro Series version of the ED80 the previous version. I have been very happy with it and have found it great for beginner deep space astro imaging. I also have it mounted on an Orion Skyview Pro Mount (Synscan) so it is very similar to the EQ5 that you will be using.

It will be a great start for you.

Let us all know how you go :thumbsup:.

Regards

Gav

[frenchbluehour]

Hi Gav,

Thanks for the reply.

Will do :)

[Robh]

Hi Nicole,

I was curious to see which way this was going to go.
Looks like the pull of astro-imaging won out. Although, with a BD ED80 you can still get good views through the eyepiece of moon, planets and brighter DSOs. I have a BD ED100 and use it for visual. It is a good scope.

Maybe, also keep an eye out for a bargain 10" Dob. You can then eyeball some of the fainter objects (e.g. galaxies) while the camera is ticking over.

Good luck, Rob

[frenchbluehour]

Hey there Rob

Thought I'd stop harassing you with more questions for a couple of weeks and put it out there!! :lol:

Will be in touch :)

Nicole

[JQ]

Hi Nicole,

I bought the above scope from Bintel last year. The service was excellent and the advice before and after purchase second to none. Since then I have bought a number of eyepieces and other gear from them and they are quick to say if they think the proposed purchase is not appropriate. There are a few cheaper suppliers around but I like the way Bintel checks your purchase before dispatching to ensure all is working well.

The BD is an excellent scope. The HEQ5 Pro mount works very well, is stable and relatively easy to move around and put away. The software is reliable and the scope points and tracks well after some practice. I have found it an excellent beginners outfit and I am starting to get some good images with a Canon 60d.

Next stop will be a tracking scope. I was told if the bug bites it is no good scratching with anything except a credit card.

Have fun.

John

[frenchbluehour]

Hi John....

Thanks for the feedback on the mount/scope combo :) .... Yes I have found Bintel to be very helpful over the phone from the Sydney store and in person at the Melbourne store... I'm sure I asked well into the hundreds - questions! hehe... They could not have been more helpful.

[Steve-hobart]

Hi all. I have very similar questions to Nicole. Mainly interested in viewing ( main driver is letting me & my 8yo son get into looking at the planets and moon) and have sorta settled on getting an 8 inch dob.

From what i can see the main options are probably saxon, skywatcher, bintel or ozscope brands. Any recommendations, comments, pros or cons for any of these?
Is it worth getting a collapsible (from what i can see for a bit more money there is probably a big advantage for storage).

Also, is it worth getting a laser collimator thingy? Noting i will need to get the scope shipped to Hobart. Do the collapsibles need retuning more often?

Ps I'm a complete newb with a thick skin so feel free to comment, correct etc. happy for any advice.:help:

[Screwdriverone]

Hi Steve,

:welcome: to Ice In Space....

Great idea getting a dob. It is probably THE best idea for someone starting out in this great hobby....

If you are limited in budget, then an 8" solid tube ($399) is a bargain. You won't need to make it collapsible as it is quite a portable size and fairly light, you should be able to move it around in one piece.

However, for that extra bang for buck (and if you can afford a bit more) I would recommend a 10" to start with. Still solid tube, or perhaps a collapsible if you can stretch the budget. One reason I recommend a 10" is because you said you wanted to do visual and the 10" grabs just that much more than an 8". Plus, the 10" versions are quite reasonable in price now. ($599 for a GSO from Andrews)

As for the brands, I prefer the Skywatcher due to the colour scheme and I am a fanboy of Skywatcher, however, the Saxon is the same scope as they are made by the same factory (Synta). Check out the Bintel scopes too, which are Guan Sheng rebadged versions, but as they come with more features than the Skywatchers and Saxons (such as a primary fan which helps with cooling the mirror, as well as better and more eyepieces and a better support structure from Bintel)....they are well worth the money.

Either way, a laser collimator is well worth it, as you can't really collimate in the dark (easily) without one. I have had a 12" collapsible and a solid tube 8" and neither had a problem holding collimation at all, regardless of travel in the car or shipping...

The collapsible is rather cool and reduces the tube by about 40% in length, but if you have a wagon, or a reasonable boot, the tube fits in easily.

Depending on your geek factor AND again, your budget, there is no looking back if you want to buy a GOTO 8" collapsible Skywatcher as it will make it SOOOOOO much easier to find cool things and keep on target for longer at high power. The reason I sold my 12" collapsible is because it didnt track and had no goto, so all I used to do was go to about 20-30 targets where I knew where they were and therefore never used it to its full potential for SUCH a large mirror. The longer it stays on a galaxy (which it will for AGES when it has been aligned) the more details you will see, EVEN with an 8" scope.

So, lots to process, but if you are on a budget, $399 for an 8" GSO dob from Andrews is a STEAL, for an excellent starter scope, but if you can afford it, or dont MIND spending close to a grand.....the 8" Goto collapsible Skywatcher is funky as......:)

Hope this helps

Cheers

Chris