Collapsable Dobsonians

[EagleStr1ke]

Hi guys,
I've been using a 4 inch refractor for the past year, my first telescope, and it's served me well, but I'm feeling limited by the apeture and I plan on upgrading some time soon.

I have done a lot of research and have decided to go with an 8 inch dob. But what I can't decide on is whether to pay an extra $200 for a collapsable version. It's basically increasing the price by 50% for one feature, I was wondering if it's worth it.

And one last note, is it possible to by a computerised goto mount later on for the scope if I want to delve into astrophotography?

These are the ones:
http://www.australiatelescopes.com.au/8-inch-203mm-dobsonian-telescope.html
http://www.australiatelescopes.com.au/collapsible-8-inch-203mm-dobsonian-telescope-skywatcher.html

Thanks in advance for the help

[JB80]

First off if you do decide to get one please do not order from that website, I don't even believe they are operating anymore and many people have lost their money after ordering from them.
There is a topic somewhere about it.

For me portability would be the big issue, if I was often taking the scope out of home to find dark skies I'd go for the collapsable, if I was using it at home then the standard model unless I was pressed for space.

[JB80]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=101354

Here we go...

[stringscope]

G'day Joel,

First up welcome to IIS :welcome: There are answers here to any astro question you might have, and then some.

I guess to assist you in your quest I reckon you should ask the following:

1. Why do I need a collapsible scope? Storage, transport or just like the idea.
2. What are the maximum acceptable dimensions when collapsed?
3. What is the maximum acceptable weight in transport mode?

WRT photography, my understanding (I don't do imaging) is that limited imaging can be done with a dob on an equatorial platform but that most people end up with a heavy duty (and heavy) equatorial mount. for this purpose. A commercial collapsible dob is probably not compatible with an equatorial mount.

BTW, what sort of 4" refractor and mount have you got?

Cheers,

[Sarge]

Joel,
:welcome:
Check out Bintel in Sydney for a good range of Dobs. I have the 12" SW collapsible scope on a dob mount. It makes transportation quite easy. The scope and mount fit nicely into my little Hyundai. The 8" is a great starter to intermediate scope and will give you fantastic views compared to the 4" refractor. Bear in mind that a dob mount is not suitable for astrophotograhpy, so if that's not your ambition, go for it. If you can afford it, go for a "goto" model, it makes life so such much easier.

Clear skies

Rod
:D:D

[EagleStr1ke]

Wow I'm amazed at the fast replies. First thanks for the heads up about that website, I'll try to look around and find it elsewhere. At the moment I'm using a 4 inch skywatcher refracter on an alt-azimuth mount.

For me, its mainly the convenience of storage which is why the idea of a collapsable scope appeals to me. The only issue is the price jump, which is why I'm uncertain.

[EagleStr1ke]

Just checked bintel, the only 8 inch they have is their own bintel brand, and I'd prefer to buy one of a known and proper brand.

Is this store alright?
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/dobsonian-telescope-skywatcher-black-diamond-collapsible-8-inch.html
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/skywatcher-8-dobsonian-telescope.html

At this shop, the price difference is way less, and I'm inclined to go with the collapsable model.

[GraemeT]

My collapsible 8" Skywatcher dob is on a goto mount and allows me to fit scope and base onto the back seat of my sedan.

[EagleStr1ke]

Don't get me wrong I'd love a goto scope but it's definately out of my price range at the moment.

Actually Andrews communications has the collapsable for $599, so it looks like I'll be going there. Thanks for all your help guys

[barx1963]

Joel
I would not go a collapsible if going 8" in your case for 2 reasons. Firstly the space saving is quite minimal. The largest item is the base and it is not collapsible so you are only saving about 1/3 of the tube length, hardly worth it for the extra cost unless you have very serious space saving issue. Secondly with regard to future use of the scope for imaging, you will almost certainly need a solid tube for a couple of reasons. 1, it is quite difficult to attach a collapsible tube to an EQ mount, can be done but will require a bit of handywork, 2, collimation is far more critical for imaging and solid tubes will hold collimation better.
That brings me to another point, a dob can be retrofitted to make it goto, but that does not make it suitable for imaging. Imaging (mostly) requires a good EQ mount, unless you want to restrict yourself to the moon and brighter planets.
You will find that observing and imaging have very different requirements as far as gear is concerned and it is very difficult, actually make that impossible, to find a set of gear that works well to do both.

On a further note, I can heartily recommend Bintel, great service, they look after the amatuer community and great range.

Malcolm

[rustigsmed]

Hi Joel,

My recommendation would be to go bigger than an 8" dob, a 10-16 inch. I don't think it's worth spending the extra money for collapsible on a smaller dob like the 8. If the budget is tight go for the solid 10 or 12, unless you really can't transport it easily.

I have a 12" goto dob and have really enjoyed the views. Astro photography was on my mind, specifically planets but I've struggled to get the results I wanted, you can process it to buggery but unless the seeing is good I've found it's not worth it. And to be honest melbourne really struggles with good seeing. Saying that, the results and processing some of the guys get on this forum are nothing short of astounding, I'm so impressed just what people can do when they are truly dedicated. Me, I get out when I can...

I had a crack at deep space with the goto and have gotten some great results on the brighter objects. But I've out grown that now, I can't go any further with the alt az and get any better results, so in hindsight I should have got an eq6 or heq5 with an 8" newt.

So what I'm saying is save your money, either get a larger dob for some awesome views at the eyepiece or get an eq mount package, I wont think it would be long before you would want to upgrade again... You are already mentioning it...

Here is my Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/80336656@N07/ my results from a goto dob.

All the best !

Rusty

[joe_smith]

Those pics are amazing for the set-up you used :thumbsup:

[Steffen]

I agree with Malcolm, an 8" Dob doesn't quite justify the complications of a collapsible design. A solid tube 8" still fits in virtually every car and can be handled by one person with reasonable ease.

As for shops, I have dealt with both Andrews and Bintel on numerous occasions and would recommend both without reservation. Since you appear to be in Sydney I'd advise to visit their stores in Greystanes and Glebe, respectively, and meet the people and have a chat with them. You won't regret it.

Cheers
Steffen.

[stringscope]

:thumbsup: I would go with Steffen's advice :thumbsup:

[EagleStr1ke]

Yeah I realise I can't have everything so I won't worry about goto or astrophotography and I'll just focus on visual astronomy. I'll go have a chat to Andrew next weekend. I might take Rusty's advice and, funds permitting, get the 10" version, but I'll have to see... money is pretty tight.

And those photos are pretty amazing, I'm jealous. But considering I've only been into astronomy for a year, I won't attempt astrophotography for a while, not until I master visual observation.

[joe_smith]

I have the ten inch skywatcher GO-TO collapsible dob thats hardly been used if you are interested? its going to waste as I work night shift 6 days a week. To help you out I will let it for $700 and I'll throw in a laser collimator which you will need with a newt scope, what you save I gain in karma (the goto version is about $1600) where in Sydney are you? I'm at ingleburn if you want to check it out. I know how bad it feels to be low on funds and want something good, but have to settle on a bit less

[EagleStr1ke]

Thanks for the offer I've sent you a PM so we can talk

[GraemeT]

Joel,
Please read Stickies 1 & 3 in the Beginners Forum
Cheers