New and considering my first telescope

[thorpef1]

Hi all.

My name is Luke and im 26 from South Western Sydney.
After visiting Sydney Observatory a few months ago im considering getting my first scope for christmas.

I guess i dont really know specifically what i want it for, so pretty much an all rounder entry level scope.
I have a bit of land so i dont have too much light pollution (well not as much as the city anyway)

Im thinking a 6 or 8" Dob should do the trick from what i have read.
Originally considering the Guan Sheng GS-680 8" (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm) from Andrews or the Bintel BT202-B 8" (http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/Dobsonian/Bintel-BT202-B-8--Dobsonian/72/productview.aspx).

First questions is do these two options do everything for a beginner or should i be looking at something else.
Also, do they provide everything i need or would i need to get other accessories to start out.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, but looking at buying one this week in time for christmas.

Thanks,
Luke

[brisen]

Hi Luke

I have recently picked up an 8" Skywatcher Dob, new at a price which I couldn't go past and the fact that it is easy for me to pick up and take outside (compared to the C11 I also have). You will easily see a lot of detail on the moon, Jupiter (all 4 Galilean moons are clear) and some deep sky objects. I easily found the Orion Nebula with the 8" and the views are in my opinion, better through the C11. I can even make out some colour in the nebulosity with the 8" which is not as evident in the C11 image. I have clearly seen stripes on Jupiter and the moons shuffling back and forwards.

Mine came with "super plossl" eps at 10 and 25 mm and I have used them a little bit and they do give a clear image. I do however tend to fall back to my other eps which certainly give a clearer view of the finer details. I found the extra bit I needed was a chair that I could adjust the height on and this has made my viewing through both scopes much more of a pleasure as I am no longer at awkward angles.

Brian

[CJ]

I bought the 8" GSO from Andrews a year ago. It's fantastic for the money.
Get Stellarium or Carte du Ciel, an astro book and maybe an astro App and off you go.
I found a moon filter quite useful though now I would probably buy a variable polarising filter instead.

[bkm2304]

Hi Luke,

Welcome! A dob is certainly he way to go for a first scope. Lots of light gathering power, minimal mechanical stuff.

Read a lot and go to a few stores if you can or join a society and get your hands dirty!

Richard

[barx1963]

Hi Luke
The 2 scopes you have mentioned are the same scope, Bintel get GSO to rebadge them. One slight difference is that Bitel will unpack the scope and check it out, while Andrews simply ship the boxes as the arrive from Taiwan.
The main difference though is usually the price and the various accessories. I note they are both the exact same price, usually Andrews are a little chaeper. The only diff I can see ATM is that Andrews come with 9, 15 and 25mm EPS while Bintel substitute a 30mm Superview 68deg AFOV ep for the 25.
Pretty much of a muchness. I have dealt with both companies and would have no issues with either.

On a further note, you mention 6" dobs and 8" dobs. I would always go the 8" unless budget just will not stretch. Much greater light gathering ability and only a small increase in bulk.

Cheers

Malcolm

[barx1963]

Oh sorry forgot to answer your query about accessories.
The scopes are basically right to go. One thing I can suggest is that if you buy from Bintel, pick up in the shop and get them to run through collimation. You may need some basic tools to start.
The eyepieces that come with it are quite sufficient to start off. A red light torch, basic chart and a height adjustable table are also very useful.

Cheers

Malcolm

[wavelandscott]

Congratulations on considering a new obsession! The hobby can be quite addictive.

I would agree that the two scopes you are considering are basically the same and buying on price is okay. I like the idea of having the shops walk you through collimation a grand idea. That is exactly what I did at Bintel when I bought my first scope. I was surprised at how much more sense it made to me after I walked through it in store.

I would suggest using the supplied eyepieces for a while as they are pretty good and more observation and experience will be useful in determining what other eyepiece attributes you like before you spend your hard earned money on the premium stuff.

I find an adjustable height chair is a great sidekick to an 8 inch Dobsonian reflector. Bintel has a fine one or alternatively you could make or source your own. While not strictly necessary, I found that my first 8 inch Dobsonian mounted reflecting scope was at an awkward height for me and that much time at the eyepiece made my old bones ache. An adjustable height chair eliminated the discomfort and opened hours of viewing enjoyment to me (your mileage may vary).

The computer and internet are pretty handy for finding free sky charts/maps and an old torch that has had the lense painted red makes a fine red light torch(nail polish works surprising well).

After that I would spend some time under the stars before spending any more money...

Hope you get as much fun from looking up as I have found.

[thorpef1]

Hey guys.
Cheers for the help so far.

It sounds like "bigger is always better" in this case.
I have found a 12" dob second hand. He says that the mirror was re-done 2 years ago. It's about half price of the 8" new.
Is this something that would be worth looking into.
What should I be asking him and checking on this dob if I was to purchase this?

Or would I be better off with a new 8"

Cheers

[Allan_L]

Hi Like,
Welcome :welcome:

Of course (all things being equal) a 12" DOB will provide clearer views of fainter objects.

But it will definitely be bigger and heavier and more difficult to move around.
And this may limit your enjoyment from it. Especially if it is a solid tube.
(A collapsible "flex DOB" will make this easier though).

The age and condition of the mirrors would be a concern when buying any second hand telescope.

Another factor to consider is what if any accessories come with it.

You would want to see it and pick it up before deciding.
Ask how and where it was stored.
Often, the particle board mount can be the first thing to deteriorate if exposed to moisture. These are replaceable but will add cost.
Good luck with your purchase.

Check out the free excellent planetarium software Stellarium. (google it)

[astronut]

Private message, sent.:)

[thorpef1]

Cheers Allan.

Looks like a new 8" will be the way to go then since it it can actually be moved around if i want to and it should come with everything i need.

Would i also need a Collimation laser?
Without spending too much would something like the Seben (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/380394654627?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX: IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)be OK?
It seems to get pretty good reviews on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seben-Laser-Collimator-telescopes-31-7mm/dp/B006FGYWM0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1387181206&sr=8-4&keywords=seben)

[barx1963]

Luke
One of the reasons I recommend visiting a store is to get a handle on how big scopes actually are. A 12" solid tube dob is about the size of a small water heater, and then there is the base. That is not to say it is too big for you, just it is a load to handle if you are expecting something smaller!
With collimation a laser is not a bad idea, but there is more to collimation than a laser. A good guide to collimation without a laser is here http://www.astro-baby.com/collimation/astro%20babys%20collimation%20guide .htm . If you follow this procedure it will setup the scope and you can then use a laser to tweak it each time you take it out.
As with many other things in the world of lasers you get what you pay for! I had a similar laser to the Seben one and have recently upgraded to a Howie Glatter. Bit exxy but much better made and really accurate.

Cheers

Malcolm

[thorpef1]

Thanks for that link Barx.

I watched a youtube tutorial yesterday using the same method, but having it written also helps.

Thanks

[thorpef1]

Today i picked up a GSO 8" Dob from Andrews.
https://photos-2.dropbox.com/t/0/AAB9y5gkQGfX0zoj6V8I2nAM4Kpdxard8cs K8FTjP5tFiw/12/173867833/jpeg/32x32/3/_/1/2/2013-12-19%2014.07.35.jpg/RwmFM3a_YcFLOrClWg-1Sal4BUgBGPmPcTQ0Ni56oJ8?size=800x6 00
But i wont be able to open it till next week.

Getting excited to explore the world of astronomy

[noeyedeer]

a good move Luke with the 8". what's the bet the skies are clear until you open it :)

matt

[SkyWatch]

Congratulations Luke: you will have a lot of fun with that scope.
Just a comment about collimation: you don't need a laser: on old film canister with a hole in the centre does a great (and very cheap) job!
I reckon you are better off saving the money you would spend on a laser collimator and putting it towards getting extra eyepieces or other accessories (like that adjustable chair) down the road... and, as someone has pointed out, some of the cheaper laser collimators aren't in collimation themselves!
If you are just moving the scope in and out to the back yard, it is unlikely to get out of collimation very often anyway; it may if you are driving somewhere over rough roads.
Enjoy opening the scope on Xmas morning!

[thorpef1]

Cheers for that note about the collimation Dean.
I dont plan on taking it out of the backyard for a while so looks like i should be set up nice and easy.

Cheers

[ClearSkiesTV]

…and don't forget one of the affordable astro-apps. I recommend SkySafari Plus for iPad/iPhone.