new telescope

[jmb]

Hi :)
well i think i am ready to take the plunge...i know largely from this forum, that the advise for a first scope would be a 6 or 8 inch DOB. i live in Brisbane and can get a TASCO 6 or 8 at a good price...has anyone experience of these???
also, while i would love a DOB, the size puts me off...i would prefer something compact, easy to assemble, and of course great value for $$

i have seen a Celesteron EXPLORASCOPE 100mm and like the size and cost...again, has anyone any experience of this??

i should say that my hesitation with the DOBs is that with my job i can be transferred regularly...the DOB would be a more permanent scope, not easy to pack up and move...

any advise would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
newbee
:hi:

[mickoking]

I don't think a 150-200mm Dob would be too big. I reckon a 200mm truss tube Dob like the Meade Lightbridge would be perfect :thumbsup: Wouldn't mind one my self :)

I wasn't aware Tasco was making Dobs?

[Starkler]

I own the 10" gso dob. Whilst the base is fairly bulky, the tube lays nicely across the back seat of the car for transportation.

I had a look at the explorascope and for a whole host of reasons I wouldnt recommend it as a first scope for anyone half serious about this hobby. Its performance will be limited and very quickly outgrown.

In the sub 1k price bracket, nothing comes close to the dobs in performance as a complete scope and mount package.

[Nordo]

Geoff
How long is the tube of your 10" GSO? I am about to buy one and would like to transport in the back of my car like you do. Do you use the original foam packing saddles for transport?
I won't be buying until after Qld Astrofest in a couple of weeks. Want to chat to all the guys and check out their equipment:D .

jmb
Before you do anything, go along to Astrofest. It's only about an hour or so from Brisbane. You will see an enormous range of scopes and get the best advice from genuine experienced enthusiasts. You may even win a scope in one of the raffles. Check it out here (http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/):thumbsup:

[Davelrkn]

Hi
I would suggest going with at least a 6'' Dob or an 8'' if you can pay the extra.Have you herd of the Saxon range of scopes there are fairly good quality for the money.Have used these scopes before and are sturdy and with good optics.You mentioned you are from Brisbane.Our Society holds regular viewing nights on the northside and southside each month called Urban Observers which have been setup for helping Members of the public to learn the night sky and with help of equipment purchases.
You do not have to be a member of our Society to attend and are free of charge.
Info can be found at www.seqas.org (http://www.seqas.org)

Regards
Dave

[Starkler]

This page (http://www.telescope-service.com/dobsonians/dobsonians/dobsoniansstart.html) contains all the relevant info on the gso dobs. Length weight etc.

I dont use any restraint on the ota as the back seat tilts backward and the altitude hubs keep it from rolling. You could put a seat belt around it but I dont bother.

[Nordo]

Thanks Geoff:)

[Jupiter]

I've just recently bought a 10" Dob, I thoroughly reccomend it, I'm having heaps of fun with it, up late, up early, collimating, go the dob, 8, 10, or 12 you choose.

[ballaratdragons]

jmb,

The only way you will get a smaller compact travel scope that is quick and easy to set up without mucking about with polar alignment is by dob mounting a small SCT or a Maksutov. That way you will have a scope that almost fits in the glove box and next to no set-up time. Can't be that hard to do.

[Starkler]

Or, by getting one of these (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=9484):whistle:

[ballaratdragons]

ahhh, yeah. Sorry Geoff, I forgot about your little beauty.

[astro_nutt]

[QUOTE=Nordo]Geoff
How long is the tube of your 10" GSO? I am about to buy one and would like to transport in the back of my car like you do. Do you use the original foam packing saddles for transport?

Hi Nordo,
I transport my Saxon 10" (which is about 1,100 mm in length), dob in the boot of my Falcon..I used the original packing box and made an insert for the optical tube.:D .I cut it down to size and reinforced the bottom with a bit of 3-ply glued on with liquid nails..I also used this on the packing foam...The tube is held in place by a pair of ocky-straps to the box. I then cover the lot with a blanket...The base is carried on the back seat covered with a blanket and secured with the seatbelt..this still leaves me plenty of room for the tent..etc:thumbsup:

[Nordo]

Thanks
I don't think the tube will fit in the boot of my hatchback, but hopefully the base will, then putting the tube on the back seat like Geoff does. I guess I'll figure it out once I actually have the scope.

[dhumpie]

I transport my 10" GS dob in my Hyundai Excel with no probs. What I do is fold down one of the back seats and the OTA goes through that...easy. My hatchback only has two doors or I would probably be able to fit it across the back seat. The 10" tube length is similiar if not only slightly longer than the 6" and 8" tubes.

Darren

[jmb]

thanks everyone for the replies...great feedback. :lol:
interestingly noone commented on the Celesteron EXPLORASCOPE 100mm (a mini dob)... :P
jmb

[ving]

the base of my 8" fits in the boot of my astra pretty easy :)
the OTA now lives in the front seat :D

[jmb]

hi everyone
my problem is really more to do with the fact i can be transferred frequently...it does not seem practical lugging a 6 or 8 inch DOB...
:shrug: any suggestions

[ving]

at the price, not really... if you want to spend more then a mak. as they will come close to halving the OTA length...
check these out from myastroshop
http://myastroshop.com.au/products/catadiopt.asp
you pay moe for this design tho and you wont get the same aperture as you would in a reflector for the same price.

[Striker]

A 6 or 8" dob is small...

Maybe a large set of binoculars on a tripod....otherwise a small refractor on a EQ mount will be more awkward to move then a 6" Dob.

[Lester]

Get a 6" Maksutov, good for planets and okay for deep sky, also very portable.

[jmb]

thanks everyone for your replies, i have found them very helpful. :thumbsup:
I find myself leaning back towards the DOB...boy, am i getting dizzy...:rofl:
well, i have found a TASCO SKYWATCHER 6inch for $390 and 8inch for $440. Does anyone have any experience of these... i will presume if you all think these are a good buy that i would go for the 8 inch...;)
i have contacted BINTEL & ANDREWS...but they are slow to respond...or i am just getting really impatient...
either way, i haven't found the 6 inch $299 Dob...it was mentioned on this site's forums
the advantage for me of the 2 dobs i mentioned is that it is local (Brisbane) so i wont have the added postage...
what do you think, and thanks for your help
Janine :hi: