First timer

[alexm]

Hi,
Just joined up having been an 'onlooker' for some time.

I'm hoping to graduate from 11 by 56 Oberwerk binoculars which I've been using for a couple of years now to a large aperture telescope.

I had a chance to visit Bintel in Melbourne recently and was impressed by the Lightbridge 12" Truss. Also the Bintel brand 12" which is slightly cheaper.
I'd be grateful if anyone could give me any information about these scopes. I'm lucky to live in a dark sky area so they don't need to travel.:astron: KWTS

[ving]

hi alex :hi:
welcome aboard :)

the optics of the 2 telescopes you have mentioned are the same, they are made by GSO. with the light bridge you get one eyepiece, the other scope 2 or 3 i think. the truss may or may not cool quicker. the truss can be broken down to smaller bits to make carryting it easier (these are pretty heavy scopes).

there are experts tha'll be along soon that will help you out more :)

[janoskiss]

Welcome Alex!

If you don't need to break down the scope for transportation and you are not allured by the look of the truss Dob, then the solid tube will probably be a better choice. You can put the money you save into accessories.

When you say you live under dark skies, how far from Melbourne CBD are you? How far is the nearest town with population of ~500 or more?

[rmcpb]

Welcome to IIS Alex.

If you don't need to move the scope too much the solid tube one would be the go. You pay a lot for the cool looking truss setup that could go a long way to accessories instead of to Meade.

Cheers

[iceman]

:welcome: to the site! Always great to see lurkers/onlookers signing up to say g'day!

The lightbridge is a sexy looking scope, but the deluxe full tube version is just as good at a cheaper price. The benefit of the truss is for transportation (as the other said), if a long tube can't fit in your car.

You won't go wrong with either scope!

[alexm]

Thanks Janoskiss,Ving and the compulsive tinkerer,

I live on the outskirts of a small bush town in NE Victoria, Pop. maybe 5000.

On a good night I can see - unaided - mag.5.5 or 6.0. I'm sure that my failing eyesight plays a part but, having had nothing to compare it to I feel that I am fortunate in having dark skies. KWTS .