Saxon 10" Newt V GSO 10" Newt

[Visionary]

Given that I know very little about either GSO or Saxon Newts, and that they are almost exactly the same price, I was wondering if there was much of a difference between the two scopes?
My mount... CGEM DX, so there is no weight issue. The only thing I don't have is a coma corrector. As I am intending to use the Newt as a visual rather than a photographic scope, will I even need a coma corrector?

ps: a Dob doesn't suit my needs atm

Cheers

David

[glend]

David, Andrews has a 10% off sale right now on all GSO scopes, valid until end of business on the 20th. I have owned several GSO scopes and used their 10" mirror in the imaging newt i built. Their optics are very good for the price. Saxon has become less popular over the last few years, i don't lnow why.

[raymo]

If you are likely to have any intention of attaching a camera to your scope,
enquire of the vendor whether their product allows it.
Skywatcher [therefor also Saxon] Newts do, but many others don't.
Being as Saxon are virtually rebadged Skywatcher, maybe many people
prefer to buy from the widely popular brand.
raymo

[Visionary]

Raymo, there isn't the slightest chance I would be using the 10" Newt for imaging. In your experience, how would either the Saxon or GSO stack up as visual instruments?
The reason for my question, I am looking for something that suits my current equipment that has an aperture edge over my current scope and is comparatively inexpensive, I am not saying $750 is cheap but... a 2" TeleVue Barlow is $500!

[Merlin66]

David,
For visual at f5 there's no need to consider a coma corrector. Save your money for a good quality eyepiece.

[astro744]

Bintel has Tele Vue 2" Big Barlow for $319 and 2x Powermate for $469.

[Merlin66]

I think there’s no need to consider Barlow’s or Powermates, you should be able to find a range of eyepieces which meet your needs.

[raymo]

As others have said in other threads, both the Skywatcher[Saxon] and GSO
are eminently suitable for your needs; the GSO being slightly ahead as far as build quality is concerned, but the SW[Sax] optics seem to have the edge.
I have never seen a complaint in this forum regarding faulty SW optics.
raymo

[doppler]

There are a couple of differences between these brands. Skywatcher scopes use Pyrex glass for their mirrors, GSO use bk7 glass and so have a longer time to reach equilibrium temps hence the fitting of cooling fans. Skywatcher tubes also have a smaller diameter and are much lighter.

[Visionary]

Rick & Raymo,

A very interesting and very useful distinction between the two mirrors. Given that cooldown isn't an issue & that I will be lifting the OTA the Saxon seems the better choice. They are exactly the same price, to the dollar.

[CJ]

Does the Saxon have the dual speed focuser?
The GSO's do. It's a nice feature to have.

[CJ]

The base on my GSO 8" from 5 years back had a lightweight feel. Whilst not a Saxon, the base on my Orion feels far more sturdy. The length of the warranties might be worth checking.
:thumbsup:

[Visionary]

The Saxon has a dual speed focuser @ 10-1 , I am still "chewing-gum" and pondering.

[raymo]

SW still have a 6yr warranty as far as I know.
raymo