8 or 10" dob

[kiwidoc66]

G'day
I'm going to buy a first telescope and like the look of the Skywatcher dobs. I can get the 200mm or the 254mm for about twice the price. Most observing will be out of the back garden in suburban Christchurch NZ. How much better would the viewing be with the 254mm? Any advice welcome, thanks!

[rmcpb]

Welcome to IIS :)

As for your question, the 10" will be brighter and show some more detail in objects than the 8". If its within your budget then the 10" is worthwhile but not at twice the price of the 8".

[iceman]

Twice the price? I guess you're buying somewhere local. What price are they?

The 8" in $AU is anywhere from $400-$550, and the 10" is anywhere from $550-$700.

The 10" is great and will definitely serve you longer than the 8". In the future you can put it on an EQ mount for photography if you choose.

btw :welcome: to IceInSpace!
Tell us about yourself!

[wavelandscott]

No doubt that bigger is better...assuming that you have no difficulties moving the bulk of the larger one. In the end, the "right telescope" is the one you use most often...

Double the price sounds a bit high for the price difference between the two...

Good Luck and Enjoy the hobby...

[CoombellKid]

Hey There, and welcome aboard

Where abouts in Christchurch are you? I'm an ex CHCH boy myself.

regards,CS

[kiwidoc66]

Thanks for welcome and info
Skylab (local in Christchurch) carry the skywatcher 8" for NZ$699 and the 10" for NZ$1399. I've also found Astronz carry the GS680 for NZ$849 and the GS880 for NZ$1119, I get the impression that the skywatcher and GS scopes are similar - is this correct?

[rmcpb]

At those prices I would be seeing if one of the Australian suppliers (Bintel, Andrews, etc) could send one over the ditch cheaper!!

[dugnsuz]

Ah, the age old question!!!
Go the 10" - it's a great scope.
All the best
Doug

[§AB]

if you can physically handle the 10", go for it! 10" dobs are great - compact enough that you can sit comfortably throughout the entire range of altitude, large enough to really show things and still portable enough to be easily set up and transported.

[kiwidoc66]

Thanks to all for advice
In the end, went with 200mm skywatcher (portability, this post http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=63,261,0,0,1,0, the look on my dearly beloveds face at the prospect of the extra $500 for the 254mm...:whistle:).
BTW I looked at importing one but allowing for exchange rate, P&P, 12.5% sales tax, it didn't work out a whole lot cheaper
It arrives at the end of the month, will have to make do with binos till then...

[rmcpb]

That 8" will put a great big smile on your face that you will never get rid of. I still use my 8" most over my 13" because its MUCH easier to set up and move.

Great choice and look forward to a first light report :)