150mm (6 inch) Maksutov Cassegrain telescope.

[Craig.a.c]

Does or has anyone here used a 150mm (6 inch) Maksutov Cassegrain telescope? There is one for sale on Ebay and the seller is in the same town as me. I have had my eye on a 12" dob but fear that it may be to big and bulky since I am in a small unit.

Will a 6" Maksutov Cassergrain give me decent views of Omega centauri and some galaxies?

Cheers - Craig.

[TrevorW]

Short and sweet "yes" if it's of reasonable quality. I've looked through a 6" MC Skywatcher pro and was impressed.

Ask for a try

:thumbsup:

[Craig.a.c]

The pics of it on ebay look very good, no scratches that I can see (the seller also says that it is in A1 cond. But like your signature says - take it with a grain of salt). It is by Saxon, will the brand make any difference in the optics?

[Zuts]

Hi,

If you were thinking of getting a 12 inch DOB then I am not sure a 6 inch scope is a real substitute. The DOB will have 400% more light gathering ability than the MAK; and given that you are in a dark sky area will get very good use from the DOB. Secondhand 12 ich DOBS go for maybe the same price as the MAK as well.

Cheers
Paul

[Craig.a.c]

I love this hobby, but hate it at the same time. To many choices :confused:

So far the 12" dob is still on top of my list, just worried about the space it will take up.

[AstralTraveller]

You'll find space - trust me :). For the dobs and for the scope after than and then the next one.... ;)

[astroron]

But after all six inches is still only six inches :rolleyes: there is no comparason.
You will find a way to store it:)
Ron

[AlexN]

As others have already said, the 12" will be far better for viewing galaxies, planets and nebula... The 6" mak is not a scope to be sneezed at, It will give great views, but the resolving power and light gathering is much much less than a 12". The 12" in its mount pointing towards the ceiling (with a slight tilt to minimize dust falling on the primary) takes up less than 1m²... perhaps a 10" or 8" dob (both of which have more light gathering power than the 6" you've been looking at..

Oh the options... :D its a pain when there is an 'astronomical' amount of options to choose from isn't it.

[Craig.a.c]

Thanks for the replies.

You have all twisted my arm, Dob it is. Just have to wait till i do my tax return.

[Starkler]

No doubt that a 12" dob will give you the best views, but make no mistake they ARE big. I find dobs no problem as mine live in the outdoor garage I just wheel it out on a trolley and plonk it down on the grass.

Can you store it in an outdoor shed? If you cant and would have to wrestle your scope down stairs etc I would think hard about it and possibly go for an 8" dob.

[dazastar]

Maks have less obstruction, therefore better contrast that that of a newtonian. They also have much larger focal length. You cant really make the same comparisions as you can between newts.
Power can make up the differance as well, light gathering power is related to more than just apperture.

You can get 1900mm 6inch Mak with 2" focuser from andrews for $399 brand new. www.andrewscom.com.au

[Maverick]

Hi Craig
Have MAK 150 Pro Skywatcher and love the views ,GoTo and easy to pack option.Dob is 12" and bigger.Andrews have special at the moment PROMAK150 150mm x 1800mm Maksutov-Cassegrain (inclusions as per OTA below) with HEQ5PRO SynScan Go-To white coloured equatorial mount/tripod, V3.0 flash programmable hand controller and aluminium carry case!Now $1599.00
Cheers ;)