Which Dob should I get

[Ibeentokeck]

Hi,

I'm tossing up between a 12 Dob

I looked at Bintel, Saxon and GSO.

Which is the best one, Bintel and GSO seem to be the cheapest, Saxon is a little more expensive. They all seem to have similar specs on the website, but I'm not sure if one is better than another, what are people's thoughts?

:help:

[Kevnool]

:welcome:Buddy you,ll get better advice here than me but i got bintel 16' and a meade lightbridge 10' and happy with both of them ..but being new here stay clear of ebay cheap scopes...cheers Kev.

[Ibeentokeck]

The Skywatchers don't look bad either since they are collapsible. Would make the 12inch more portable!

I was reading on this forum for the GSO to wait until the tension adjustments come later in the year, how important is this, what is wrong with the current system.

This forum is really ace, just found it tonight!

[Kevnool]

The GSO tension adjustments for ALT are here i have them on my scope and they are the best thing to happen to the DOB , then the argo-navis encoders (when become available)will be the icing on the cake..............only seen the collapsible ones in mags and i cant give no opinion on them.......yep your right about this forum it is a great place....cheers Kev.

[Ibeentokeck]

http://www.amazon.com/Orion-SkyQuest-IntelliScope-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B000P33Y0K/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1216379475&sr=1-8

Is this the finder your talking about. With the $US almost the same it looks interesting. Problem is you'll get charged 10% duty for sure. Can't find this brand in Australia though, wonder what its ozzie equivalent is.

http://www.amazon.com/Meade-LightBridge-Truss-Tube-Dobsonian-Telescope/dp/B000E9ZQ8I/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1216379697&sr=8-4

What's lightbridge like?

[HCR32]

Ring bintel they are an honest bunch of guys (Sydney) If it werent for them I would have had like 10 telescopes and no house to live in. Ask them the question just because it has bintel stamped on it doesnt mean they would want to sell it to you.

[Tandum]

Bintel just remark GSO scopes so cross either of them off your list as they are the same.

[Ibeentokeck]

Hi, I'm in Melb, so basically if I want the GSO I just buy the bintel, since the GSO's seem to come from NSW shops I don't see any online from Melbourne?

GSO seems slightly cheaper then Bintel though? :scared:

[Tandum]

Andrews has them for $749 -> http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm Bintel has them for $799 -> https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm

Compare the 2 and see which has more extras. Eyepieces, diagonals, rightangle finderscopes etc etc. Then ring each and ask for a shipping price. It's not as expensive as you would think to get them shipped as they send out lots of crap and probably get shipping on the cheap.

Shop around, but those 2 are the cheapest you'll find I believe.

[Ibeentokeck]

So there is nothing really different between the quality of these Bintel (Taiwan) and the ones from Saxon (China)

Is the quality of the image any different, since the Saxon's are about $999 and I can't tell if there is a difference just looking at the specs.

[kinetic]

Hi,

Just a quick perspective on the GSO-12 from Andrews....

I recently got one of these and am VERY impressed with the OTA
build quality.

My OTA is gloss white...looks beautiful and came with a range of
accessories to get you up and running: 5 Eyepeices (incl a 2") and
a bonus cheapie weatherstation (great gadget, not really for Oz but has
some handy functions).

The mirror quality on the 12 is pretty good, the crayford 2 speed focuser
is also a good quality product.

I have used it just twice in 3 weeks due to rain!
Jupiter was very clear and steady at mid to high powers even though
it wasn't a good night of seeing and the scope hadn't cooled down
to ambient when I used it.
Low power wide angle views with the 2 inch 32mm and 1.25 inch 25mm
of Scorp-Sagittarius areas of the milky way left me speechless after
using a homemade 8" F7 for about 25 years :eyepop:
Coma is fairly noticeable but not terrible.

Portability is ok but only if there are TWO people!
The tube is fairly heavy!
I wouldn't recommend it for one person setup unless you
manage the transit from car/ shed etc with some sort of
bodged up hand trolley dedicated to the job.

All up I think these scopes from Andrews and Bintel are an absolute
bargain, even if used for cannibalising parts, like I intend to, to make
a better scope from them ( I know that probably sounds crazy to some!)


I have ditched the Dob cradle and it is now on my main homemade
GEM mount.
See here:
http://mywebsite.bigpond.com/astrosteve/gso_12.jpg

Not affiliated with Andrews or Bintel btw.....

Steve

[Ibeentokeck]

I've heard that sometimes the quality of the GSO's can be up and down compared to the Saxons? Has anyone had this problem at all?

[wavelandscott]

I don't think on average that you will see much measurable difference in quality between the Saxon and GSO/Bintel...of couse there may be lemons on occassion but it will be close. While I am not particularly familiar with the Saxon offering, I suspect that it will be a bit of Holden v Ford if you know what I mean...either are suitable transportation.

In either instance you are comparing things at the entry level scope offering and neither would be considered high end.

I have had a Bintel/GSO 8 inch Dob and enjoyed it for some time now...still works like a champ and in my opinion is a good value for money.

If you have not had a chance to do so yet, I encourage you since you are in Melbourne to stop by the Bintel store there and take a look yourself...this will give you a much better idea as to size, quality etc.

It will also give you a chance to talk to some pretty knowlegable folks at the store...and if you like what you can see you can go home with a telescope and save the shipping costs.

Again, I don't know your experience level (sorry I haven't read everything in this thread closely) but if this is a first scope for you I'd talk to the folks in Melbourne first and if possible get out to an observation night or two before spending your money.

Good Luck!

[Ibeentokeck]

Hi,

Yeah its just a first telescope. I've seen the Bintel shop, but the GSO has a special at the moment with more eyepieces, and with delivery its the same price as the Bintel.

I'm just worried that the Saxon that is about $200 more is better and the Bintel/GSO could have problems since they seem to be the cheapest ones. I guess it's better to buy locally just in case there is a problem it's hard to move these things around lol!

[Dog Star]

Just to put in my tuppence worth;
Bought a 12" GSO from Andrews about 7 weeks ago. It's my first "real" scope and I couldn't be happier with it. Build quality seems pretty good to me and the bonus 5 eyepiece deal has given me a good range of ep's for exploring the sky straight out of the box.
Mine came with the 10:1 Crayford focuser and I've been told by those in the know that this is definitely the way to go as opposed to the standard focuser.
As Scott mentioned earlier; it's probably a Ford versus Holden situation and I for one don't operate on a Mercedes Benz budget.
Good luck with your choice. I'm sure you'll be more than happy whichever way you finally choose to go:thumbsup:

[Kevnool]

argh home from work and i see ya got lotsa advice .....now you`ve heard it all about the scopes, dont let the big set of eyepieces sway your judgement there cheap sets after you get your scope then i reckon you,ll be asking about the eyepieces now in this catergory you pay for what you get .....if there cheap well there cheap and if there expensive there better....cheers Kev.

[wavelandscott]

The extra eyepieces are worth just a little more than you pay for them...and since you are paying nothing...well, that is my thought on that. I would not let those particular eyepieces sway my decision one way or another...

I'd encourage you to find others in your area and look through a few scopes before you buy if you can.

[Ibeentokeck]

Yeah I think I need to find some scopes, all the retailers all seem to bag each other's products so it's really hard to know who is telling the truth. I didn't know that the telescope business was so cut throat, it just makes buying one quite tricky

I think most of them seem to come with pretty similar eyepieces.

[danielsun]

I personally prefer the Saxon/Skywatcher dobs for a couple of reasons being they have tension handles to lock the altitude (very handy, especially when using the heavier EP's) and that you can pick the scope up by these handles and carry the whole assembly around without dismantling the O.T.A .
I have the 8" and 10" and find it very handy, though I dont know how you would go with carrying around a 12".
Also I think the enamel paint job is far superior were as I believe the GSO'S had paint flaking and rust problems but this was a couple of years ago and I'm not sure if they have rectified the paint issue or not.
I also believe the Skywatcher dobs which are identical to the Saxons now have the crayford type focuser s ,not sure if the Saxons have followed but you may have to double check.


Cheers Daniel.

[Ibeentokeck]

I actually liked the Skywatcher Dob 12 which has the moveable parts (truss) so you can compact it down for the car. But when I rang the Andrews telescope they seemed to really talk it down and steer me towards the GSOs? They said that the eyepieces were not that good in this one?

You can always buy some eyepieces later if they are not that great. Are the GSO's plossl eyepieces better when it's actually a cheaper telescope I don't get it?

[DistroMan]

Strange, they sold me one without talking it down and I'm more than pleased with my purchase as is everyone else who has had a look through it. And believe me, I'm usually very picky and unhappy with my first choices. But not this time. :thumbsup:

[Ibeentokeck]

Cool, maybe I just spoke to the wrong guy. What specs does it have since it doesn't have anything on the website, is it a crayford focuser and what eyepieces did yours come with?

[DistroMan]

I hunted around other online shops to find the specs. You really have to know before purchasing otherwise you end up in the position I usually do and want to take things back. :mad2:

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-329

Had to edit: Eyepieces:1.25” Super 25 and 10*

[Ibeentokeck]

$999 at http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm is it the same one basically?

[ruggiero54]

With respect, and good intent
Distroman touched on it, it seems to me you are over analysing to the point of making no decision...questions and comments out of context to our own thought processes produce confounding answers from others e.g. shop assistants.
Make a decision, whether or not you 100% like that decision, buy it, and then move forward i.e. upgrade later. You might have to deal with your inner voice telling you you've made the wrong choice, but it's easier to deal with than the sense of frustration that can come from not making a decision at all.
"Listen to everyone, follow no-one" Franklin Templeton Investments
"Just Do It" Nike

[DistroMan]

Well put. In the end for us, it came down to these few things.

Good brand? Yes
Not too small? No (I like big toys) :lol:
Not too big? No (I don't own a truck)
Cost fair? Yes (was 899 at the time)

So we bought it and haven't looked back.

[Ibeentokeck]

12" Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonian is the one I'm getting.

Just wondering, for planets do I need to get another eyepiece like a 30 or 35, what do I need to see planets well.

[Kevnool]

Try an orthoscopic eyepiece , or really 9mm and under, 30mm will give you to wide a view and your planet will be small......use your 30mm on planetary nebula`s to get a real decent wide view...... I,m reckoning you,ll view a few planets then it off to the DSO`S

[Kevnool]

What eyepieces are you getting with it ?

[PCH]

Hi,

yep, a good ep will always give better views and therefore more enjoyment than the cheapies that come with our toys :D Recently there was a forum discussion on the Baader Hyperion click-zoom 8-24mm - which in case it's not obvious, is a zoom ep meaning that you don't need to be continually swapping !

So, having decided that this was the one for me, I found out they were distributed in Oz by Andrews and York Optical. Pricing on the forum was suggested as being approx $399 - not bad for a quality zoom EP. However, Andrews, took a couple fo days to reply, and then had them but didn't advise price. York never replied at all :P

So, a quick google and I ordered one from Optcorp in California for $215 plus about $30 postage. Seems to me the extra weeks worth of wait will more than pay for itself.

But i never fail to be amazed at the tardiness in service that some of our suppliers provide. I'd prefer to buy local but not if it means I have to ask several times. Optcorp replied within hours from California - why couldn't Andrews and York from Aus :P

Gripe over - just my 2c.

Cheers, :thumbsup:

[Ibeentokeck]

It comes with Eyepieces:1.25” Super 25 and 10* :eyepop:

[Kevnool]

Put your name in the profile so we can put a name to ya.
Have a look through the eyepieces as you will then ........when you buy a really decent eyepiece you will understand in what we mean by cheap eyepieces and your image will be in the wow factor......also dont forget to get a barlow (essential) .

A 2x Barlow will transform your 25mm into a 12.5mm and your 10mm into a 5mm.....but just keep reading mags and forum,s there,s a wealth of knowledge out there...cheers Kev.

[Ibeentokeck]

Distroman, with your truss telescope, do you find collimation goes off much. Are the trusses pretty sturdy in the unit?

[DistroMan]

No more so than a removable truss newt. I've looked at a couple of them and they are the same. Takes a few seconds to collimate if necessary anyway. I'm one who will collimate every trip out whereas others are only every few trips and others thought it was fine when they got it and if they don't touch it then it'll be fine. :thumbsup:

[gman]

Wasn't all that long ago that I was asking myself the same questions.

I chose to buy a set of binos. (11 x 70)
I started to learn what I was looking at and decide if I really wanted to go down this path.
After a few months of using the binos, I decided to buy a scope.
At this time, with a little more experience and reading just about every thread on the IIS forums, I decided that I wanted to view objects and that a dob was the way to go with a limited budget (bang for bucks)
I initially chose an 8" dob from Bintel, not for any other reason than that Bintel was easier to get to and an 8" is easier to transport.

After waiting for a number of weeks for stock to come into the country, I chose to upgrade to a 10" dob.
Bintel threw in a few filters for the inconvenience and the scope was collimated prior to collection.:thumbsup:
This unit will still fit in the back seat of the car.
I admit that the eyepieces supplied are not great but they do provide an acceptable view for those starting out. (My kids think that it gives million dollar views):cool:
I have since purchased a 2x Barlow and am saving some dollars for a couple of nice eyepieces (size and type is yet to be decided).

Try to get to an astronomical society viewing night and check out the scopes as people will be more than willing to help.

My advice is take your time, do your homework and you will not be disappointed and own an overpriced dust collector

[Dog Star]

Fine advice indeed, Grant.:thumbsup:

[Ibeentokeck]

Hi,

So moving it up and down puts it out a bit and you have to collimate it a bit? What about when you are using it, the truss is not as sturdy as a full thickness tube, so does it go out of alignment being used as your moving it around looking at objects? Is this less of a problem when you just have a normal scope.

Yeah I think I'll get better eyepieces later, that 1/2 adapter size one is a great idea to convert the eye pieces you have into other sizes

Cheers.

[DistroMan]

I haven't had it go out while using it. They are much sturdier than you would think just looking at them.

[Ibeentokeck]

Cool going to buy one this week can't wait to get it :) :whistle::lol::eyepop:

[DistroMan]

It's a pity you're so far away or you could have come and tried it out. :(

[Ibeentokeck]

Yeah havn't seen any in Melbourne yet, they have other brands with the truss.

Do you take it in the car much, still must be pretty heavy?

[DistroMan]

I've taken it out a couple of times so far. Haven't had it that long, but I was surprised. I had in mind to put the tube assembly in the back seat and the base in the boot of the car. Turns out it has to be the other way around as the base won't fit in the boot. No matter, a few thick blankets and other gear packed around and under the tube in the boot and it's fine.:thumbsup:

Ground Board Weight(s) 18.5Kgs
Tube Weight 21Kgs

[Ibeentokeck]

I ordered it :thumbsup:

[niko]

my 2 cents worth - I've got an 8" Saxon dob and the collimation screws etc are a fiddle to adjust - requiring screwdriver and allan key - I don't know if this has changed in the last couple of years but I would certainly opt for a knob type option over what this Saxon has.

cheers

niko

[DistroMan]

Have you heard of "Bob's Knobs" ??

http://www.bobsknobs.com/

[niko]

I was told Bob Knob's couldn't be fitted to the Saxon 8"

??

[DistroMan]

I would contact Bob himself and give him details of your scope. He'd be better able to advise you of availability for your circumstances. They do custom knobs as well.

bob@bobsknobs.com

[Ibeentokeck]

Got my scope, worked pretty well the other night, though the sky was pretty bright in Melb!

Just need to work out how to collimate it got that eyepiece thing, do I do it in the day or the night lol?

[erick]

"Sky pretty bright in Melbourne"? We could have told you that ;) I have four words for you:- Snake Valley Astronomical Association (http://snake-valley-astro.homelinux.org/welcome.html)

Collimation - which "eyepiece thing" - a collimation cap? - a small item that fits into the 1.25" eyepiece holder and has a small hole through the middle?

Unless you are doing a "star test" collimation, it can be more convenient to perform your collimation while there is still some light in the sky. However your primary mirror will be cooling, so if you collimate before or around sunset, best to check it again (say with a cheshire tool) at the time you want to start using it. Sometimes the primary mirror "sags" on the springs (many people replace the springs in these Chinese scopes with stiffer ones), so you may wish to collimate at about the elevation you will most be using - ie. don't collimate with the OTA horizontal.

Eric :)

[Lukazy]

I just got a Skywatcher 10" Dob. What eyepieces, filters etc should I get for it? I don't want to spend a fortune, but I'd like to get some decent views of deep sky objects (I haven't seen one yet except in books).

[erick]

Absolutely nothing yet! :D Use what was supplied for a few months and keep reading the forum here.

However, getting a collimation tool or two is the best investment now. :)

[bmitchell82]

:) I have access to a 12" Meade SCT with Meade series 5000 ep's M83 (admittedly in the middle of Curtin University) is a small elliptical smudge with a 20mm ep. You have to look real hard for the deep and fuzzys and dont expect textbook style views. Your eyes aren't a 5 -10,000 CCD camera with photoshop processing center. :)

[Lukazy]

Note to self - get better eyes :doh: