Another what to get Q.

[Hammer]

Hi all
my first post here, and its another what do u think type,
sorry for that.

needless to say i am thinking quite hard about my first telescope.

Like most people new to this, it involves a few hours per night searching forums and web pages followed by a stiff drink.

At the start i was looking at a meade DS-2114ATS-LNT this seemed to provide reasonable price with some decent features. I then did some more reading and put that idea away.

I have to say I don't think dobs and I will get on, and after reading some guides here moved on to refractors.

Currently i am thinking along the lines of a

Vixen - Porta ED80Sf
this seems to suit my grab and go style and seem to offer decent optics and basic mount.

other ideas are something along the lines of a

Megrez 88 - M88 - Fluorite f/5.6 ota

setup with a basic mount

Any thoughts

P.S. i guess 2k would be my limit for my first setup.

I live in Tasmania with dark cold skies and variable weather.

Thanks

Andrew

[Terry B]

If the aim is visual and I assume that to be the case for your first scope then I think you would be disappointed with the view through a little refractor. Almost all galaxies and planetary nebs will either not be visible or be very dim smudges.
If you don't like the idea of a dob then a SCT or Mak are much smaller but have greater light gathering power. A 150mm mak on an EQ5 goto will cost about $2000 and have a much greater visual impact than the 88mm refractor. Better still a 200mm scope on a simpler mount.

[iceman]

Hi Andrew, :welcome: to IceInSpace!

At least you're getting the first step right - asking questions! :)

What is it about the dob base that you don't like, or don't think you'll like?

[cookie8]

Absolutely agree with Terry. 3" refractor's views are relatively dim and small. I will go for aperture to make every dollar worth esp.under dark sky like you have.

[dannat]

the vixen porta / ed80 is a good combo - but the ed80 is mostly for photography. Vixen is a quality brand , maybe try the porta/130 Newt combo(about $600+) - still grab & go but the 130mm newt will show you more than the 80. Stay with the 80ed if you think you will get into photography.

[Hammer]

thanks for the info so far, back to the drawing board I guess.

[acropolite]

Andrew, I agree with the others, the ED80, while nice as a grab & go and good for Atsrophotography, doesn't have much light gathering power.

A good starting point is something around 8 inches (200mm) of aperture.

I don't really understand why you think a dob would be unsuitable, they are simple to use and maintain and provide the best value for your dollars. A $400 8 inch dob will give as views as good or better than a $3000 SCT.

There are a number of groups around the state, I suggest you get along to one of the regular new moon get togethers and have a look through some of the equipment before making a choice.

[Tilt]

I finally went with a 10" dobsonian when I couldnt decide, a great set up for the money. The GSO dobsonians are quite good, together with a good eyepiece it shows magnificent views of deep space objects, plus its not too shabby on planets either.

Michael

[AlexN]

aperture, aperture, aperture...

If you have around 2k to spend I would go with the biggest dob you can handle... I know you mentioned grab and go, and a dob really doesnt suit that so much... But neither does a megrez88 and a mount... :)

I started with an 8" dob earlier this year, and really miss the ease of use involved with it.. pick it up, put it outside. - Done..

[Babalyon 5]

Aperture rules! Nothing more to say!:hi:

[Tilt]

Even the 10" dob isn't too bad in the 'grab and go' department, I just use a trolley to wheel it out of my garage to where I plan to set up and then observe. Then once the viewing session is over, I wheel it back into the garage and that's it. Super easy and quick.

Michael

[Hammer]

ok now looking at a 10"-12" meade lightbridge for a starter scope,

cheers

andrew

[fwhong]

Nice choice :thumbsup:

Looks like you'll get what you want and not blow your budget too.

[PCH]

Hi Andrew,

I've had the 12" LB about a year now. I thoroughly recommend it, and I'd be pretty sure you won't be disappointed with the views. Plus there's all sorts of home-made mods that you can do with a dob that are a lot of fun too !

Cheers :thumbsup: