What's your scope?

[elusiver]

I'm not sure if this has been done before. But it'd be nice to see what the current standings are with the recent intake of new members.

toetoe reckons that 1 in 10 of us are dob owners :P we'll see how we go :D

If you own more than one type of scope.. please choose your PRIMARY scope. If there's any 'type' of scope that i've missed let me know.

el :)

[slice of heaven]

Over here Ken :)

Good move El, been waiting for a tally on this :thumbsup:
Dobs would cover more than 10% of the numbers for sure.

[ballaratdragons]

Go the Dobbies!

[elusiver]

i dunno how i managed to do a triple post.. there's gotto be some kinda record in that!!! :doh:

:shrug:

el :)

[h0ughy]

SCT all the way!!!!!

[Starkler]

I would have expected 70% or so to say a dob.

Many of us own more than one scope. Maybe you could have asked "what is your primary scope" ?

[astroron]

My first scope for 15 years was an eight inch SCT which I still have in a roll of roof observatory ,for the last three years a sixteen inch Newtonion truss Dobsonion has been my primary scope .astroron :thumbsup:

[Kieken]

Main scope is a 12 dob. Secondary is a 4.5" newt on EQ-2.

[[1ponders]]

Main scope SCT, but a couple of refractors lying around, (three at last count)

[ving]

see signature... :P

[wavelandscott]

Since I have two do I get to vote twice?

[asimov]

Yeah. More than one here also.

[ving]

well it does state "your primary scope" or sumpin :P

[Thiink]

Go the Dobs! I dont think I've touched my "refractor" (ugh) since I got the dob.

El: that signature of yours is almost hypnotic late on a Friday afternoon at work waiting to go home.. !

[asimov]

Hey Thiink, send your refractor to: 'asimov' c/o post office cummins SA thanks mate!

[Astroman]

I will up the tally and add my Dob. I will only accept Refractors greater than 6" in diameter in the post.

[Daring Dave]

Dob Dob Dob Dob Dob

[acropolite]

SCT...Meade of course..:D

[seeker372011]

SCT..???? have 30 years of aggressive marketing by Meade and Celestron totally brainwashed the community? :poke:

I will repeat what I have said in another thread:
Quote
After all Phil Harrington has this to say about SCTs in "Star Ware" (quote reproduced from another forum)

"What about optical performance? Here is where the Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope begins to teeter. Due to the comparatively large secondary mirrors required to reflect light back toward their eyepieces, SCTs produce images that are fainter and show less contrast than other telescope designs of the same aperture. This can prove especially critical when searching for fine planetary detail or hunting for faint deep-sky objects at the threshold of visibility."

"Image sharpness in a Schmidt-Cassegrain is not as precise as that obtained through a refractor or reflector. Perhaps this is due to the loss of contrast mentioned above or because of optical misalignment, another problem of Schmidt-Cassegrains."
Unquote
a lot of people believe that this to be true of most SCTs--the exception- possibly -being the Celestron C9.25, the scope that Chris Venter, Robbie and Damian Peach (not a member of this forum) use..some people consider this the only SCT worth investing in...

Newt and refractor owner myself!!! :whistle: :) :)

[beren]

Not only do i have a Meade but damn its a Schmidt-cassegrain , must stop enjoying myself whilst using it then :)

[mick pinner]

everybody wants a SCT. for a scope with supposedly poor optics they sure do sell a lot of them.

[Miaplacidus]

Er, well, one of each, actually... (What kind of sicko does that make me?)

But there is no point in arguing. The best scope is the one you use. Period.

[elusiver]

that's what i was going for..

you are getting sleeping.. when i count to 3 you'll do as i say.. 1.. 2.. 3.. now you will send you rigel quickfinder to meeeeee :P ;) :D

el :)

[Starkler]

This be the one I really want :)

http://www.globaldialog.com/~obsessiontscp/15page.html

[Stu]

So which scope do you use then?

I'd like to know because the more I use this forum the more confused I am about which scope I want to spend up big on. All I know is that my EQ Newt with spherical mirror is crap when use at more than 80x.

Just this moring I convinced myself that an LXD75 8" SCT was the way to go. It's all too hard. :help:

[Iddon]

I wanted the biggest aperture I can move at home whilst on the tripod, transport in my 2-door car, and leave setup in the dining room without taking too much space. For me this was perhaps a 6" Newt on EQ, or an 8" Meade SCT. Optically, I suspected/assessed similar outcomes with each. The convenience, viewing position and compactness and GOTO of the SCT left this as an easy win to the SCT (for my needs). In think this assessment puts in context the apparent superiority of a pure Newt solution on a similar aperture basis.

[gaa_ian]

Have to agree with Thiink on the refractor ..
had a bit of a shootout between our club 6" refractor (skywatcher), LX90 8" & my 10" Dob.
The Dob won out most times, but if we had some keen astrophotographers, the refractor on a pier & EQ mount would prove its worth.
The DSO images are the best with the refractor, to much chromatic aberation on the planets with the refractor, even with a minus violet filter.
The Dob won hands down on views of Mars at 1pm this morning.

[RapidEye]

Rule #1 of Astronomy ---> Aperature Rules!!!
Most aperature for the money ---> Dobson Reflector

Pretty easy equation in my head!

[slice of heaven]

Rule #2
If you dont use it then Rule#1 is negated.

Nice post Iddon, your assessment should be taken into account by others trying to determine which scope to purchase.

[slice of heaven]

Maybe Binos could be added to the poll El ?

[Miaplacidus]

[QUOTE=Stu]So which scope do you use then?

If my raft was sinking and I had to ditch all but one, I'd hang onto the dob.

[Librarian64]

No, just ignore the scope fascists. There's always someone around trying to spoil someone elses fun. I am very happy with the quality and features of my LX90. I wouldn't mind a large aperture Dob, as well, or a high quality refractor. However, I wouldn't replace my scope with any of them as it has obvious advantages over the others as they have over SCTs: they're all good and have their uses. A useful book on Schmidt-Cassegrains which dispels some of the negative myths re: SCTs is Michael Covington's "How to Use a Computerized Telescope". He argues that many claims regarding optical quality of SCTs are simply false or at least very exaggerated. Yes Meade and Celestron market aggressively and have been for 20+ years but having owned a Meade for awhile now it's quite obvious to me they make a quality product and from reading many reviews of older SCTs both companies have overcome problems of the earlier models.

[elusiver]

how do i edit the poll?? :shrug:

el :)

[ving]

i want this (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/TELESCOPE-KEYRING-NEW_W0QQitemZ6427348182QQcategoryZ5 3595QQssPageNameZWD2VQQrdZ1QQcmdZVi ewItem) one... it'll show me the universe as i have never seen it!

[Librarian64]

http://www.umich.edu/~lowbrows/reflections/2005/dscobel.19.html

[beren]

:) there's little to gain in any scope design debate because its very individualistic but i doubt 30 yrs of aggressive marketing by 2 great companies {thankful i live in a era where scopes of a certain aperture and sophistication can be engineered at a relatively affordable cost } could insidiously decieve the market, there has to be merit to the value of the SCT to justify the sales ,for a average Joe like me it fits the bill . Phil Harriginton does mention later in his fantastic book {hope his publishers can get the next edition out soon} that the quality standard by Celestron/Meade in there range of SCTs in recent years has impressed him .I :love: my CAT :D

[ving]

too right beren, its a bit of ford vs holden really or apples vs oranges. it all depends on wht you as an individual want.

[rumples riot]

Seeker you are very funny. You wanted a bite; well here it is. Yeah we might have less contrast and slower photographically but we have other advantages.

1. SCT's have a folded design, meaning the light path is folded. This means that it is smaller and therefore more compact and portable. You put your entire scope into the back of your car. You don't need to break it down into a many pieces for it to be transported. Just two. The tripod and the scope. Or in the case of a SCT on an EQ mount 3 pieces.
2. With the folded design we have greater focal lengths. 2500mm with a 2.5 powermate produces large image scale. This means our images of planets are bigger than any other scope. An SCT wins hands down here.
3. SCT designs are great for doing planetary work. The images are very sharp. Assuming you keep your collimation under control.
4. We don't get coma, nor do we suffer from chromatic aberration. Well, not like other scopes.
5. Easier to collimate, well relatively. We can't use a laser (believe me I have tried), but at least we only have three knobs to turn.

Yes while there are some down sides to owning an SCT, there are just as many reasons to own one. I don't agree with optical performance arguments. Yes they are slower, but you only have to look over the net and see that the majority of good quality DSO imaging is done by Cassegrain type scopes.

I like my SCT but wish for a RCX400. Another cassegrain.

[slice of heaven]

Aaahh the Hatfields and McCoys are at it again.
The only major point you've raised thats valid Paul is the tube length, because of the folded design the SCTs ,they are more compact and portable for the same F ratio.
Newts can be any F ratio you want to make them. So no , The SCTs dont win hands down, as an F10 cat or newt is still F10, except that the newt has less deterioration imagewise because of the optical configuration,and a longer and more difficult to use tube. An off-axis newt takes it one step further and deletes the coma problem fairly well and reduces the central obstruction completely.An Off-axis newt doesnt have the CA problem associated with a refractor either, which puts it in a more accessible range financially than a top of the range Apo.
But optical performance is only one part of the equation on which scope is the right scope for an individual . Portability , ease of operation , price, storage and a host of other points need to be taken into consideration.

[rumples riot]

Exactly Slice, I love the optical design I have even when its flaws give me the sts.

Hey BTW are you coming to the Sept 10 viewing night?

[iceman]

Generally, that's true. It's much easier to get a larger image scale than an equivalent aperture newt. However the focal length is still ultimately dependant on the seeing. I've seen planetary/lunar images at approximately 10,000mm - with a large newt (like Wes Higgins 18" starmaster, or even Orion (Ed's) 18") it's still possible to achieve that focal length with a 5x powermate. But it really needs a night of perfect seeing to get any sharp and useful at that focal length.

So yes, for a 10" aperture if I wanted to do planetary imaging I'd probably get an SCT, but there are also drawbacks for widefield imaging, because of that exact reason - focal length. You just can't get a wide field, which is why you SCT guys get 80mm widefield scopes :)

Also for purely visual, there's nothing like a widefield view of the milky way through a newt.. I just don't get the same feel through an SCT because it's double the focal length.

Anywya each to their own, as long as the person looking for a scope to buy understands the pros and cons of each, they can make up their own mind.

[beren]

Mike when i sold my newt and got a SCT i was worried about the widefeild viewing angle but in conjuction with a focal reducer i find it pretty satisfing , i thought i would be using my longer focal length pieces a lot more but for the main my 22mm nag works a treat .For imaging though i admit i prefer the little 80mm .

[acropolite]

let's not forget the continual attempts by the dobbers to motorise their canons and turn them into go-to's...:P

[slice of heaven]

Only because we've still 3 to 4 thousand $$$$ left in our pockets to play with :)

[beren]

:) there wouldnt be to much $$$$ left in comparision when you fit a argo navis and a servocat

[slice of heaven]

Wouldn't that be nice. :scared2:

[rumples riot]

Boy Dob owners!!! Funny little dudes. Good for some fishing, finding the bait is real easy. Before you know it they are peeling off line.

You'll notice us SCT owners have not been doing the attacking

[Starkler]

I dont see anybody attacking anybody, even though some get overly defensive when the weaknesses of SCT's get mentioned :P I Guess thats understandable after having spent a truckload of $ for their stubby tubed scopes.



Nope, I'd rather push my dob than ride a goto :P

[iceman]

Who's attacking?

The dob vs SCT debate is always going to be around, nothing will ever change that :)

[rumples riot]

Yeah but we didn't start it. We could mention the short comings of Dobs. That would be real easy. Especially those short F ratio versions. Why is it always the Dob owners trying to find a reason to justify why they bought a dob?

Jealous they is, only Jealous.

[iceman]

There's nothing wrong with short F ratio's, that's what gives the wide field that is a "pro" for dobs. Just as the long F ratio (or, focal length) is what you gave as a "pro" for your SCT (from a planetary imaging viewpoint).

Of course the low F ratio means collimation needs to be spot on and eyepieces can be challenged to give sharp views across the field, but that's what you accept when you buy a dob. Just as you accept a narrow field of view and a more expensive scope (plus setup time etc) when you buy an SCT.

There's always arguments for both scopes, and those shortcomings whatever people claim them to be, are part and parcel of owning them.

[cometcatcher]

I made a couple of f8.8 dobs. Beautiful planetary scopes. Unfortunately I sold them, and don't I regret it. :( The fast ones I have now are nice for star fields but suck for planets.

Sorry but I can't vote. I have no primary scope. I love all my scopes equally. That's like asking which is your favourite child? :P

[asimov]

Well, I'll stick to my refractors for planets & fast big aperture newts for those wide & bright views..For the time being at least.

[slice of heaven]

:fight: :fight: :fight:

Everybody gets defensive when their type of scope is attacked. :shrug:
There is no ONE perfect scope.
Every type has a place and benefits, over another style. What makes it more suitable for an individual is strictly up to the individual. If your happy with your scope and you use it, thats all that matters.
Take Striker (sorry Tony,NO disrespect here) for instance,started with a dob but found it not suitable. Went for the Meade Sct on fork mount, then changed to an Sct on an eq mount.He seems pretty happy with his setup now.(I would be too)
Me, I like my dob. Quick setup,no electrics,simple to operate and good views.
Yeah ,goto would be nice, but for me not a neccessity on the dob.

Still, reflectors are way better than refractors :poke:

[cometcatcher]

Nice use of bait. :P

My best views of comets have been through short fat refractors.

I'm with whoever it was that said that we need one of each. A wide range of magnification needed for certain objects - wide for star fields and comets to narrow for planets.

Photographers have different requirements to visual observers also. A doublet refractor may be fine for visual use, but it sure blows halos in pictures. Obviously the photographers need tracking, the visual user doesn't.

Because of this I suspect the amateur astronomer with the widest range of interest will also carry the lightest wallet. :D :help:

[elusiver]

OMG!!! what's going on in this thread?!?! :lol:

it was never meant to be a my scope is better than yours thread!! more a sort of pie chart of what iis members primarily use!

el :)



p.s. the dobs are the best. not because i have any scientific fact to back this up.. but simply cause I have one.. so it must be the best. :P ;) :D

[cometcatcher]

Going by the poll results you have your pie chart.

Looks like dobs are the favourite, followed by SCT's, then EQ Newts and lastly refractors. Poor refractors. :(

OK, I suppose I better vote. It's a hard one cos I use them all but I guess EQ Newtonian would be what I use a lot of, mostly because I like to photograph star fields and comets, and I'm cheap. :P

[elusiver]

i'm still not satisfied with the number of votes though. 71 out of 400 odd members. would've liked a fair few mote voters.

el :)

[asimov]

:doh: :P ..

[slice of heaven]

Sorry John , just teasing.
Without refractors, what would we use for finderscopes? :P

[Starkler]

Haha slice :rofl:

[toetoe]

I still think there are a lot more dobs out there who havn't voted yet.:)

[Lee]

I have a 8" GSO Dob.... soon to be a 8" GSO on EQ6. Can't stand the Dob mount so far.... and want to do some astrophotography..... can't wait to get it now!

[DSO]

I have a 8.5" Newtonian on an alt-az pillar and I am waiting for a telescope maker friend to finish a 12" Dob for me. Hopefully it will be finished soon although he's making s-l-o-w progress on it so far.
Funnily enough unlike Lee, above, I'm the opposite to his point of view regarding mounts - I vastly prefer alt-az and Dob mounts to equatorial ones. I find eq mounts too fiddly and annoying to get along with but as I am primarily a visual observer, that doesn't matter as I don't really need the scope to be driven.

[mickoking]

Dobs are rockin' the free world.

DOB DOB DOB OI OI OI :thumbsup:

[josh]

And i thought my sct was giving me great views... must be all that brainwashing eh ?

[Striker]

Off course the dobs are going to win...look at the price of them.

SCT $5000
Dob $600

[Starkler]

Very big dob $5000 :D

[ballaratdragons]

New 16" GS Dob - approx $2400.

New or 2nd hand 16" SCT - approx 8 gazillion dollars.

Where's the problem there! You do the math!!

[mickoking]

I once owned a SCT but I traded it in for a Dob+ some eyepieces.:thumbsup:

[asimov]

'look into my big DOB eye asimov!...:scared2: :scared2: :scared2: :scared2: :scared2: :scared: You WILL sell your crappy EQ mounts that are driven on one ONLY axis to perfectly follow the stars.....You will then DOB mount them & spend heaps of dough driving them in TWO axis's!!'

:doh: Think I came down in the last shower...OR WHAT!!?? (don't answer that you guys!) ;) :nerd:

[ballaratdragons]

Driving them? Just shove it around like the rest of us (well, most of us).

[asimov]

I've been 'shoving' them for 28 years Ken! Besides, I wanna take astro-piccies like the experts...(one day)

I'm only joking with you guys (as you may or may not know)

I know the facts.....If I were a n00b just coming into this, I would buy a dob too! (I think!??)

[atalas]

You know at the end of the day Its which scope looks better ! the SCT wins

Louie :lol:

[asimov]

Thank-you for that Louie JONES! Keeping up with the jone's & all that??.....Aah forget it!.............:rofl:

[mickoking]

Advantages of a Dob, Ease of use, most aperture for your dollar.

Advantages of a refractor, High contrast, looks like a telescope.

Advantages of a SCT, looks good in glossy ad's, keeps your wallet light.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[atalas]

now your got It ! took you long enough :rolleyes:

Louie :lol:

[Starkler]

I was stirring up Daves friend Mark as his 14inch LX200 was whirring........ "now where does the coffee come out?" :lol:

[PhotonCollector]

My main 'scope is a reflector on equatorial mount ! see http://www.skylab.com.au/pmsa/equip.html

Clear Skies
Paul M.

[ballaratdragons]

Wow Paul, that's how I hope to eventually be set up. I have the same scope - GS 12".

I also want mine to be able to be Dob mounted at the drop of a hat for travelling about.

Nice set-up!

[ballaratdragons]

How did this end up at the top of the list of 'New Posts? I sent that last post 2 days ago, check the date on it. :shrug:

[elusiver]

cause it's a cool thread. I started it :D :P ;)


el :)

[ballaratdragons]

This thread has jumped to the top of 'New Posts' again. How? No-one has posted in it for 2 days!

[jjjnettie]

First time I've seen this thread. Glad it was near the top of the list again or I wouldn't have voted. Go the Dobs.

[33South]

Ive notice that on other polls, I think polls jump to to top if someone votes, even without posting.

[Miaplacidus]

I haven't voted. I have one of each.

[rickericn]

I've got an XT12 and a 127 Mak. The Lil' Mak works great for lunar and planetary objects; while it cannot compare to the 12" Water Heater on DSOs.
Sometimes it's just a matter of preference - while I certainly cannot dispute Phil Harrington's expertise - each individual doesn't "see" the same way. I think it gets down to the right tool for the right job. We've all learned early on that there is no "best" scope.

- Rick

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I've got a dob - so there's my vote.

Why do I have a dob?
(apart from all the good folk here telling me to get one?)

The 2 rules I have seen quoted here time and again:
Rule 1 - Aperture rules.
Rule 2 - The best scope is the one you actually use.

(my Rule 3 - desire and buy what you can afford)

I have my GSO 10" on a small hand trolley in the house, I can have it, and me, and my eyepieces, etc outside and viewing in 2 minutes. That's it, no other setup, no time wasted. If it's cloudy in a broken way it is STILL worthehile for me to run it out, view for 5 mins or whatever and run it in again.
(All the good folk were dead right in my opinion).

So until anyone can show me a scope with better than 10" aperture that I can have outside and working & actually viewing stuff in 2 minutes, and that I can buy brand new for under $700, I'll be using my dob.

I stress that is MY opinion, but as it was My dollars that bought the scope then My opinion suits ME ok - but I'll argue to the death for everyone's right to have their own opinion.


What would I buy if I had more money??
I was very keen on a Meade 125 goto model - but can't easily see myself buying one now.

No - with a lot more money to spend I'd still buy a WHACKING great dob and put a shed or dome over it lol.

[astro_nutt]

2 dobs...various home built mounts which gives me something to do on those rainy days!!!..and the 10" is the primary scope...

[[1ponders]]

The thread jumps to the top if someone replies with either a post or a vote in the poll. So if there is no new post it is an addition to the poll

[astroron]

Why has this post appered, it is dated 27-04-06?:shrug:

[Oldboy]

Just looking at the break down of scopes owned and wondering if anyone might own/have used a Skywatcher 114 x 900 Neut on an EQ1 mount?
Reason for the question is one has popped up at a local retailer for a price the minister of works does object strongly to, I'm just not sure about the mount.
thanks all :D

[Robbos30]

Hi there my name is Peter.Im new to this forum.I currently have a 30 inch f/4.8 sdm telescope.I've had it completed with servocat tracking since September 2005.Its got a superb Nova Optical mirror and 4.5 inch secondary.It lives in a custom made enclosed 10 x 5 x5 foot traior when not in use.My first scope was in 1981 had a 3 inch 900mm focal length reflector and had that for 13 years.I upgraded to a 16 inch in 1996 Meade reflector then got apertur fever and upgraded to a 20inch f/5 obsession 12 mths later.Had that for 7 years and then bingo,i met Peter Read vic(SDM telescopes)BLESS HIM.MY current and no doubt final scope for a while is this 30 inch reflector.This is Sdm number 1.Im very proud and passionate of my instrument.I also have an 8inch bushional dob i use occasionally.Great forum.:newbie: :newbie: :newbie:

[Lee]

30 inches! :eyepop:

[taminga16]

As the actress said to the Bishop, I would like to see an image of that!

[smithy1026]

Hi there 'Old Boy'. Have one of those myself, in a box under the bed.

I thought it was good at the time and I think it is ok for planetary viewing on the cheap side, but my liking is nebulas so I bought a 8" F4 later on. The mount is a little wobbly and not good on a night with more than a slight breeze.

It does not have any problems with being a circular mirror instead of a parabolic mirror as it is about F8 and the difference is not apparent for a scope of that quality.

I only keep mine for the purpose of solar observing with the required filters and for the demonstration nights at my son's Cub Scout nights. Even though it often gets mounted often on the 8" tripod.

[Louwai]

My only comment is that the poll is not really accurate.
What about those who own multiple scopes???
I can only vote for 1, & when I return to the thread I can't vote again.

Unless I haven't figured out how to work the poll correctly. In which case all above comments are void.:)

[chris lewis]

I must admit to being impressed with that 30in. monster. In 35 years of AA I have had about 30 different scopes - mainly small to medium ones. I now have a nice collection of scopes - a WO 66ED with little CA - great 'grab and go' on a Mantrotto pan head and tripod, a Stellarvue 80mm Nighthawk on a AZ-3 mount, a Orion ED80 on a EQ3 in Alt- AZ mode, [everyone should have one] a ED100 on a Vixen GP mount - good planetary scope for 4 ins], a GSO 8'' F/4 on a LXD55 Meade Goto and a Meade 8in. LXD-90 GPS - and 35 binoculars ! all the way up to the Oberwerk 25x100IF.And my wife who is a bank manager is not happy with me - but she buys silly tops and shoes so it evens out ! [She will really get grumpy next year when I pick up my WO 132 mm APO ]

[§AB]

^^ "Honey, I need 8 telescopes for the same reason you need 8 pairs of black shoes" ;)


I've got a Meade DS114 4.5" reflector and a nice GSO 10" dob with fully-flocked tube, flocked dewshield and crayford 10:1 focuser.

[g__day]

Mine are breeding...

20mm gunscope finder
30mm finderscope
50mm finderscope
70mm SCT
80mm refractor
100mm SCT
125mm MAK
235mm SCT

And 50, 70 and 80mm binoculars too - most optical instruments I've owned at any one time (plus 3 mounts) and two tripods - I may need to rationalise soon or call Telescopes Anoynmous!

[ballaratdragons]

You can only vote once, Bryan.

Which really makes a mess of stuff, coz this thread is over 2 years old and many people have changed scopes since first posting. I have.

Many many people start out with a Dob, so they naturally tick 'Dob'. Then move onto something else, which makes the dob numbers look very impressive coz they can't change their vote :lol:

And only being able to tick one makes it a bit null and void, as I need to tick 3 of them.

[Benny L]

Between me and my dad we have...

10" Meade LX200 Classic
14" Meade LX200R
4" TSA102 Tak (I think thats the right model lol)

[Meadehead]

What a Laugh :lol:

Now imagine how boring life would be if everyone had the same scope.

I wouldn't know which is the best, but I love my Meade LX90GPS 8":thumbsup:

[Starkler]

Time for a new thread and a closing of this one?

[seeker372011]

yeah I was juts going to vote and was told I have already..which had forgotten...

[Ian Robinson]

10" fast newt was on a CG5 , have a New Atlux (bought in June) and it will be going onto that shortly.

[netwolf]

A better way to do a poll like this is to add it as a profile feature for each member to fill out and edit when they change scopes. This information can then be displayed anonymously as a dynamic poll, of what people use.

[Dog Star]

Didn't think that this would be an interesting thread. How wrong I was!
Mind you, the poll was about what you own or primarily use, not about which is best.
I own a Dob. It suits my needs and situation and I can't see that changing in the forseeable future.
I wouldn't insult anyones intelligence or pride by suggesting that their scope is no good.
But, I mean, if you haven't got a Dob....;)

[AlexN]

How does one chose their primary scope... I love my refractors as much as my SCT... I may use the refractors more, but the cassegrain gives me this fuzzy warm feeling inside when I use it... Sigh....

I voted SCT because, well... Its just awesome... Its big, its powerful, it catches heaps of light.. Whats not to love?

[Max Vondel]

Problem with the survey :
I love my SCT, refractors and my family!!!
How do I choose ???
:sadeyes:

[Jooster]

Mine is a 12 inch Dob, 8 inch SCT and a 90mm Eq refractor

[pjphilli]

I use a 150mm f13 Maksutov for narrow field imaging, an 80mm f6 apo refractor for wide field imaging and a 100mm Maksutov f6 for guiding. What I like about the Maksutovs is that they never go out of collimation unlike some other SCTs.

[Geoff. Lyons]

This is my first posting. I live halfway between Brisbane and Ipswich so as you can imagine the sky is worse than crap, so any observations involve a lot of lifting, loading in the car , driving, unloading (you get the drift) so I'm limited to an 8'' skywatcher with a load of eyepieces and a pair of 10-50 binoculars. Cheers Geoff.

[Wavytone]

Quick to set up and portable - 102ED f/7 and a 180mm f/15 Mak.
http://web.me.com/nicholas.loveday/Site/Misc.html

Of the two I use the refractor more, often leaving the Mak behind. Speaking of things that stay collimated, when assembled the scopes do stay parallel within about 10 arc minutes, and even the 50mm finder is usually pretty close to aligned when fitted.

[Geoff45]

At one of the star parties I looked through a large number of scopes. Just about all of them were so badly collimated that good or bad optics wasn't the issue

[AlexN]

Not wanting to drift off topic, but I think claiming that SCT's have poor optics is pretty silly.. I've had just as good views from my SCT as through my APO, It just requires careful collimation and a lot of time to cool properly.. with poor collimation and a warm mirror, yes, the optics look bad... collimated and cooled, its my best scope.

[mick pinner]

agree 100% Alex, a well collimated SCT especially at F/6.3 is a wonderful scope.

[NCRAW]

I was thinking that one day i will need an Alt Az mount and tripod, just for the days i wanna do some quick scanning. I think it will go well with the 80ED and ill keep the HEQ5Pro for a bigger future scope.

[garyp]

This thread is no problem for me as I own only one scope and you guessed it, it's a Dob;)

[Screwdriverone]

Damn, already voted,

Just added a new baby to the family, Dobzilla the Skywatcher Flex 12" Dob.

I am soooo proud.

Cheers

Chris

[Robert9]

Very happy with my SCT. Great optics,:eyepop:, compact, portable, easily set up, easy to use.

[TJD]

very happy with my nexstar 6 se but get 12 skywatcher dob in 2 days

[TJD]

i want to add a 12 skywatcher dob to the list i got it yester day

[Quark]

Only type I dont have is a Schmidt Cassegrain, must do something about that one day.

Trevor

[barx1963]

Just voted. Put down Newt on an Eq mount, but I have a loan scope at the moment from the ASV which is an 8" Dob. I use that every clear night as it so easy (sore knees notwithstanding) I also own a little Meade ETX 70 refractor that I bought at Vicsouth second hand a few months ago that I have started to do a bit of imaging with, so while I have the dob and the ETX is still new, the poor old newt sit all lonesome!

[TheDecepticon]

Lol!! I'm greedy! I have 10in & 8in reflectors, both for imaging on EQ mounts. I have an 80ST refractor for guiding, a 102 refractor for wide field imaging on an EQ mount, and an older LX90 8in for my grab and go visual scope. Works for me!!:thumbsup:

[Jen]

well it looks like the dobs are winning :D

[pgc hunter]

10" dob
12" bod
5" Intes Maksutov
4.5" meade newtonian

[telecasterguru]

This isn't fair.
My main scopenow is an ED127 that i have only just received. It is great.
I also have a 10" dob on a rotating table which is just fantastic.
I want a C11.

Frank

[M54]

I'm a beginner with a 130cm reflector on an equatorial mount, bought for me by my family.
I'm totally happy with what I've seen so far, but don't mind saying I would LOVE an 8-10 inch Dob.
I'm going to buy a BIG piggybank!:D

[Kevnool]

All you have to do is read my signature to see what ive got.
Cheers Kev.

[dpastern]

Wow, interesting to see the Refractor so far behind the others.

Me has a SkyWatcher EQ6PRO + SkyWatcher Equinox ED100 OTA.

Dave

[DavidU]

I have a very nice 305mm Dob !

[TrevorW]

A nice shiny brand new GSO CF-RC 200

[AlexN]

Ooh!! Me too!

[Glenhuon]

Sig says it all. One I use most is the 150 newt, with the 250 Dob a close second.

Bill

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[AussieAaron]

G'day All,
After joining the local astronomy club here in wollongong i have looked around to purchase my first Telescope, I am edging towards a Guan Sheng GS-980 12" Deluxe as it is at a great price, Can anyone tell me if they are familiar with the scope and also what would this scope usually be worth retail?? If anyone can help it would be much appreciated, Aaron

[Big Dave]

A couple of people in our club have these (GSO's). They seem to give good bang for the dollar, it would be a good buy. Should be looking near $1200 with a starter kit (eyepieces , moon filter, etc..)

[AussieAaron]

Dave, Thanks mate, That helps, the store i am buying from has a good deal on where i can get it for $999, so i think i will now purchase it, Thanks again, Aaron

[Big Dave]

Thats not a bad deal, with practice you will really get to enjoy it.
The club is a good idea, a lot of people buy scopes and try on their own to learn the sky; hense more often than not the scope just goes to storage.

[LewisM]

I have had Newtonians, refractors, Cassegrains, Maksutovs, Maksutov-Newtonians, Newtonian Dobsonians, and I gave them all up and settled on 2 exquisite refractors.

[cometcatcher]

Where did you dig this thread up from Lewis? :P

It's interesting to see how the popularity of various scopes has changed over the last 8 years.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Hi Lewis,

I have to admit I am heading that way myself, but I wouldn't get rid of my light bucket (16"), as I then have the best of both worlds. Mind you, I am finding that I am using the refractors more than my Cassegrain now days. I just received my latest refractor this week, an AT65EDQ astrograph and I think it is an amazing little scope.

Cheers Pete

[FlashDrive]

Vixen NA140SSf ....5.5"inch f5.7 ...absolutely outstanding wide field Scope.
4 element Petzval optical design.
Views have that ' wow ' factor every time I look through it.
I have other Scopes on hand ....but this NA140 is something else....and it's not a heavy Scope.... coming in at 6kg's
5.5 inches of Japanese optical goodness...:D

I'm hooked..:thumbsup:


Flash.....

[LewisM]

Oh, I hear you Col!

My Vixen DED108SS is also a 4 element Petzval Nagler, with DOUBLE ED elements at the front. The visual through it is absolutely mind blowing, but of course it absolutely excels at photography.

My FL102S is currently in pure visual mode, but now I have my second CCD, and a seond Vixen mount, I am spoiled able to image with both, simultaneously :)

[Tom Hancock]

Ah, refractors vs dobs again?
For visual dso, nothing beat a good big dob.
Refractors are good for astrophotography but most will not be able to afford one above 5 ins.

So it really boil down to your interest.

[Stardrifter_WA]

My latest acquisition is the AT65EDQ, which I think is a very nice astrograph, considering its price ($697 delivered) and quality of construction. It is an amazing little scope and will become my mainstay grab-n-go, as well as AP. Currently in is mounted on the EQ6Alt Az along with my WO 110mm.

But, just when I thought my scope purchases may actually be coming to an end, Vixen releases the VSD 100 f3.8, damn! No indication of yet. I will make sure I am sitting down :lol:

http://www.vixenoptics.com/refractors/VSD.html

However, my next acquisition is likely to be a Ha pressure tuned Lunt.

Cheers Pete

[MortonH]

and Vixen scopes are on sale in the US just now! Check out the OPT website.

[pgc hunter]

Now that is a MINT grab n go setup! :thumbsup: If you ever sell I've got dibs! :D

My current scopes:

12" F/4.4 SDM dob ...eats galaxies for breakfast
8" F/6 dob ..............eats planets for breakfast
4.5" Meade Newt. Aside from the plastic focuser this little guy is a great grab n go performer with my M1 mount. It's also my first proper scope which my parents got me as a Christmas Gift way back in 2000.

I want to own a 4" class Vixen refractor with an alt-az mount for the ultimate all-round grab n go fun

[scopey]

T S A 102S Tak.
TOA 132 Tak
10"Reflector Parks mirror by George Clement on equatorial mount.:D
80mm Saxon ED
PST Solar

[nebulosity.]

My scopes,

6 inch f8 reflector, first scope built earlier last year. On a GEM.

8 inch f5 reflector, haven't quite finished building. On my horse shoe mount.

110mm f4.5 acro, built from Surplus Shed lenses.

25x100mm Skymaster binoculars, with the dark skies from home these are :eyepop:. Perfect choice for traveling.

Jo

[renormalised]

What camera/ccd combo with this scope were you thinking about, if you bought this scope?

The field of view of this scope with most cameras is so large that it could easily take in all but the largest objects in one shot. With an Atik460EX, it easily shoots the whole Rosette, Trifid/Lagoon combo, most of the North American neb, a great chunk of the Veil, Orion and the Running Man, Horsehead/flame and IC434...all in one shot for each target. If you've got CCD Calculator, just add the scope's stats and run it through with your camera's stats.

The scope may have an FoV that covers a medium format 645 chip, but I wouldn't bother with matching a camera with such a chip to the scope. The FoV is so large that even the Veil looks ridiculously small on the chip. Not only that, you're paying through the nose for such cameras.

[Camelopardalis]

Confession time :lol: I have a small family of Celestron SCTs. Yeah yeah, I know what everyone says about 'em, but for me they're a good compromise between aperture and portability. It started off with the C6, then I wanted more light grasp and got the C8. Then in a moment of madness/frivolity, a C11 Edge HD joined the family :D (I think the 8 is my favourite but don't tell the 11!)

Loving the views with them here in Oz though and so far I haven't suffered with dew anything like back "home" where dew management was mandatory, I think I've only used the dew shield once since I've been here. It'll be interested to see how it is over the summer months.

Anyhow, until there's a nice big 18-20" Dob with a lightweight mirror (that I can afford!) they'll have to do :)

[Capricorn1(Tom)]

90 sct,
6 inch mak
150mm mak newt
80&88 wo refractors
8 inch sct
c14 +hyperstar
From the data above ....my favourite scope c14.....will I get rid of any of my scopes.....no ....all....keepers...Cheers :face:By the way Merry Christmas to all members and Happy New Year....and hopefully extra $'s to spare on their dream gear next year ....again Cheers Tom

[omegacrux]

For viewing faint things I have a 10in dob
And for just grabbing and getting out I purchased a gso SkyView alt-az for chrissy , to go with my little Vixen 80x900 acro , which for a little cheapo scope Is quite surprising , in terms of CA and views .
All it needs is a decent 2in focuser
I'm a happy vegimite

Happy Christmas all hope you got cool stuff
David

[skysurfer]

I have voted 'refractor' I could not vote both dobson and refractor.

[Jatz]

I have an ETX 90 and a 5" newt. I used to have an 8" Dob, but I found the etx was getting more use, due to its easier portability and travelability (if thats a word!).

I recently picked up the 5" second hand, but even it seems a little unwieldy to me...

I am starting to think the goldilocks size scope (ie. not too big and not too small) might be something like a 5" or 6" mak or sct, maybe on an unpowered AZ mount (or maybe even a simple EQ). Can anyone proffer an opinion on this?

[gaa_ian]

My new favourite scope is my Kson 102 mm tabletop dobsonian. I used it over the Christmas break to take camping, sharing some of the eyecandy DSO's with some friends who had largely not looked through a telescope much or at all. They were certainly impressed by what they saw & I have been pleasanly surprised by the level of Optical Quality & finish of these scopes. (in the interests of disclosure, yes I sell these scopes on my website, everythingastronomy.com) So having now used this in the field I am very confidint in recommending this scope to my customers !

[Amaranthus]

My current baby is a Celestron Nexstar 8 SE... See the signature for details!

[N1]

Hi Col & other Vixen users,

I have a weak spot for nice refractors & would love the NA140. I am considering a frac in that aperture range to complement my FS60C one day. How do you get your hands on one of those Vixens in OZ? Do you just order them from Vixen & have them posted out? The USD price they are asking on their home page for this (now discontinued) scope seems reasonable. The other option for me would be a 12" dob, but somehow (despite reading all the rave about aperture being the one thing) I am not convinced it would give me the same viewing pleasure, particularly after the exit pupil discussion here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=116448).

I want an image that is high in contrast and razor sharp. The latter then allows for lower power viewing with the same detail, I found - which to me puts the ubiquitous call for more aperture in perspective to some degree. Essentially the 12" would allow an image twice as large at the same exit pupil as the 5.5. Not sure if that would bring out that much more detail, especially if the frac's optics are superior to the newt.

Also, my viewing ambitions are purely visual. Would the 140 Vixen still fit that bill?

Cheers

[Larryp]

Hi Mirko
The Aust Vixen importer is Astro Shop in Queensland

[doug mc]

After using 4,5, and 6inch acromats, 6,8 and 10inch newts, 6 and now an 8inch Celestron sct. i have settled on the 8inch sct. Comfortable observing position, great quality optics, light with more extras than you could ever need. Large enough and light enough to move around the yard for an oldie like me.