Which one of three Newton?

[rayman888]

Hi all. need some suggestions please.

I'm thinking of a new Newtonian. So I have looked at GSO and the likes. Below are 3 that I'm considering (prices all from Andrews):

GSO GS-630 SDX 8" f/5 200mm x 1000mm on SkyView 1 high grade EQ with tripod, cooling fan, crayford 10:1 focuser, 8 x 50 finderscope, GSO 6mm, 9mm, 15mm and 25mm premium Plossl EPs, $799.

GSO GS-680 8" ASDX (adjustable super deluxe heavy-duty) 200mm x 1200mm, (presumably with 2" crayford 10:1, 2" to 1.25" adaptor, GSO 6mm, 9mm, 15mm and 25mm 1.25" EPs with ? bonus SP32mm 2" EP), $699.

GSO GS-880 10" ASDX 250mm x 1250mm, (with the same options as the GS-680 above), $799.

And if recommending the dobs, would it be better to get one with 2 EPs only and save some money (maybe $100) and then buy a better EP later?

Many thanks.

rayman888.

[Astro78]

Hey Rayman 888,

I'd first suggest making your mind up if you want an EQ mount or a bigger scope on a dob. Personally the EQ mount suits me better as I can walk inside etc and still come back to find the object. However, I'm starting to feel that a big dob would just be just awesome full stop.

Now rest assured, only a small time with your new scope, and you WILL get aperture fever btw! I was warned and they weren't joking :)

As for the mounts, I don't believe you'd want to put anything heavier on an EQ5 than an 8" Newt. I'm not quite sure about these new mounts from Andrews but they look like the smaller EQ4's or even EQ3. Check this! My EQ5 required a full dis-assembly, hours of deburring and re-greasing but with fantastically smooth results. An EQ4 or smaller might struggle.

The difference between a good eyepiece and those GSO's is crazy! Save the $100 and put this towards at least half the cost of a decent EP. Vixen LVW's are my fav right now, highly recommend! Second hand Televue plossls would be my cheap recommendation (<$100).

[rmcpb]

What are you going to use the scope for will have a BIG effect on the choice. After saying that I would not go past either of the dobs initially. You get a lot of scope for your money and it can be mounted on a suitable tracking mount later if you get into astrophotography.

As for the eyepieces, I would just take the GSO ones and use them. After a time you will have a better understanding of the type of observing you do and the most suitable eyepieces and will be able to make some really informed descisions.

Initially, you will have to get a collimating eyepiece or you will be really disappointed with the views. But that is the only "essential" purchase apart from the scope.

Good luck

[rayman888]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I just saw a Skywatcher 8" dob for $530 from myAstroShop:

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-064

There's also a collapsible one for $620:

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?ID=MAS-326

And I'm confused by this OTA only from Sky-Watcher, 8" for $590:

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-163

That's OTA only and yet more expensive than the 8" dob!

Now I'm really confused.

Is the Sky-Watcher "tension control handle" similar to the new GSO/Bintel ASDX, adjustable super deluxe heavy-duty adjustable tension dob?

The warranty of the SW is 5 years, so I presume they are good, No?

Are Sky-Watcher teles cheaper for a reason?

[Astro78]

Looks like you're paying $60 extra for the tube rings on the OTA version and getting the dob mount for free on the other.

One difference to be aware of is the 'OTA only' is a F5 and both the others are F6. The F6 is a longer tube than the F5 and will provide 20% more magnification when used with the same eyepiece. On the other hand, the F5 will give you wider views with the same eyepiece over the F6. You prolly know this... :)

not sure about the tension handles, someone here will know though..

Check out Andrews - http://www.andrewscom.com.au - they have the Skywatcher OTA for $399 but they also sell the GSO.

[matt]

Yes, as Astro78 suggests, definitely have a look at Andrews when it comes to price. This is their key competitive strength.

As for advice, service etc...that's all been argued/debated in other threads.

As true as it is for anything you can buy, it pays to shop around for astro gear:)