Yet another newbie can't decide

[gazza83]

Hi,

Apologies for another thread asking newbie questions!

I want to get a scope but not sure what to get (yes, same old question). Currently the main interest is planets - maybe because DSOs are not that obvious just looking up! - but I'm sure the sky opens up through a good scope. Also interested in imaging - maybe using the video camera method? Those piccies I've seen posted for Jupiter etc are fantastic. I'm not sure if I'm fooling myself that I could get great planetary images like some of those, so maybe having something that allows imaging from the outset is not the best approach? But maybe I should get something that is upgradable incase I end up wanting to try out imaging?

Currently thinking about:
- 8-10" collapsable dob. good for storage (good for the missus) but can't eventually be mounted on an eq6 etc for imaging.
- new auto tracking skywatcher 8-10" collapsable dob - will that be any good for imaging? Seems there could be some kind of rotation issue given it is not on an EQ mount?
- Skywatcher SW-600 on heq5 - don't know if any quality diff between this and the same size dob scope?
- 8-10" dob - later can be mounted on eq - rather heavy!
- skywatcher PROMAK180 on heq5 - good for portability but smaller aperture - I guess you can get away with a cheaper lighter mount but still very expensive.
- Saxon 200 mm mak-cas - as above
- refractor - still researching but no idea if an affordable one would be good for me

I have just read a post that says the 12" dob is not great for detailed planetary work. Not sure if I understand - is this because of too much light coming in (f5)?

Anyway I intend joining up with a club (the NSAS club is in my area) so I guess all my questions can be answered there. But if anyone out there has any suggestions or started out with similar ideas to me but which changed after they got into the hobby I'd appreciate hearing about it.

Great forum by the way.

Cheers

[GrahamL]

Hi Gary

:welcome:.. I'm not up on imaging so won't even go near advice on that
But would like to say hi and hope you enjoy your stay.. you seem to have been doing all the right stuff.. reading heaps and asking questions
I would suggest you get along to a local club and have a look and a talk
with some of the very helpfull people you will meet there .

cheers graham

[Starkler]

Posted by someone who has either never used a 12" of reasonable optical quality, or has no idea how to use one. Probably a biased and ignorant refractor nut.

When the seeing is good, the user knows how to collimate and thermal issues are under control, the biggest newt will always give the best planetary views. When the seeing is poor, you wouldnt bother looking at planets anyway.

Reminds me of a few months ago when viewing Jupiter at dusk in great seeing and we got excellent views in Daves 12"er. My 15" showed just that tiny bit more resolution and detail. All else being equal, aperture wins.

As for planetary imaging, check the results iceman gets with his eq mounted 12" newt.

[gazza83]

Thanks guys. I think some sort of 10" dob is the current favourite. Going to 12" seems a big money jump at the moment.

Cheers

[gazza83]

Hi,

This forum is great for info. I'm hoping someone can tell me the footprint of the collapsable 8" and 10" Skywatcher dob in collapsed state ie height and circumference? The missus has approved the purchase but storage is an issue for us.

Thanks in advance.

[Rokketboy]

Now that would be a handy bit of info for me as well. Im in the same boat.
Leaning towards 8" collapsible Skywatcher atm, but would really like the 10". Transporting and space is a big concern though. I look forward to the replies to the above post.:thumbsup:

[reeaal]

My 10" Dob is about 104cm high and the base is about 54cm across in collapsed position (quick tape measurements only). The pic below shows it next to a standard laundry basket for comparison (it was about the only standard-sized thing I could find in a hurry)

[Rokketboy]

Thanks for that Mark. That gives me a point of reference. I definitely think the 8" is the way to go now. Anyone have the measurements for the 8"? Pretty plz :)

[gazza83]

Thanks for the photo Mark - gives a good scale. I think the 8" will be similar in height to the 10" looking at the specs on the Skywatcher site.

Cheers

[TJD]

yes it can i know an other person on this site that is mounting a 12'' dob on an eq6 pro mount why couldnt you do that to a collapsible 10''-8''

[gazza83]

I'm a newbie so I may stand corrected - I think I read it somewhere. The standard rings used for mounting the tube will need to go up towards the middle of the scope for balance but with a collapsible the tube doesn't reach that far. I guess you could get a bracket made or some other kind of mod to the dob mount that would work.