Which one

[Batfink]

Well after the death of my bins, I'm going to get a dob, I'm thinking a 6", not sure if I can stretch for a 8".

My question is, does anyone have any experience with GSO scopes from Andrews Communication, they are at least $70 cheaper than my next choice a Skywatcher, they did have a 8" for $400 but it's no longer advertised, will check though may just be able to stretch it, a Skywatcher 8" is $90 more.

Are you just paying for the name?, or are Skywatchers a better buy.

Thanks

Peter.

[sally1jack]

I have never purchased anything from Andrews But friends have & from what i understand there products are fine , If you could stretch it to an 8" I would.There will be a significant performance difference between the a 6"& 8", try looking in icetrade on this website , there are often good secondhand scopes for a good price.
Cheers
Phil

[mswhin63]

Each of the manufactureres for DOB's are relatively the same, most have flaws in some area but the optics are generally the same.

I think bec you had bino's before it may be a different experience to use 1 eye instead of two which is some thing I am missing.

For light gathering the 8" should be far better. my 12" nearly blinded me last night, (Moon Viewing) but at least there is a 2" hole in the cap.

The only thing I have not experienced is lense technology. They come with fairly standard lense. I am currently looking at wide field but that is a lot of money for me.

[wavelandscott]

Save until you can get the 8 inch. Be sure to check the buy/sell section.

I don't think you are likely to see much difference optically between the various makers (GSO, SkyWatcher)...as noted previously they are pretty similar.

Good luck!

[acropolite]

Ditto with the 8 inch, it's a nice size, enough aperture to satisfy and not too big and heavy.

[Batfink]

Ok you convinced me, and the wife, I'm saving for an 8", even my son is getting excited, hard thing to do for a 16yr old.

[Allan_L]

Hi Peter,
Why not come down to the POny Club next new moon.
It is always a good idea to have a look before you commit.
There will be plenty of experience there more than happy to advise you.
cheers