First Telescope Choice!

[Titan1]

Hi,

I am buying my first telescope and am a bit perplexed by the choices i have in front of me.

I want a telescope which is high quality and will help me learn and observe for the next 10-15 years before i may upgrade.

I am looking at a 8" Dobs.

I want to spend between $400 and $600

A couple of options (Not limited to!) are listed below:

http://www.ozscopes.com.au/dobsonian-telescope-celestron-starhopper-8-inch.html

http://gibbscamerahouse.com.au/skywatcher200mmcollapsibledobsonian telescope-p-796.html

https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=8147

http://www.ozscopes.com.au/dobsonian-telescope-saxon-collapsible-8-inch.html


I can't work out the pros and cons of a collapsible scope. Obviously collapsible are easier to transport but do they suffer from more dust etc/ getting in? Or anything else?


I also am not aware of different brands and their reputations/quality (which i found when i first started looking at scuba gear!)


I thank you in advance for looking after a beginner :thumbsup:

[M54]

Welcome to Ice In Space Titan1,

I'll let the one's who know what they're talking about answer your questions.
I'll be looking for a Dob. sometime in the future too so will be interested in the replies.
There's heaps of friendly help here, so ask any questions you like and you'll soon have plenty to read and consider.

Molly.:welcome:

[Stu Ward]

Well , first, i'm a total noob too, but i have just bought and am very happy with a Skywatcher 8" Dob from Bintel.

I paid $449 for it, but bought a right angle finderscope, 32mm EP, and a 15mm EP.
Skywatcher comes with 25mm and 10mm
Total price $650

The reason i did not go with their own Bintel model is purely because they will not get any stock in until May !!

I looked at their models in the shop, and i think that there mount tensioner looks better than the Skywatcher, and they also come with a Crayford Focusser rather than a standard rack and Pinion.

As i said previously i'm very happy with my purchase and highly recommend Bintel for their service

Not a lot of info i know, but i hope it helps a little

Stu

[dannat]

i also recommend the service from bintel.thats what matters - if you have problem they know how to fix it..i would just recommend the standard scope..try the ep's that came with it & then decide about options later

[duncan]

Yep add another to Bintels Reputation. I bought a 12" dob and it's great.
No complaints here.
Cheers,
Duncan:thumbsup:

[wavelandscott]

Before you buy anything you should go to an astronomy viewing night in your area. Get in contact with local club or folks from the forum so that you can try some scopes in action.

Some clubs also have "loaner" programs to lend you a scope (maybe there is a deposit) to try out first...

While I agree that an 8 inch Dobsonian mounted reflector is a great scope it is not for everyone.

[Titan1]

Thanks to everyone who replied.


I will have to find out when i can go and try out some scopes at a club meet or whatever!

In the mean time i would still like to know about the quality of skywatcher, saxon and celestron.

You say Bintel is good but i don't think i can wait till May!!

Also i am still wondering about the collapsible vs non-collapsible?

Thanks again! :D

[that_guy]

i think that when you have a collapsible, you need to collimate it more often and that can be a pain if you don't have a bob's knob...
I also have an 8" dobsonian (skywatcher) i got it from the local astronomy store and it is da beast!

[ManOnTheMoon]

Im getting a scope pretty soon and Im leaning towards a 8" or maybe a 10" Saxon or Skywatcher dob. By the way can someone tell me if the 10" is worth the extra $300 or so dollars over the 8"? Is there much difference?:)

[barx1963]

Hi Titan
Join the Astronomical Society of Victoria. They have a very cheap loan scope scheme that you get an 8" dob and a book of observing hints and an atlas for 3 months for $60 of which $50 is a refundable deposit!
I used mine to nail nearly all the Messiers and taught me alot about the night sky and where I wanted to go with this hobby without outlaying hundreds of $$$.

Just a suggestion!

Malcolm

[Titan1]

Thanks for the advice Malcom.

I think that is a good idea! I will definitely be joining and trying before i buy.

With getting a collapsible, do you need a shroud for something like this or is it not necessary?

http://gibbscamerahouse.com.au/skywatcher200mmcollapsibledobsonian telescope-p-796.html

Thanks.

Also my mate found this interesting series of free lectures on astro-physics some may enjoy!

http://academicearth.org/courses/introduction-to-astrophysics

[Stu Ward]

Thats a fantastic idea !!!!

[stephenb]

The big difference between the 4 you have selected in your opening post, I would definately choose the BinTel. Why?


The BinTel Dobs come with a far better designed altitude bearing and brake system. Look at the close up of them. That's the pivot point where the centre of the tube pivots on the rocker sides. BinTel used to sell Dobs with the same cheap altitude bearings as the Saxon, but they improved it a couple of years ago - BinTel/GSO are far better.

Any any issues with the scope, just pop back into BinTel. Far better customer service IMO than those other stores.

[Visionoz]

With the collapsible dob, it is not absolutely necessary to use a shroud unless you are observing in an area that has lots of light spill - which you probably would not be doing it in anyway! But having a light shroud would be heaps better to prevent wind-blown particles from ingressing into the lower tube

I do own a SW one and find it very stable despite having only 3 trusses and does not need any more collimating than a full-tube one - it all depends on how you treat its handling during transportation

HTH
Cheers
Bill

[Titan1]

Thanks heaps to everyone who has given me information!

I really appreciate it!

Looking forward to hiring + learning and finally owning in the near future.