Should I own more than one scope, why do you'll have so many?

[Suzy]

I was in a bit of a quandary the last couple of days. Currently i have a 6" dob (my first scope purchased only 3 mths ago which i love to pieces). A few days ago I came across a really great offer to buy a 10" dob for $400 (used of course), and very close to home. My 6" is already set up and ready to go near the front door, the 10" i figured would be for special times as i don't think i can regularly handle an instrument weighing in at ...let's just say i'm built like a feather. Hub & I debated and argued on said topic. He said you only ever need one scope, i said most people here have got several, there must be good reason for it. Anyway, he won, scope not bought :(. He said that getting another dob would be stepping sideways to wait and get something better one day, but still only have the one scope. Is this true? Is it worth having both a 6" and 10" dob? And now please be gentle on me... I am new you know- so why is it so many of you'll have so many scopes, i'm truly interested, not having a dig in any way, seriously. I had trouble just getting 2!

[citivolus]

I have 3 scopes currently + binoculars, and they all have different uses. In my case it is a matter of focal length, with the smaller refractors being better for wide field use, and the SCT being targeted at dimmer/smaller stuff. I don't have a dob, but often wish that I did.

Generally speaking unless you have your own observatory, the easiest scope to set up will see the most use. My current rig takes about 45 minutes to set up and align for imaging use, and about 15 minutes to take down, which prevents me from setting it up on iffy nights, and in fact I have not had it out since December as a result. My first SCT, an LX-90, took about 3 minutes to get to the point of starting an alignment. I had it out every mostly clear night.

You may want to start a secondary thread, "Should I own more than one mount, why do you all have so many?" :)

[Wavytone]

One 4" refractor as a widefield and for grab & go occasions, and a larger Mak for lunar & planetary.

[wavelandscott]

Classic debate...different scopes have "best" uses.

Does your husband have only 1 screwdriver? Does he have more than 1 pair of shoes?

You can do remarkable things with 1 scope but sometimes a different perspective is nice therfore more than 1 scope.

[iceman]

There are also the die-hard astrophotographers, who own more than one scope because one might be a guide scope and the other the imaging scope. Or one for short focal length and one for long.

If the 10" is too big and heavy for you to carry out to use regularly, then I wouldn't get it unless you can leave it setup. Like the others said, the best scope is the one you use.

In general, buying more scopes is because people get addicted to the hobby and want bigger and better :)

[[1ponders]]

Well to be honest, what the others have said is true, but then it does get to become a little bit like stamp collecting for some. :lol:

But back to your issue. Your 10" dob (see you've already bought it ;) ) can be quite easily moved if you have flat access. If you were to get a cheap "fridge" trolley then a 10" Dob is very easy to move about. We use one at the Mapleton Observatory to shift the 12" outside and back in again. Certainly saves the back.

Should you get a 10"? Definitely. The increased light gathering power will allow you to see things you would not hope to see in your 6 inch. From my quick calculation you will have a mirror that is approx 2.8 x larger in area than your six inch mirror. Think of the increased light gathering power and the depth you will be able to go to pull out those faint fuzzy galaxies.

:)

[sheeny]

Yep. I agree.

I currently have a bit of a menagerie of scopes.:rolleyes: I started with a C8 and binoculars. Then bought a PST solar scope for solar viewing.

When I built my observatory I took the plunge to upgrade my mount to an EQ6 and I bought an ED80 for guiding and "short" focal length imaging. Then a C11 came up for sale at a good price so I got that to replace the C8:D. And then the 16" lightbridge came up also at a good price, and I got that to use to visual stuff (and for when visitors come around;)) so I can leave my obs set up for imaging.

I planned to sell my C8 and CG5 mount, but after seeing the results I'm getting from the C11 with the Staranalyser spectroscope that I have, I'm not sure its the right thing to do. I can get much better results from the C8 than the C11.

I think if you upgrade to a 10" or 12" dob, provided you can devise a way to move it and set it up easily (a trolley is good if you can) then I'd suggest you could pass your 6" on and you'd still only have one scope...

:D

Al.

[Liz]

We all love buying stuff ;)

Hi Suzy :) .... did you get the 10" in the end, or did hub not agree. I was excited when I saw you bidding for it. 10" are perfect for the females, and at a great price. 12" are too big and heavy, but 10" manageable. I have mine set up on a trolley from Bunnings, so can wheel it in and out of house. Also OK to pop into the car. Its a little heavy but OK, and great views.
In saying that, you havent had your 6" very long, so perhaps should stay with it a bit longer :shrug: You will prob want to upgrade at some stage though ;)
I have 2 scopes, but only use the 10" Dob :thumbsup:
Now I have you MORE confused :lol::rolleyes:

[jjjnettie]

Hey Suzy!
LOLOL Aperture fever already.
You might find the 10" too awkward to handle. I sold mine on for that reason. You don't want to do yourself damage and you don't want to be dependant on others to help you set up.
An 8" is a very good compromise for your situation.

[Suzy]

All good advice coming my way. Thank you all for taking the time. Lyz, nope i didn't get it, though i need to know this stuff for future reference, You have a good point- i suppose i should get used to my 6". But, is $400 an offer that i shouldn't resist or will there be plenty more down the track at that kind of price do you think, because if so, i will happily wait.

[Terry B]

I own 3 scopes but really only need 1 to look through. My 200mm scope is my main one and I have a refractor as a guide scope. The 3rd scope is a smaller refractor that was my guide scope in the past. It now is only used for public viewing on a cheap mount. I could sell it but it is useful occasionally for public outings. I woudn't get much for it so I have kept it.
The 10" or an 8" will show you much more than the 6" and if you can move it you will use it lots.

[Suzy]

Aperture fever? My gosh, have i got a disease already? But, but, :shrug: i only started 3 months ago. All of youl have scared me so much with the scope curse, and I fear it so much I say prayers on purchase in fear of repercussions- But a disease now too????? :prey2: Is there a pill for it?:lol: No, - wait - that's actually not that funny!

[Liz]

Hi Suzy .... I think that $400 for 10" Dob is great as long as scope and mirror OK. As jjj says, they can be a bit awkward, but think didnt jjj had a Dob??? Dobs are easy as you just pick up the tube and plonk it in the mount ... only 2 bits basically. With equatorials, you have to position it on a tripod, and that would be tricky and very awkward.
If you are still in 2 minds, go and have a look at it, and see if its too heavy for you. Usually you dont have to carry too far - house to car, and when observing out with a group, your car is next to you.
At home I have mine set up on Bunnings trolley, so just wheel it in and out.
If you think you are going to stay with this great hobby, go and have a look at it - you can always sell the little Dob if pressed for $$. :shrug:
Wish I was down there, I would go with you :)
Good luck!!
PS ... Buy it!!

[astroron]

:lol:Suzy, how well you treat the disease, equates to how big your wallet or purse is:lol:

[casstony]

If you can move the 10" from its storage to the observing spot by trolley(no steps), then buy it. If you'd have to carry the scope give it a miss.

The 10" is very easy to move by trolley and the base easily fits through doorways.

A smaller, easily portable scope complements a larger light bucket - they both have their advantages.

[jjjnettie]

LOL @ Liz
Yes, I went from a 60mm wobbletronic to a 10" dob. What a difference that was.:eyepop:
But then I got the imaging bug (yes another disease Suzy, incurable this time I'm afraid and much more expensive to keep under control, see my equipment list in my signature)
I'm content with what I have now, it should serve me well for many years. (unless I see something else that I really really want/need)

[pgc hunter]

THe rationale for having multiple scopes is generally niche filling, as some people have their main scope, (maybe a large dob for example), and then add grab n go wide-field sweepers and/or smaller maks/refractors for grab n go planetary to their collection.

Then you have some people that collect scopes as part of their hobby.

[Suzy]

It concerns me that Nettie sold her scope for the same concerns I have. And yes, I would be relying on help getting it in and out of the car. I just found out the tube weighs 12 1/2kg which is a bit more than a quarter of my body weight. I put that in so you can see the bigger picture with one of my concerns. But then perhaps I have strength i don't know of yet.

Nettie, were you only reliant on the 10"? Or was it still a hassle to use on the odd occasion even if you had a smaller one? Am I foolish to assume I would still use the 6" if i had the 10" around, and then end up only relying on the 10"? That's where I'm at, at the moment i guess. I thought an 8" might be a good compromise, and sell off the 6", but i've heard there isn't much of a difference between the two (?). It would have to be a fair amount of difference to sell scope and pour more money into a new one. Hubby already spent money and work putting wheels on and did repairs to the mount because it was so stiff! Honestly, i don't know why they didn't go just one step a little further with these dobs!

Lyz, as for the tube and mirror you mentioned... I was told over the phone that there was a dent (surface only) on the tube and the mirror was dirty. Made me nervous, but as i don't know a lot about these things (hubby was very nervous about mirror) i don't know how nervous i should have been.

By the way, i just finished reading an article in this month's Aus. Sky and Telescope magazine on "What to know before you buy". It was highly informative and I learnt a lot, despite me doing a ton of research before I got my scope! This had to be the most informative read yet. Highly recommended to newcomers that haven't purchased yet. In one section, it pointed out that with a glob, I would get the same view with my 6" at a dark site as a 10" in the city, and that a 12" won't capture some famous clusters, i.e. the Pleiades - would the 10"?

I've learnt a lot from you all and from this article (which was timed well for my query!) I so appreciate everyone's generous help, what a fantastic bunch of people on here! Hopefully, my questions within this reply will be my last on this topic as i don't want to hassle you'll any further on the same topic. I've been a good student, I've learnt a lot from you'll already! :thanx:

[erick]

Suzy, I suggest you concentrate on getting all you can out of your 6" telescope for some time. I started with an 8" scope and had a great 12-15 months before I upgraded. Many people are happy with 6" or 8" for years.

BUT, you must get it out to a dark sky site from time to time to really appreciate what it can do.

If you do have some spare cash building up, investing in better eyepieces would be a good move. I suggest that you work out what you might want to have (lots of threads on this and lots of decisions) then monitor the classifieds and see when they come up second hand. Pounce and you'll improve your views. Then you carry the eyepieces to your future telescopes. Most will transfer happily.

Try to get to a starcamp. 1) Others will happily show you what your scope can do and 2) you will be able to borrow different eyepieces and see how they perform with you and your scope.

(At this point I have to admit I have three scopes, plus one coming, plus a Galileoscope or three, plus binoculars :screwy: )

[Liz]

Ok Suzy :) .... keep the 6" for awhile longer. If the mirror on the 10" is dirty, it will need cleaning, and thats a whole other ball game. :confused2:
The 6' is great, and you will get great views of deepsky objects :thumbsup:
As Eric has said, try to get to some club viewings and have a look through their scopes.
Eps are a whole new (and expensive) topic, with lots of info on IIS.
Relax and enjoy your Dob .... a year down the track, who knows!! ;)

[jjjnettie]

You'll have to get to Astrofest this year Suzie.
www.qldastrofest.org.au
You'll get a chance to look through some awesome scopes and be able to make a more informed decision about upgrading.

[jjjnettie]

Hey Suzie, do you own a pair of binoculars??
A half decent pair of bino's are essential kit for every Amateur Astronomer.:thumbsup:
You can use them to search for brighter comets, look for trails after a bright meteor, or just lie back on a tarp on the ground and cruise the night sky.
I love mine. :love:
10x50 is about the largest you can comfortably use hand held (you can't see much when your hands are shaking from the weight of them), any larger and you should mount them on a camera tripod.
8x42 is a good size. Compact and light weight.
cs

[Suzy]

Nettie, yes I do have binoculars- 7x50, and do love using them!

[RobF]

I think this is great advice if you can manage it Suzy - a couple of nights here learning what a difference dark skies make and looking through other people's gear and talking to them is invaluable. I also agree with Al - there is just so much to learn from your 6". I had a ball for years with only a 4.5" reflector.

Once you have a better idea where you want to go with the hobby, buying 2nd gear in good condition is great if you can do it. You can usually recoup most of the cost when you later sell.