Would you like to see more compact commercial dobs?

[mic_m]

I started a thread on CN a few days ago asking why commercial dobs don’t use more lightweight and compact designs. With this question there is the implicit assumption that lightweight and compact scopes are desirable. So I thought that I might ask a slightly different question here with a poll, to find out what other IIS members think is desirable.

Personally, I would definitely like to see lightweight and compact commercial dobs above 12 inches. For me the bulk and weight of scopes like the LB 16 and GSO 16 are a major preventative factor in getting a dob of this aperture.

What about you? Would you be interested in seeing lighter and more compact dobs offered by commercial companies such as GSO, Meade, Orion or Sky-Watcher? Please note that when I say compact and light I don’t necessarily mean an ultralight dob, just lighter and more compact than current designs, you can qualify your answer with a post.

[riklaunim]

There are some ultra-light designs (http://www.litescope.eu/litescope%20products.html) but they aren't popular. Either the company is unknown or there isn't much demand from customers on light dobsonians.

[mic_m]

Thanks for the link. I think that ultralight dobs are somewhat of an acquired taste; you are right they aren’t universally popular.

When I’m reading through astronomy forums I often encounter threads where people are trying to make a decision about upgrading to a larger dob, inevitably when the LB is thrown into the mix of ideas it comes up that they are heavy and bulky scopes, that are not easy to transport.

So while an ultralight might not be the answer, I would like to see something lighter from commercial companies, which they would hopefully be able to bring to the market for less than a premium dob. Perhaps something like the scope in this (http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/3640674/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1/vc/1) ATM project. It has a much smaller footprint (disassembled) when compared to current commercial dobs, which would mean easier transportability.

That being said if Orion (or Synta) offered something like the compact dob in the background of this (http://www.pbase.com/tammyhomma/image/117664197) photo for a reasonable price (more than a LB 16 but less than an Obsession 15), I would probably get it.