12" dob - Skywatcher or Meade?

[andrew2008]

I'm looking to pick one of these up with my tax return:D

Is one better than the other or is it just personal preference? Is one truss design more stable? Hold better collimation? Smoother motions? I was also hoping the Lightbridge had the dual speed focuser but it doesn't yet.

[icytailmark]

ive had a 12" skywatcher collapsible dob for a year now and i would highly recommend it for backyard observing. Its not too hard to move around u just take the base outside first then the tube. The tube is about 24 kg. Excellent views on planets and star clusters. Id recommend u buy an argo Navis for it so its alot easier to find stuff.

[Sarge]

One vote for the SW. Great scope.

Rod

[Eric48]

See in depth review in latest BBC Sky at Night mag - on sale in Australia - where there is a shootout between 10" GSO solid v Meade flex v Skywatcher flex - the Meade won narrowly with Skywatcher second and GSO a close third.

[astronut]

I've had my 12" LB for 4 years.........it's a great scope, it gets my vote.
ALL new LB's have a dual speed focuser.:)

[andrew2008]

Thanks everyone. I went with the skywatcher and after setting it up am very happy.

One thing though. There isn't enough room to put the telrad close to the finder. Should i remove the finder and just use the telrad or swap themand put the finder further away from the focuser and the telrad inbetween??

[Sarge]

Andrew,
I've put my telrad on the other side of the finder. I find it only a minor inconvenience.

Rod

[Darth Wader]

Rod,

Out of curiosity, do you have the truss dob? I'm looking at getting a Telrad but thought it might be too long to fit on the primary cage.

Cheers
Wade

Edit: I've just seen your signature. Obviously there is enough room!

[andrew2008]

Solved the telrad problem. Will buy a riser to lift it above the truss housing. Does anyone know any stores that keep them in stock?