View Full Version here: : 6" Dob for my kids?
justme
09-09-2010, 11:41 AM
Hi all,
New to IIS and looking for advice.
I want to get a telescope for my kids for Christmas. They are 9 and 11.
We want to have a look at planets and moons at this stage but I suspect they will want to start hunting down nebulae and so on down the track. Other galaxies may have to wait for a bigger scope if they are still keen in a couple of years.
After much research I'm leaning towards a 6" dob. I would love to go the 8" but just don't think I will be able to stretch the christmas budget that far.
So, my question is - Will a 6" dob be adequate for the sort of viewing I have in mind?
Oh, sorry, one more question. I've been looking at Saxon scopes. They seem to be a reputable brand. Is that right or have I missed some dire warnings about them somewhere?
Thanks.
mental4astro
09-09-2010, 12:54 PM
Hi justme, :welcome: to IIS!
A six inch dob is a perfectly fine instrument. It also will be much better constructed and easier to use than smaller scopes set onto an equatorial mount. It is a good scope to get that isn't too expensive, and will perform admirably, and won't hurt too much if the interest in astronomy doesn't progress too far. It will inturn still be a good instrument for many years of service. And your reasoning about a larger scope is very sound. I won't dissuade you from getting a 6". Good idea, :thumbsup:.
A Saxon scope is just fine. This company doesn't actually produce telescopes, but sources them & has its badge put onto it. The scope would have originated most likely from Guan Sheng Optical (GSO) in Taiwan, or from the Skywatcher parent company, Synta, in China. The quality difference today between these two sources of dobs is very marginal. You wouldn't have any trouble with these.
I can recommend two astro retailers who stock the GSO range of dobsonians, Andrews Communications in NSW, & The Binocular & Telescope Shop, Bintel for short, in NSW & Vic.
http://andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm
https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm
Have a talk to them about pricing, & freight if you need to.
I guess I should also ask where you are as there are also several other very good and equally competent astro retailers whose ads appear on the right margin of this page, with whom I've delt with too.
Hi and :welcome:
I seem to be one of the few here that owned a 6 inch dob (until recently), so I'll speak from my own experience. Yes! It is a good choice and you will see plenty! The Moon, planets (the rings of Saturn & the belts on Jupiter and their moons for example), nebulas, galaxies (albeit, feint smudges), globular clusters, the whole deal! The 6" is considered to be the entry level "serious scope" for deep sky observing - you won't be disappointed.
It's size and portability is fantastic for what it can do. To make mine more portable, I put wheels on the base and pulled it along by the tension handle, and If I needed to pick it up, it was do-able. If you plan on transporting the scope in your car, it is a good idea to make sure that it fits. I have a large family car and the tube just fits in the boot and the base takes up half the back seat (too big for the boot). I see you have two children and yourself, so that's three in the car so far with the base, so you see my point? Otherwise, there's nothing wrong with backyard observing, that's what many people do, myself included - and I see plenty to keep me happy.
Not that you asked the following questions but I'll note them anyway... Regarding collimation of the mirror, the stores are very helpful with showing people how to do it (you will need to learn this). As for the eyepieces, you will find the 25mm eyepiece is the one you will use the most, and the 10mm (higher mag). mainly on planets.
Skywatcher & Saxon are produced from the same factory, I've been told by several different stores and people that they're exactly the same, just re-badged. I have owned two Saxon dobs (formerly the 6" and currently the 10") and I am very happy with them.
Until Christimas arrives, have you thought about getting them started on learning the constellations to get a head start? A planisphere (around $15) can be purchased from most telescope shops (on-line from Andrews, Bintel etc) and is terrific in helping beginners learn the skies (especially as they change shape during the night- can get a bit confusing). Both my Saxon dobs came free with "Starry Night" software which has been highly invaluable in helping me. I print the maps out as I need them, scribble notes of what the objects are that I've highlighted on the map, put them in plastic sleeves in a folder and off I go. I've ended up keeping the maps as they have served to be great log diaries with my notes on them. I use a 2-ring binder which balances well on my lap.
Your children (and yourself!) are going to be in for such as great treat when you get your telescope! Enjoy! :astron:
Kind regards,
Suzy.
P.S. Know this in advance- when you buy your scope, it will rain that day and maybe even for the rest of the week. It happens, it just does :shrug:. :mad2:
justme
09-09-2010, 02:42 PM
Thank you for your advice.
Sounds like the 6" is the way to go then.
I am in Canberra and don't know of any decent stores here so have been looking online. The best price I have found is from Astronomy Alive who have the 6" for $329. It seems to have the same accessories wherever I look so unless there is an issue with service then price looks like being the deciding factor. Freight is pretty similar from any of the stores as well.
I don't know whether we will be taking it out in the car very much, Suzy, but I expect it will fit easily in the hatchback with the back seats down. Then hubby can drive the scope and I'll drive the kids. I think we'll be doing mostly backyard viewing though so not a big issue at this stage.
I'm glad to hear that you were so happy with your 6" dob. It's always good to get recommendations from personal experience.
Strangely enough I found a planisphere amongst our piles of junk when we cleared out a room a few weeks back. I love the idea of getting them started on that now.
I fully expect the rain.:) It's pretty much inevitable. If you buy something for outdoor use the weather ALWAYS knows.
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