Meade LightBridge

[AbsoluteZero]

Hi everyone,

Looking at buying a Meade 12-inch Lightbridge as my first scope. Does anyone have a Bintel Dob out of curiosity?

Essentially I'm curious who else has one and if they're worth the extra money?
I'm starting to think it's worth buying just an 8 skywatcher or Bintel Dob and using the other money for bits and bobs.


I'm moving to Brissy soon so dark skies won't be available all that often. I've a large build so carrying it isn't that big of a problem and I enjoy the finer details so collimating won't be that much of a problem either I hope!

Any thoughts guys?

[AbsoluteZero]

Oh and I meant to include a question of an ArgoNavis, are they worth it to assist viewing with a Dob?

[Waxing_Gibbous]

The optics are the same in both Bintel & Meade scopes. They are produced by GSO and are pretty decent for the money.
I don't think there is much advantage to the LB as the inconvenience of erecting & disassembling the thing outweighs any weight savings.
My own experience is that its better to start with an 8" and spend some money on quality accessories (particularly eyepieces) than go for big aperture right off the bat.
An 8" is an inexpensive and easy to use 'scope that will give excellent views of 99% of the sky. The 12"ers can be a handful, especially with their heavy bases and the difference in visible detail is far less than many would have you believe.
I had a 12" Bintel Dob, and while the views were fabulous, I mean really great, it was a pain to set-up and break down. The slightest puff of wind would send it spinning around, and it suffered from serious vibration every time it was looked at hard.
I never hear this talked about so maybe it was just me, But I think some sort of locking mechanism, even home-made, on big dobs is a must.
Hope that helps.
Peter

[Barrykgerdes]

I use an Argo Navis on my 16" lightbridge. I find it great, easy to align and then makes finding objects a breeze. Remember also that most of the spectacular objects are quite large so the longer focal length eyepieces will get the most use. Good quality in the eyepiece is where to get improvements in views particularly in the shorter focal lengths used for viewing the solar system.

There are of course the purists who insist that star hopping with a chart is the way to learn the sky.

Barry

[norm]

Hi 0

If you think you'll enjoy the challenge of star hopping and hunting down DSOs, then forget the Argo. By learning 'manually' you'll get an understanding a appreciation of the night sky. How long that takes is dependant on a number of factors, darkish skies will go a long way of helping, the size of your scope (8" vs 12") and obviously your navigation skills and patience. Patience is arguably one that defeats many!

Having said that, an Argo is a fantastic piece of gear and worth every penny. Its makes observing so much more rewarding. Garry Knopff (Wildcard Innovations) provides EXCELLENT service and you wouldn't have any regrets getting one.

In fact, I'd say the Argo comes close as the 2nd/3rd most important piece of gear I have, apart from the scope!:)

Cheers Norm

[barx1963]

I have the GSO 12" dob which is identical to the Bintel. I place a few felt furnture pads that they sell at Woolies between the two parts of the base to stop it spinning so easily. On the alt movement i made some weights up out of old car speakers wrapped in tape so it can move them to balance any eyepiece that i am using to make it easy to use.
As mentioned the optics are identical to the Meade so it is really a matter of if you want to save space with the Lightbridge or setup time with the solid tube. The Bintel/GSO is fantastic value ATM and will leave more $$$ for the accessories (eyepieces, dew heaters, atlases, collimation tools etc) taht you will eventually want.
Haven't used Argo but by all accounts it is fantastic, personally I would get the scope, use it and then decide if you enjoy star hopping or want to go Argo. Star hopping is remarkably easy, and most night I can now find at least a dozen or more target without even looking at chart.

Malcolm