Newbie seeks 'scope

[stinky]

Looking at buying a telescope (location SE qld) and am open to suggestions / offers. Presently am loking at an 8 or 10 inch dob.

What would be better - an 8" GS dob with 2" focuser / 2 eyepieces
or a Skwatcher 8" dob - 2" focuser / 2 eyepieces. Both at $580

Is it worth stretching to a 10" GS dob at $780 - 4 eyepieces.

Grateful for any input

[ving]

more aperture is always woth it :)
are ther transportation issues?

as for skywatcher vs GSO... there are loyalties in both camps and you may or may not get a straight answer here :)

[mickoking]

G,day guest,


Quick answer, Both scopes will do a good job. I currently own a GSO 250mm Dob and its a great scope :thumbsup:

[stinky]

Hmmm - no transport issues - black to the observatory.

I can pickup an 8" Skywatcher locally, but the 8 or 10" GS dobs would arrive by frieght (10" is $200 more) - would have to spot and collimate the GS's myself. As I undestand the Skywatcher has a better mount and the mirrors in both are the same????

[ving]

oh yeah, and i own the 200mm, and it fantastic :D

[ving]

optics mate, optics are the go!

the mount, you can work on that with mods :)

[stinky]

So far 8" GS 1 vote, 10" GS 1 vote, Skywatcher 0

I can see where this is going.... :)

[ving]

yup, just go for what you can afford :)

[janoskiss]

Try www.myastroshop.com for the skywatcher Dob. You should be able to get it for considerably less than $580. Talk to Bintel about GS Dob. From what I've heard they are abandoning the basic dobs and they are going to stock only premium. You can probably get one from them with a Crayford focuser (well worth the upgrade), and a good set of eyepieces for the price. Either which way you go tell them iceinspace sent you. ;)

The main diff btw the 8" & 10": the 8" you can pick up and carry around easily as a complete unit (esp. after you fit a couple of handles to the base), but with the 10" (and 12") you'd be carrying base and tube separately. And, of course, 10" collects more light, so you'll see more.

[stinky]

Thanks for the info - affordability - ok for the $780 pn the GS 10" if that's THE scope I will have for a long time. If I am going to get into upgrade mode then the 8* is more attractive. Portability is not an issue as the scope will live at one site.

The GS 8" at $580 includes a Crayford 'style' focuser.

If I do get into this I can imagine getting into the photography side so that would mean a change of mounts, or even scope which brings the 8" into the equation - good as a portable second scope and upgrade. Or would a mount upgrade on the 10" be enough?

Gee this is confusing and I guess I won't know until i jump in whether I got the right beast or not!!

Scot me up Beamie!

[janoskiss]

I should add that if money is tight and you really want a 10 or 12", then you might want to buy from Andrews (www.andrewscom.com.au). As I understand it:

Andrews do not have an internal QC system like Bintel do which is why they can offer the scopes for less. Bintel have experienced staff who disassemble inspect and reassemble each scope; centre spot the mirror if need be; and send back any scopes that are no good. All this costs money. Andrews buy the goods in bulk and sell them onto the customer as they receive them; they follow the "box-in box-out" business model. :)

[stinky]

PS Prices include an allowance for about $80 freight (the Skywatcher is local pickup)

[cahullian]

Like ving I also have the 8" dob it is a great beginners scope but the 10" will give you more light. The cheaper 8" will leave you more $$$$ for quality ep's where the 10" will give better detail on faint fuzzies.

[stinky]

The prices for the GS I am working on are from Andrews Janoskiss - deal for deal Bintel were abot $150 more expensive (they charge MUCH more freight). Skywatcher is local and they provide backup. (At least try befor you buy - private observatory)

[stinky]

Good point cahullian - and I guess at the beginning I won't be able to find, recognise, appreciate the best fuzzies. So the 8" and some eyepieces for lumar / planet fun may be the go?

[janoskiss]

Let me put it this way: If you do get serious about this hobby, and especially the photography side, you will end up spending so much money on accessories that the cost of the scope will be insignificant.

So don't stress about buying the scope that will go the distance at the moment. If you go the distance, either an 8,10 or 12" Dob will be fine. And you'll enjoy either one without spending big on accessories. 8" is an absolute bargain. But if the scope will stay in the one place get the biggest aperture you can afford, that's 10 or 12". But if you do not live under dark skies then you will want to take your scope to some occasionally.

[stinky]

Skies here are pretty dark, in fact at night with no moon the only way to get around is by braille, preferably on all fours. That's why it doesn't matter if your scope is b;ack or white!

[Striker]

If you got a bad back go for the 10"....I found the 8" was too low and I was bending over too much....but you can put it on a stool to get a bit more elevation.

[stinky]

That's a new angle on things...

What are the respective heights on 8 and 10" - if anybody could tell me.

[cahullian]

There is only a 50 mm difference between the 8" and the 10"

[janoskiss]

Someone else link the Snake Valley photos here please! I cannot find them.

[stinky]

As I understand it the light gathering power is a squared funtion so the light gathering of the 10" is abot 50% more, however the eyes rendering is a logarithmoic scale so we're down to a 10 or 12% improvement - am I on the right lines here?

[stinky]

Thanks - saw the difference in the 8 10 and 12 - the 12 sure is a beast! But as I said transport is no issue, however setup time getting extended may limit usage.....

[janoskiss]

If you do live under such dark skies that most of us can only dream about then go the 12". It will be awesome. Like a 20" 60-70km from the centre of a major city. If you cannot afford the extras now they can be bought later on.

Right on about brightness: brightness goes like square aperture, senses are kind-of logarithmic, but the universe is a fractal, so twice the light means more than twice the stars.... bigger is better. Setup is not an issue. You take the base outside and plonk it down. You take the tube and put it on the base. And you are set up. Aaaah Dobs. :love:

[stinky]

Oh - oh - now I'm getting scared. Started of wondering Skywatcher 8" or GS 8" MAYBEEEEE a 10" GS and now you got me thinking 12"!

Location is Widgee - 30km inland from Gympie. Winter skies are awesome and as we are on acerage there are no neighbour issues.

[janoskiss]

Allright, just get a basic 8" then. If you like what you see and want more, buy the 16" truss Dob that's coming out later this year. :D

We are so spoiled for choice these days it's not funny! Thank you China's booming economy! :prey2:

[stinky]

Have to laugh - I think you readmy mind!

Australias biggest unit item of export - empty containers!

[acropolite]

Go for the biggest you can afford and still transport; you'll never say you wish you had a smaller one. If you have the money invest in better EP's from the outset and the crayford focusser and fan options on the deluxe model are well worth the extra; contact Tony (Striker) if you need an excuse fabricated for the extra expenditure report to the Minister for Household Affairs.....:confuse3:

[rmcpb]

Word of caution here. The best scope is the one used the most so it the longer cool down time of the larger scopes becomes a hassle or just getting it in and out stops observing all the aperture in the world is no good to you.

As this is your first scope, consider a modest size with the longer focal length so its easier on eyepieces and you will have a ball. If you continue with the habit then, possibly, you will upgrade to a larger aperture.

Good luck.

[stinky]

I see two ways of thinking developing :-

1. Modest scope, add accessories.
2. Best scope, worry about accessories later

The other issues are based around portability but as I said that's not an issue for me.

[mickoking]

What ever you choose you'll have a ball, go for it :)

[norm]

Ok here's my opinion and I don't even own a scope!

From what I've read over the last several months, my own research, pros/cons, portability, transportation and finally cost...... I think the 10inch GS dob from Andrews with crayford focuser and built in fan. If you can afford the extra $$$ go for the Bintel Premium 10inch dob for peace of mind (pre-checks, collimation).

Whether its pre-collimated or not, its something that will need to be learnt and mastered with dobs.

Thats my 2 cents worth.:o

fwiw: portability (car limitations) is my biggest issue so I'm holding off until the 12inch Lightbridge or 16inch GS Truss dob past muster before I commit.

[stinky]

Kind of leaning to that at the mo'. But if I have to upgrade within the year then better to start with the 8"?

How easy to later on, put one of these on an EQ mount?

[janoskiss]

How much are you willing to spend on the EQ mount? See the pattern? :poke: :rofl:

[stinky]

You reckon i might be in trouble already? $$$$$$$$

EQ motorised mount for 8 - 10" $1200 ???

[norm]

Hi 'Guest'

If you were to buy an 8inch, the next upgrade path would probably be a 12inch or larger. To avoid 'aperture fever' from the onset 10inches will keep you happy. But seeing you leave in dark skies I don't think you'll be disappointed with an 8inch either.
As most people will tell ya, don't worry too much about accessories for the timebeing, just use what is supplied and get an appreciation of what they can do. Once you know what you enjoy viewing, eg, planetary/lunar or DSO, faint fuzzies then you can save money and get some decent, premium eyepeices. Its definitely a case of quality eyepeices than quantity, especially with fast ratio scopes like dobs.
As for eQ mounts, its definitely doable, whether you purchase an off the shelf mounts to suit the scope or by sourcing separate parts and assembling yourself. I'm no expert here at all, so hopefully the Gurus will put their input in. I know Iceman has done it for Astrophotography and admittedly they look pretty cool when setup like that.

Good luck in what you decide.;)

[stinky]

If two years after buying an 8" I'm looking at an upgrade you won't hear me complaining. I think there is a lot of learning to be done.

BUT if I start at the higher end and don't achieve frequent usage within months I'll feel the expenditure in vain.

Looks to me taht optics and large truss scopes are only going to get cheaper - maybe the upgrade paths will look different in a year or two.

[Starcrazzy]

Hi,

Andrews sells eq5 mounts for 499, and dual axis drive for 245...The mount will take anythjing up to a 10 " ..I recently got the kit(eq5 and dual axis) and put my sxon 8" dob(well not a dob anymore, but it was, ) on the mount...it works a treat...but be warned...i got the scope out more when it was dob mounted..heaps more...the eq is big, cumbersome and time consuming...but if your in dark sky area and don't have to transport it much...go for it...Andrews 10 dobs are 699+ 499 for eq mount+245 for dual axis drive..your comin in around 1500...or wait for the 16 " truss dobs to come out in two months time...lol...

[RAJAH235]

Here you go Steve.
Link to, 'The Official post Ballarat Star Party' thread, >
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=5075
Shows dob t'scopes for comparison...... Is this what you wanted? :D L.

[janoskiss]

Guest/stinky, Did you end up buying a Dob? Have you got it yet? Have you had a chance to try it out?

[stinky]

Nah - Jano I didn't buy a Dob and almost feel guilty abou it! I did have a look at one, looked at other options too. Blew the budget to bits and went for something else.

Enough to say it's on an Eq5 mount and think that will be the first upgrade! Scope should arrive in a week. No doubt I will have lots of questions after first light. Will spill the beans then - (yes I expect lots of criticism - but knowing this place it will all be good!) Cheers bud.

[Xarxro]

Well my 8" dob lasted me four years, and the only reason I am upgrading now is because those damn Lightbridges look sooooo sexy. Your spot on about the learning thing, and an 8" is a great scope to learn with. For the first few years it is just learn, learn, learn. Once you know your way around then consider upgrading to a 12" or maybe larger. In any case I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever scope you get. In the end, any scope that lets you see the stars is a good scope :)


EDIT: Oops, was writing this as stinky wrote!!

[stinky]

At the moment the Mk1 eyeball is impressive - just a shame that I will miss Saturn in opposition - would've been kind of nice for first light!

[janoskiss]

EQ is mighty tempting before you experience the different scopes first hand. The EQ5 is a decent mount (I've got one), but it is nowhere near as usable for visual as a Dob (I've got a couple of them too), and it's pretty shaky at over 150x even with a light scope on it, like the ED80 (now sold). But the main thing is that you did not buy a junk EQ + Newt! (I've got one of them too, :eek:!) Tell us all about it when you get it!