What to do - 12 vers 14 inch dob?

[DJ N]

Hi all,

After following closely some members experience with the Skywatcher goto dobs, I am very close to ordering one for myself. I must admit lately I have really started to miss the visual aspect of our hobby.

Now to my issue! Ever since these goto dobs have been announced, I was determined to wait for the 14 inch. Now that they are available, I am getting quite concerned by the size of the base. Last night, I even cut-out a couple of templates (out of newspaper) to give me an idea of the footprints of the 12 incher compared to the 14 ..........HUGE difference. Makes me want to almost consider the 12 as a compromise. But, after having a bit of a think (and of course permission of the chief commanding officer ;)), I have a spot at the side of the house where I could build a little 1 metre by 1 metre insulated storage shed where I could store the scope on a trolley/buggy or something similar, and roll it out into the yard when required. For transport to dark skies, I reckon the base would fit into the back of the Captiva, and I could make a ramp for getting the base into the vehicle. Besides that, I am led to believe that the base on the 14 inch can be disassembled. Another idea I have is to possibly duplicate the base out of 3/4 inch plywood instead of the particle board it is constructed from.

So in summary, I am torn between being totally overwhelmed by the size of the 14, or, if I "settle" for the 12, I will be forever wondering "shoulda got the 14"...........

Looking for thoughts..............experiences of 12 versus 14........ and so forth.



Cheers,

Daniel

[renormalised]

Get the 14". What you usually find is that while things may look huge and overwhelming at first, the problem doesn't turn out to be as big as it appears to be, if it ever was one at all.

Have you actually seen a 12" next to a 14" scope?? That's the best way to compare them.

[DJ N]

Thanks for your thoughts. With regards to comparing them side by side, none of the dealers in Adelaide stock either of these (trust me, I have tried :)). I was hoping to physically compare the two, but I have only been able to find a couple of pictures on the net with a person standing next to the 14 inch (to give it perspective). I have rung the interstate suppliers as well to see if they have one on the floor, but no luck just yet.

[DavidU]

Here ya go Dan.....
http://stargazerslounge.com/members-equipment-gallery/116842-new-14-skywatcher-synscan.html

[asimov]

Apart from the one I now own (the 14") I saw one on the floor at my local camera house store here in Bundy, just before my purchase. Might be worth a shot if you have a Camera house store near you.

[DJ N]

Thanks for that Dave. That is, in fact the same photo that I have used for comparatative purposes.:thumbsup:

Cheers,

Daniel

[Rodstar]

I am sure Rick Petrie, a member of our forum with whom I observe, and who has a 14" Skywatcher dob would be happy to help you with your decision-making. Rick seems very pleased with his 14" scope. When I have observed with it, it has seemed pretty modest in size, nothing you could not handle unless you have a physical limitation.

A 14" scope collects about 36% more light than a 12", which will make a very limited difference in the perception of brighter objects, but a substantial difference to the perception of fainter objects.

I would encourage to go with the 14" if you have aspirations to sniff out galactic prey.

[DJ N]

Thanks for your comments Rod. Definitely food for thought.


Cheers,

Daniel

[mozzie]

hi rod
rick has a 14" orion scope thats something to also consider also before you buy the skywatcher

[DJ N]

The benefit of the Skywatcher is that it is goto/tracking as opposed to push to. However, Orion are releasing the XX14 with the synscan go to. I suppose Orion is rebadged Synta stuff.

Cheers,

Daniel

[mozzie]

hi daniel
if i remember correctly ric's 14" orion base is collapsible when he was at my house it all fitted in the back of his car easily!!! just throwing it out there for you...

[DJ N]

Cheers for that Peter, appreciate that :thumbsup:

[DJ N]

Just having a look at the Orion website, I see they now have the XX12 and XX14 in the goto versions. It actually gives a comparison shot of the 12 and 14 standing side by side (with a person). Gives good scaling. The other thing that I have noticed is that it very closely resembles the Skywatcher base. The Orion site further details weights and dimensions. Makes for some interesting reading.

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=gotodobs/~pcategory=dobsonians/~product_id=08954

[michaellxv]

At the bottom of that page is a link to the manual (http://content.telescope.com/rsc/img/catalog/product/instructions/29398.pdf) .

[Rodstar]

Sorry, yes, of course Rick's scope is an Orion Intelliscope, a very fine contraption indeed.

[Visionoz]

Dan

I go regularly to dark site with another mate who has the 14" Orion Intelliscope (non-GoTo) and it is indeed a very handy package - easily broken down to pack into the boot of the car - mine is a 12" SW FlexDob and for fainter fuzzies, there's no comparision at all - go for the 14" and you'll soon forget about the perceived "inconveniences"!! ;)

HTH
Cheers
Bill