by-a-scope

[astrocookie]

hi all,

I'm thinking of buying a new, more powerful scope.
I've had a look on some on line stores and ebay. I came across the Saxon Dob 8 - 200mm (8 inch) Reflecting telescope system.
it looked like a pretty good deal but I was wondering if there are any better options on the market for amateur astronomers like my self.

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!:):):)

[renormalised]

A Saxon 8" dob would be a very good purchase. Plenty of aperture for you to work with.

How much are you prepared to spend??

[astrocookie]

my budget is somewhere around $500

[renormalised]

Ok, Bintel (https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm) sell a good 8" dob with plenty of extras, for $499.

[stephenb]

Hi Molly, personally I feel more comfortable walking into a shop where you can actually see the telescopes in the flesh. BinTel also provide some great customer service. And as Carl said, for the $499 BinTel dob (BT202-B) you get a couple of eyepieces in the deal. If you're pretty much decided on the 8" Dobsonian scene, this I'd second Carl's advice for sure.

Regards,
Stephen

[Suzy]

I was at the Andrews site today and they have a 10" dob on sale for $500!!!!!!
:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop:

Andrews are fantastic to deal with, many of us from here do. :)
Dobs give the best value for aperture. You can get into some nice deep sky observing even starting with a 6" (as I did). 10" will keep that grin longer though :D. I just can't believe that you can get a brand new 10" at the moment for the same price as an 8".
Keep scrolling down this page (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm) and you'll see it

Go forth and get that apperture Molly, as long as it will fit in your car and you can handle it of course! Basically the rule of thumb is get the most aperture that you can afford and handle. :thumbsup:

[astrocookie]

thanks for the advice guys(and girl)!!!!

[smitty]

Dobs are great bang for you buck, but before you hand over the $$$ ask yourself if you will use it as much as a smaller scope that is more portable?

The last thing you want to do is get the dob and then realise that it is too big!

I am having a small dilemma with regards to purchasing my first telescope (currently using 10x50 binoculars). I have attended a few star parties and see the advantages of each of the main types of telescopes available. Then add the great prices you can buy kit for at the moment and you can see why I haven't made a decision yet....

I am in the process of hiring a scope from my astronomy club to see if I have the same love for a certain type of scope after using it for a while. It might save me money in the long run.

The best advice I can give you is "don't rush".

Sean.

[Brian W]

My primary scope is an 8" dob mounted reflector and all I can say is that I figure it will take me a long long time to outgrow it.

You can have a lifetime of enjoyment out of any decent quality scope but an 8 or 10" reflector is one of the best all around scopes you can buy.

Brian