Bintel or Meade 12" Dobsonian?

[WilliamStark]

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum and have a question regarding telescopes.

Up until now I have been using a tiny, $120 2.4" scope I got years ago for my birthday. I was a bit too impatient back then but I've really warmed to astronomy as of late. Anyway, I've been looking to upgrade to something a fair bit larger.

Given my current cash flow, I would love to get a 12" Dobsonian with no GoTo system. I have been fiddling with the PushTo system using SkyEye on my phone, and it works fine for me, other than the fact that I can hardly see anything with my present scope.

I was looking on Bintel's site and found the following two scopes.

http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/Dobsonian/Bintel-BT302-B-12--Dobsonian/73/productview.aspx

http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/Dobsonian/Meade-Lightbridge-Deluxe-12--Dobsonian/74/productview.aspx

My main concern is regarding the Meade telescope. Assuming neither is too large or heavy for me to cart around (I made sure to look into base and door dimensions, it's all fine), is there any real advantage to the Meade telescope? Is there any significant different in the build quality between Bintel and Meade? The Bintel is obviously much cheaper.

From what I've read the constant disassembly of the Lightbridge style scope means a lot of collimation. Is this still an issue with the full optical tube on the Bintel telescope? Either way I would happily fork out the extra $80 for a laser collimator.

Thanks for any input guys :)

[fauxpas]

I'm new too and was looking at both those dobs... I'll be going the meade for the extra $200 simply because it'll definately fit in my Mitsubishi Colt...

The bintel might fit, but it would be tight and not worth the risk...

So my favouring of the meade is purely due to the truss design... Both have the same focusers... The spotter scopes are different... I imagine both scopes are made by GSO so their mirrors would likely be identical...

I like both those scopes because they look to be drop in. I don't like the ones with screw handles through the base. I like the idea of dropping the base on the ground and then dropping the OTA into the base... Viola!

Collimation is fast and easy... Even if the scope has been played with by a child and is way way out of alignment it is easy. So if its just a quick check after setup its super quick... But what I've been told on this forum is, the solid OTA will need collimation too! I check collimation in my beginner dob because I can and because I wanna get used to doing it when I get a bigger dob...

[MortonH]

Depends if you need to transport the scope every time you use it or you can keep it assembled for use at home. Setting up the truss Dob every time would put me off. That's why Skywatcher came up with their Flextube Dobs. Possibly a happy medium between truss and solid tube if you need to transport frequently.

http://www.skywatcher.com/swtinc/product.php?id=140&class1=1&class2=106

Morton

[barx1963]

Hi William
Both scopes are excellent value for money. I have a GSO dob that is essentially the same as the Bintel one.
Points to consider are:
The finder. The Meade uses a single power reticle finder of which I am not a big fan, others like them but a 8x50 RA finder I think is a better option.
Collimation. Solid tubes still need to have it checked each time it is used. It is easy once you have the hang of it and should not put anyone off buying a truss tube.
The accessories. You get 3 EPs with the Bintel. That said you will mostly use the lower power one anyway and the higher power ones are only average so, again shouldn't be a major factor.
Portability. The Meade will win hands down. A 12" solid tube is a difficult thing to maneuver.
Mechanics. The GSO/Bintel altitude arrangement is excellent. Easily adjustable for different weight and balance configurations. I believe both use a similar arrangment for the azimuth motion. The collimation springs in the GSO/Bintel scopes have always been a little under strength. Not sure about the Meade, but I would assume they would be the same.
Optics. They are identical as far as I am aware.

Overall, IMO portability is the only strong factor separating the 2 scopes. The big question is are you prepared to pay the price premium for portability.

Oh and one other thing. Regarding collimation. Don't fall into the "I have a laser collimator so thats all I need" trap. Good collimation involves a lot more and a laser is only part of the process and not necessarilly and essential one.

Malcolm

[loki78]

Hi William, welcome to IIS.

I agree with the prev poster, it comes down to portability. If you're only using it at home and can wheel it outside if you get it on caster wheels or something, get the solid tube. If you'll be taking it around, get the collapsible. I don't care how strong you think you are, you'll tire of carting a solid 12" tube around if you'll be travelling a lot and you'll either a/ replace it shortly down the track or b/ give up on the hobby entirely because the effort of the experience has put you off. The best scope is the one you will use the most.

[Irish stargazer]

Hi William

I was in exactly the same position as you this time last year. What swung it for me was the ability to load it comfortably into the car. We were driving a Camry at the time and the GSO dob would not fit across the back seat-no practical way to transport it without changing cars. I bought the Lightbridge 12".
The only time I dissassemble the scope is to transport it in the car to a dark site. For the backyard, I leave it assembled as it is still not too heavy to lift in one piece in and out of the house. Collimation takes a minute with a laser collimator. To make the scope better it needs the main springs and collimaton knobs on the secondary replaced with Bobs Knobs and a counterweight on the back for using heavy eyepieces so budget for an extra $100. Replace the stock finder with a Telrad. Great scope and it gives very sharp views. The moon throught a 12" dob is simply stunning.
The collapsable Dobs are very good also. Just check the weight for lifting into awkward spaces (in and out of car doors). The Meade breaks down into smaller lighter pieces-easy on the back. The base height is lower on the meade also which was another factor for me.
Then there are the eyepiece upgrades you will crave for once you get used to the scope..........$$$$$$;) . Its a fun hobby!!!!

[fauxpas]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmsra1rPSXA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G98RTP6jbY

[big_dav_2001]

I've got a 12" GSO also.. I bought it as a bargain without actually seeing one first (only photos of them online).. My first reaction was that its huge, second thought was how do I get it home (went from Sydney to Canberra to get it only to reallise it didn't fit in my Kia Rio... Long story.. Hehe)..

My suggestion is, if you haven't already, go take a look at one in person, it will give you an idea of the size of them, then decide if you want to be lugging the solid-tube around every time you go out, or if a collapsible is easier... And if you plan on getting the solid-tube, make sure it fits in your car, with the views you'll get, it will only be a matter of time before you start wishing you could get it to darker skies to push it to the limit...

Davin

[rustigsmed]

Hi William,
Welcome!
Firstly, I would seriouly consider going in and looking at the size of these scopes first! They are big! I have a 12" sky watcher dob (colllapsable truss) very well designed. The tube fits in my ba ford falcon boot ok, but it really the mount which makes moving the scope awkward. I have to put it on the front passenger seat, because it won't fit through the rear doors!

So definitely consider your car too, I really don't think I could've gone any bigger without upsizing my vehicle!

Good luck :thumbsup:
Great views through that much aperture , good timing with Jupiter getting bigger and bigger too.

Cheers

Rusty