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Old 14-01-2014, 11:02 AM
glend (Glen)
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glend is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Lake Macquarie
Posts: 7,121
Dobs - How big is too big?

I am considering taking the step to the "Big Dob" world, but would like some advice on usability from present owners of the big stuff.

Right now I have a 16" GSO Strut dob on a custom build lowered base (with Wheel Barrow handles) running an Astro Devices Nexus Wifi Pushto DSC system (app is Sky Safari Plus on Android tablet), which is well sorted out, works great, and I can move it around.

Looking into the future I can't resist looking at the Obsessions, particularly the 20" Classic and 22" Ultra Compact:

http://www.obsessiontelescopes.com/t...hp#accessories

Towards the middle of this year I will be in a position to afford one of them (thanks to Super).

For big dob owners, did your move up in size meet your expectations and do you use the big dob as much as you did the smaller ones (assuming there were some). I am assuming that frequency of use is related to size.

Is the step up to the larger aperture going to be worth the change over? Sure limiting magnitude is a little bit better, as is resolution and contrast compared to the 16" but some of that might be addressed by a mirror upgrade on the 16 (say to Zambuto) for less investment.

If I went with the Obsession I'd want the ServoCat Goto system as well, but I could put that on my 16 fairly easily.

The Zambuto mirror and Servocat for my 16" will cost less than the new Obsession, but it may not scratch that persistent Big Dob itch.
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