Quote:
Originally Posted by gaseous
As others have said, $1999 for a 12" goto dob is going to be hard to beat - I've done a bit of researching lately and haven't seen one for under $2k anywhere. The straight rod collapsible OTAs take about 13 seconds out of your life to set up, so I wouldn't let that concern you, and they'll save valuable space when lugging them in the car, as well as making the tube easier to pick up.
|
Thanks Patrick for sharing your experience and everyone else for the info on finder scopes.
Boy, I did not realise that buying a first telescope would be so complex! It feels like my head is about to explode from all the various options. But at least I have it narrowed down to a dobsonian. Now I just need to figure out what size dob, collapsible or solid tube and go-to or manual.
LoL at the blue language
- I actually can see myself doing much the same thing, so I guess go-to is a must for me. Go-to or manual question solved.
From what I have read these are the remaining contenders that meet my criteria:
10" Orion Skyquest $1649 vs 10" Skywatcher Black Diamond $2099
12" Orion Skyquest $1999 vs 12" Skywatcher Black Diamond $2889.
Well $2889 is more than I wanted to spend. I was budgeting for about $2000 or just slightly over, so that eliminates the 12" Skywatcher. That takes care of the cost question.
The only thing left is what size? Which is more important:
having a 2" bigger aperture but taking more room in the car and being more cumbersome to move(12" Orion Skyquest) or
losing 2" of aperture but gaining the convenience of easier storage/handling (10" Skywatcher Black Diamond or 10" Orion Skyquest). And out of those two is the collapsible feature really with an extra $450? Or would I be better of using that money towards eyepieces and other accessories?