[Dez]

Thanks everyone for the welcome!

Already heaps of thoughts and ideas to consider coming through… You guy’s don’t muck around hey!! Looks like no point starting a new post to discuss possible scopes as already a lot of info given here, so may as well just carry on…

Good to hear there is general agreement I’m on the right track at the moment with 10” to 12” Dob, as I was thinking to eventually invest in a mount with the option of using the OTA I get now. I guess what I want to try to clarify firstly is… either the 10” or 12”….??? But thanks Janoskiss, I now need to consider what make too!!! I hadn’t really thought of the Orion, as looking on a few dealers’ websites, they do appear more pricy than the GSO’s. Not too worried about that as long as the cost is justified with real improved quality. I haven’t seen a lot of discussion related to Orion so any thoughts on the pros and cons of GSO vs Orion would be well received. Also, does Orion make a 12”??

But back to the question of size. I understand the theoretical benefits of increased aperture and want to get the best results for both visual observing and then later, photography. I realise nothing in life is simple, but as Paul says, stability on mounts is something I’m conscious of too. I guess there’s no point having large aperture if it destabilises the mount, but don’t want to reduce the size of the scope and then reduce the number of objects able to be observed/imaged.. Also, which mount…? Been looking at both the EQ6 Skyscan and the Losmandy range… While I guess the G11 would be the preferred option, it definitely will lighten the wallet quite a bit.. Now that would take a lot of subliminal messages to get passed by the accountant Manny!!!

Also, just to keep thing from looking too easy, there is the issue of transport? The 10” seems a lot more portable than the 12”, but again, I don’t want to sacrifice aperture for short bursts of inconvenience. Has anyone with say a 12” GSO had issues travelling in say a commodore sedan with this?

I tell you, as I’m writing this, a lot of other questions are coming to mind too… Don’t want to wear out my welcome too early so might hold back on few of those for the moment! So I’m not too worried about the mount at the moment as I feel it’ll be better to focus on visual observing for the moment. Even if I need to change/add equipment in the future, I’m sure I’ll get a better idea as I get more involved.

By the way Ving, I had a quick look on the Bintel websites product range for that sugar you’ve been taking, and couldn’t find it anywhere… Maybe you could share who your stockist is??? Seems like good stuff!!! Toot toot! Also, had a look at your website, great pics mate and I like your scope set up too. Definitely similar to what I have in mind for the future

Thanks again everyone

Dez – Just one question away from the next one!!