|
Hi Giveitagogavo,
A small/medium sized dobsonian 'scope is a great choice for a newbie and may end up being the only telescope you will ever want.
You spoke of an 8" but the one you mention specifically -- the BT 152 is not an 8" but a 6" -- which is still a good size. More aperture (diameter of the mirror & tube) means a brighter more detailed view and larger ones do have considerable advantages, but the larger you go the more expensive and the less portable they are -- it's a trade-off. Having said that an 8 or 10" is still pretty portable and fits pretty easily in most cars.
Heaps of reputable vendors out there including BINTEL. Many sell similar 'scopes at approximately similar prices, but $399 for a 6" dob is _dirt cheap_ for an easy-to-use serious telescope. It wasn't that long ago (maybe a dozen years) that a commercial 8" dob would have set you back nearly $1500-. Prices have come down a long, long way. Best of luck whichever way you go ...
Best,
Les D
Contributing Editor
AS&T
|