Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunday
Is it a case of bigger aperture ALWAYS better or are there some advantages to starting with the 8", other than slightly better portability?
Sunday
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Hi &
Lee
You've got some really great advice so far and Norm nailed it really nicely with his easy to understand list.
Get the biggest apperture you can afford/handle/transport. Dobs are great in that they are easy to use and fairly cheap for a scope, thereby great scopes to start with it. Though I love the ease and simplicity so much, I doubt I will ever move away from dobs. First I started with a 6" dob, then 6 months later upgraded to a 10" (I had them both put on wheels). I didn't expect it to give such great views and be so thoroughly addictive!
I also enjoy the challenge of manually finding and tracking objects whilst learning the sky. Though one day I will get an Argo Narvis installed, right now, I'm enjoying the rewards of learning with myself as commander. Though, some nights I have trouble finding things and it can get frustrating, but then I point the scope at something amazing which immediately replaces my frustration with excitement and wonder.
By the way, compare the weight of solid tube vs collapsible, you might be surprised that they are just as heavy. It's more about portability really.
If you haven't already got it, may I suggest you grab a hold of the "Astronomy 2010" book. For only $20 it gives a great amount of information and maps (and a list of objects for you to see). It even tells you month by month the upcoming events in the sky. It's a great book to have on hand. Go on, go get it now, grab those keys, off you go!
Lee, I don't know what you're talking about with dobs giving fuzzy images.
Even my 6" gave me great views. Perhaps you're talking about the term "feint fuzzies" being used for DSO's? They're called that because they are so far away, and that's not specific to a dob. Anyway, don't worry, you won't be disappointed (unless you expect Hubble like views). Best not to have high expectations (I didn't), that way, what you see will always blow you away. And remember, it's really all about the wow factor of actually being able to see something that far away. If you read up on the objects you select for your viewing, it will add to the wow factor.
Welcome to this wonderful hobby Lee, there is so much support and such wonderful people here eager to help - you are on the right track already
Enjoy!
Suzy.
P.S. In response to
Northern Lights post regarding lack of fitness, I do find I burn plenty crossing and re-crossing my legs on my stool, oh, and the two foot walk to access my gear is a real cruncher. My eyeballs do a lot of circles, does that count?!