Paula, Absolutely nothing wrong with the GSO mirrors. Personally, I don't think they are any better or worse than the Saxon.
I cannot tell where you've "cut and pasted" the information from.
Firstly cut out all the sale pitch rubbish. Most of what you've read in these adverts is hyped up sales guff. To cut through it all you're left with :
1 - Guan Sheng 10" F/5 Dobsonian telescope
- 1/2 BK-7 mirror
- 2" focuser
- 2" to 1.25" adaptor
- 8 x 50 finderscope,
- GSO 9mm eyepiece
- GSO 25mm Plossl eyepieces.
- Price = $499
Question: What altitude bearings does it have for this price? I'd suspect the old style.
2 - Guan Sheng 10" F/5 Dobsonian telescope
Your description the Deluxe option reads identical for $50 more ????
3 - Saxon 10" F/5 Dobsonian telescope
- Crayford focuser (single speed - will not have a fine a 10:1 adjustment)
- 10mm eyepiece
- 25mm Plossl eyepieces
- 2" to 1.25" adaptor
- 9 x 50 finderscope
- Price = $690
My observations:
- The GSO has an 8x50 finderscope. The Saxon has a 9x50 finderscope. Personally this will be of little difference to you - no contest here.
- They both come with their own mass produced eyepieces and are comparable in size - no contest here.
- Same size mirrors, same size tubes and mounts (or so close, it will make no difference to you.
What I would be looking for the altitude bearings. The early Dobs had small pivot points. GSO and BinTel brands have large silver knurled knobs which have a braking adjustment on them.
So, if you're asking for my opinion?
If you were going to layout money on a Saxon anyway, I'd be buying a
BinTel's BT252-B 10" Dobsonian $699 - This model has everything I've filtered from your GSO, plus a 10:1 fine adjustment focuser. They are a rebadged GSO. you'll get
personal, shopfront service, and backup if you have an issue. Be careful buying from "online shops". Personally, I wouldn't suggest it. That's my experience.
Or Andrews
Guan Sheng GS-880 10" ASDX Dobsonian $649
Both have the new adjustable tension design on the altitude bearing
. I cannot confirm that the Saxon does.
Hubby shouldn't be worried about the mirrors. In fact I'd prefer GSO than Saxon, but that's a personal thing. I've owned several GSO mirrors over the years and never had an issue. They have a very reputable name. And to be blunt, most people would/couldn't notice the difference between a Saxon mirror or a GSO mirror.
If you can tell us where you're seeing them advertised, we can look at the pics and check them out.
Regards,
Stephen