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Old 21-10-2012, 08:04 AM
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Irish stargazer (John)
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 690
Hi William

I was in exactly the same position as you this time last year. What swung it for me was the ability to load it comfortably into the car. We were driving a Camry at the time and the GSO dob would not fit across the back seat-no practical way to transport it without changing cars. I bought the Lightbridge 12".
The only time I dissassemble the scope is to transport it in the car to a dark site. For the backyard, I leave it assembled as it is still not too heavy to lift in one piece in and out of the house. Collimation takes a minute with a laser collimator. To make the scope better it needs the main springs and collimaton knobs on the secondary replaced with Bobs Knobs and a counterweight on the back for using heavy eyepieces so budget for an extra $100. Replace the stock finder with a Telrad. Great scope and it gives very sharp views. The moon throught a 12" dob is simply stunning.
The collapsable Dobs are very good also. Just check the weight for lifting into awkward spaces (in and out of car doors). The Meade breaks down into smaller lighter pieces-easy on the back. The base height is lower on the meade also which was another factor for me.
Then there are the eyepiece upgrades you will crave for once you get used to the scope..........$$$$$$ . Its a fun hobby!!!!
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Last edited by Irish stargazer; 21-10-2012 at 08:16 AM.
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