Which 8" Dob ... Solid Tube or Lightbridge?

[jazzodict]

Hello folks,

My very first post ... abs newbee & have been googling & reading furiously for my first scope selection. Have finally narrowed it down to an 8" dob!

The question is .... do I go for a solid tube one or a Meade lightbridge? I am aware of the price difference, but am not sure about the pro & cons relating to the following points ...

1) performance in terms of image clarity, brightness etc.
2) collimation frequency
3) risk of mirror & other internals getting soiled/damaged
4) any other points

Have seen the 8" Standard Meade LB being advertised for $799 (Sydney) - any better deals around?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[mickoking]

G,day Jazzodict and welcome to our community

The lightbridge is better if you have to transport your scope frequently to a dark sky site. otherwise IMHO the solid tube Dob would be preferable. Eitherway you will have a great telescope

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by mickoking

The lightbridge is better if you have to transport your scope frequently to a dark sky site. otherwise IMHO the solid tube Dob would be preferable.

I'll just add to that that the tube of the solid 8" should fit on the back seat of just about any car, and I would choose the LB only if that is still too big.

The LB needs a secondary as well as primary collimation every time it is reassembled, the solid tube just a primary tweak.

[astronut (John)]

Jazz, I don't like to go against Geoff, but the LB only needs a minor primary tweak when it's assembled each time
So far as choice, I have an LB so I'm biased
The Guan Sheng & Meade scopes use the same hardware + optics, The only difference is the appearance and if you're prepared to spend the extra the Meade scope is a lot "sexier" Both will give you great views.Cheers, John.

[jazzodict]

Guys, thanks for your lightning responses.

I gather from your comments that performace will not be an issue - I'm OK with portability. Yes Astronut, looks wise the meade LB looks fantastic!

At this point leaning towards the solid tube & use the $ diff to buy some good eyepieces .... never know, when I walk into the shop I may have a sudden change of heart!!

Will keep you posted.
Cheers, Uday

[Starkler (Geoff)]

np John being a proud owner you would know better than me on that score, its just a common thing with truss dobs as opposed to solid tubes where the 2ndary is fixed.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

The EP's that come with the GSO Dob are quite adequate to start with. But a 2x Barlow would come in very handy. A lens cleaning pen and a colimating tool should also be on your shopping list.
LOL, I'll enjoy spending other peoples money.

[astroron (Ron)]

I use a 16" truss dob and I will take it to Astrofest tomorrow, It will take all of a couple of minutes to colimate.
Tube scopes have a bit more of a tendancy top get air currents and are heavier.
When you get to the larger scopes truss scopes are the only way to go.
I hope there is a lightbridge scope at Duckadang this week.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Hi Jazzy,

I can recommend the solid tube!

only coz I've never used a truss dob

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I have an 8 inch tube and a larger (12.5 inch) truss dob...

I am sure that you will be happy with either...they are both fine scopes for anyone (beginner/intermediate/advanced) in either case they will be superior to most scopes hobbyist had up until just a few years ago...you really can't miss the mark either way (in my opinion)...unless you have your heart set on astrophotography and then I would shy away from a dob (but that is a different story)

I'd probably recommend the tube dob as it is a tiny bit simpler (I am reaching to find a point of differention other than size for storage) for a first scope...

I'd put the difference in cost toward some accessories after you have had a chance to play for a while...resist the pull to rush out and buy lots of gear until you have had a chance to try a few things out for yourself...

Stop in at a retail store and check them both out before you decide to buy...

Cheers...

[ving (David)]

I have the solid tube 8". i can recomend it highly I'd assume thes a truss would cool quicker than the solid tube tho, but otherwise these scopes are near identical... for the money you pay inthe truss tho you could get a larger aperture solid tube

anyhow have fun with whatever you get
the best scope for you is the one that gets used the most!

[astro_nutt]

Hi jazzodict,
Ditto Ving!!
Brought my 8" dob five years ago and I have found it to be an honest all-round performer..quick set-up..good optics..and ease of transport..but DO check them both out in a store..you'll be happy with either one for sure!!!....and have some cash aside for a quality collimation tool and a Barlow...
The optical performance of modern mass-produced optics is quite good and will allow you to observe bright Nebulae's, planets, star cluster and even galaxies..plus features on the Moon!!
Check the colimation whenever you transport the scope..it should only need minor tweeking at most!
The mirrors WILL get dusty, dirty and you will see heaps of it when you shine a torch on the mirrors...so..don't shine a torch on them!!...if it looks dusty..leave it for another year!!...unless the mirrors are seriously grotty that image clarity is noticeable through the eyepiece only then seek EXPERT advice...
I washed the primary of my 8" for the first time after 4 years of use only because it had a water stain on it.
Generally the mechanics are robust..but do take time to learn how to adjust/collimate the focuser as well as the mirrors..also if the base is made out of particleboard...put a smear of silicone on any exposed bits and allow to dry before assembly!!
Enjoy your scope whichever you choose!!
Cheers!

[ving (David)]

i washed mine after 2 and a bit years... but it really didnt need it and i could have gone longer. let your mirror get a bit dusty it doesnt hurt it

one thing with the 8" solid tube, it comes with a nice tight fitting dust cap... which after continuos use chips the paint on the area it touches... large flakes of this paint will drift on to the primary. my sugestion is to ditch this dust cap and use a shower cap.

[jazzodict]

Thanks guys ... fabulous advice all-round.
Will spend some more sleepless nights until I own one.
I dreamt that I bought an Obsession Dob last night .... talk abt getting addicted!!

Cheers.