Skywatcher 90/1250 Mak Cass

BilliGoatsGruff (Billi) · #1 26-04-2015, 10:36 AM

I was wondering if anyone would recommend this scope for a beginner? It's states on Ozscopes that it is, but I've noticed everyone is pushing for Dobs. Is there a specific reason why?
Thanks

BeanerSA (Paul) · #2 26-04-2015, 11:42 AM

With that scope, the cost is divided between the tripod, the mount, and the scope. With a dobosonian, nearly all the cost is on the scope and a couple of bucks for the bits of mdf that make up the base. The mount and tripod on that Mak aren't going to be of a particularly high standard (next to useless IME). That whole cost going towards the scope will get you much better aperture too.

That said, the dobs aren't for everybody. That Mak setup is pretty portable, most dobs aren't.

If those are the sort of dollars you wan't to spend, I'd recommend the 130mm dob http://www.ozscopes.com.au/skywatche...telescope.html

BilliGoatsGruff (Billi) · #3 26-04-2015, 11:57 AM

I did have a look at the 130mm dob. I thought the 9mm aperture of the Mak was good enough, but perhaps I should be greedy and go with the 130mm dob? This might seem like a silly question, but are the images "right way up"? I get confused with the different scopes ( hence the reason why I was going with the Mak).

BeanerSA (Paul) · #4 26-04-2015, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BilliGoatsGruff

This might seem like a silly question, but are the images "right way up"? I get confused with the different scopes ( hence the reason why I was going with the Mak).

Not silly at all. Yes, the images through the eyepiece are upside down.

Also, next time try the Beginners Equipment forum http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/f...splay.php?f=45

BilliGoatsGruff (Billi) · #5 26-04-2015, 12:05 PM

I did try the "beginners start here" forum, but I'm impatient and was looking for fast answers. It's definitely a fault of mine lol. Does it make it difficult with the images upside down? I know a couple constellations and some of the bigger stars, but I'm worried that having upside down images will make it hard for me to track things so I'll end up getting frustrated.

BeanerSA (Paul) · #6 26-04-2015, 12:10 PM

It takes some getting used to. Finding stuff can be a little tricky, a red dot finder or similar can help. Tracking just takes some getting used to. I try to "pull" the object I'm viewing back into the eyepiece and that works for me.

BilliGoatsGruff (Billi) · #7 26-04-2015, 12:16 PM

I think I might go with the dob

I saw it recommended in another thread, so it must be worth it. Are there any accessories that you would suggest to go with it? It comes with a red dot finderscope and 2 eps, 10mm and 25mm.

BeanerSA (Paul) · #8 26-04-2015, 12:18 PM

I wouldn't spend any money on extra bits for a while. I would find a good book to use, and mostly, you need to be patient, so good luck with that ;-)

BilliGoatsGruff (Billi) · #9 26-04-2015, 12:24 PM

Thanks for the advice

I have a great app on my S5 called Sky Walk that has helped me identify heaps of stars andconstellations and even Venus when it is visible on the horizon. Is there a book you would recommend? I'm considering getting a subscription to Sky and Telescope for something interesting to read.

BilliGoatsGruff (Billi) · #10 26-04-2015, 12:27 PM

Oh man, my head is exploding with questions now. Please forgive me if it gets tiresome. How do younsafely store your scope so that it doesn't get damaged? Is there anything you can buy to keep it safe when travelling?

BeanerSA (Paul) · #11 26-04-2015, 12:28 PM

If I'm honest, S&T isn't the best for a beginner. I would probably go for Sky At Night Magazine. As for books, if you want some hand-holding, most recommend Turn Left At Orion, bearing in mind that it is written for the northern hemisphere. I myself just have a couple of books with constellations and monthly star maps in them.

BeanerSA (Paul) · #12 26-04-2015, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BilliGoatsGruff

Oh man, my head is exploding with questions now. Please forgive me if it gets tiresome. How do younsafely store your scope so that it doesn't get damaged? Is there anything you can buy to keep it safe when travelling?

I'm cool! We've got a 150mm dob, and it sits in the corner of the family room. I've been thinking of making a big sock to go over it, just to keep the dust off it. When we travel, I just lay the tube across the back seat, with a seatbelt or two around it, and the base goes in the boot.

BilliGoatsGruff (Billi) · #13 26-04-2015, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeanerSA

IWhen we travel, I just lay the tube across the back seat, with a seatbelt or two around it, and the base goes in the boot.

I love the idea of the seatbelt. It's like part of the family! My MIL is pretty nifty with a sewing machine so I might be able to get her to help me whip up a cover for it. I would have to store it in my room I think, we have two girls (4 and 1) who would probably like to get their fingers on it.