choosing telescope

tp · #1 17-05-2015, 10:19 PM

Hi

I am new to this, and asked some advice in another thread, but i should have really started my own.

Anyway, i have been looking into a telescope for a few weeks now, which is more Comlex than i figured.

Anyway, people have recommended scopes like an 8" dobsonian, but others say the celestron nexstar, in different threads.

I want it for stargazing, moon, etc.

I understand the benefit of computerised, so am keen on that.

My research has pointed me to the celestron nexstar 6se, but i am curious on comparisons with scopes like the orion skyquest xt8i intelliscope or skywatcher 8" goto collapsible.

are they all easy to use? am i on the right track?

also, even with postage they seem so much cheaper from the usa...with the celestron and orion both being about $1000 aussi posted?

Any advice appreciated

Thanks

BeanerSA (Paul) · #2 17-05-2015, 11:13 PM

Hiya tp,

All of those scopes are easy to use, the main difference are, that the 6SE is easy to move/setup (with regards to carrying, putting in car). An 8" dob will allow you see fainter objects than the 6SE, but setup transportation can be a little more challenging. You couldn't really move any of them around without some disassembly anyway, so I guess that isn't really an issue, but a 6SE is slightly easier to store, and load into a car.

If you really aren't sure, I'd still recommend a regular 8" dob, that pushes you to learn some "celestial navigation", but if you aren't any good with maps, then maybe GOTO is the way to go.

barx1963 (Malcolm) · #3 18-05-2015, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tp

Hi

I am new to this, and asked some advice in another thread, but i should have really started my own.

Anyway, i have been looking into a telescope for a few weeks now, which is more Comlex than i figured.

Anyway, people have recommended scopes like an 8" dobsonian, but others say the celestron nexstar, in different threads.

I want it for stargazing, moon, etc.

I understand the benefit of computerised, so am keen on that.

My research has pointed me to the celestron nexstar 6se, but i am curious on comparisons with scopes like the orion skyquest xt8i intelliscope or skywatcher 8" goto collapsible.

are they all easy to use? am i on the right track?

also, even with postage they seem so much cheaper from the usa...with the celestron and orion both being about $1000 aussi posted?

Any advice appreciated

Thanks

Importing from the US is often problematic, especially with Celestron as the US dealer are not allowed to sell outside the US. And it would void any warranty if they did.
Don't get the peeps here started on the local Celestron distributor BTW!!

Malcolm

Allan_L (Allan) · #4 18-05-2015, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tp

Hi

...
Anyway, people have recommended scopes like an 8" dobsonian, but others say the celestron nexstar, in different threads.

I want it for stargazing, moon, etc.

I understand the benefit of computerised, so am keen on that.

My research has pointed me to the celestron nexstar 6se, but i am curious on comparisons with scopes like the orion skyquest xt8i intelliscope or skywatcher 8" goto collapsible.

are they all easy to use? am i on the right track?

also, even with postage they seem so much cheaper from the usa...with the celestron and orion both being about $1000 aussi posted?

Any advice appreciated

Thanks

You will definitely see more with an 8 inch DOB than with a 6 inch SCT.

And since the Skywatcher collapsible 8" GoTo Flex Dob is $1299 (new) and the Celestron 6SE is $1599 (new) [from the same dealer] than I think the choice is pretty easy.
The Skywatcher and Orion DOBs are similar quality (orion maybe slightly better) but the skywatcher is easier to setup.

I would steer away from importing, just because, as Malcolm said, if something goes wrong you have no comeback.

wavelandscott (Scott) · #5 18-05-2015, 12:40 PM

Before you spend your money pop into Bintel (or similar) and have a look at the different scopes and ask them some questions...you will learn a lot in a few minutes and save yourself some heartache later...they are in Glebe

rustigsmed (Russell) · #6 18-05-2015, 01:47 PM

+1 for the goto Skywatcher dobs, I've got the 12" and have no hesitation in recommending them - the bonus with the collapsible is it is easier to transport as well.

cheers

tp · #7 18-05-2015, 02:31 PM

thanks a lot for your advice everyone
i have a lot to learn, so plan on doing more reading and researching
and i will pop into Bintel as well...which has kinda been on my radar anyway, but now i know i really should get there!

thanks

madwayne (Wayne) · #8 18-05-2015, 08:00 PM

You don't mention where in Sydney you are. If you are anywhere near the shire there is a fantastic club there, Sutherland Astronimical Society (www.sasi.net.au). Club meetings are generally held on Thursday nights but the club also meets at Waterfall on the third quarter and new moon Saturday nights. The club also have public open nights at different times of the year.

Without doubt the instrument of choice among our members would be Dobs. But if Green Point is too far out of your way the next best thing is a trip to Glebe. If your better half likes seafood it is a very short distance to the fish markets as a softener if you need to gain a few extra dollars permission for that must have eyepiece or collimation tool or both.

Good luck with your adventure. You've made one correct decision already by joining here.

Wayne

tp · #9 19-05-2015, 07:48 AM

thanks wayne,
northern beaches is where i live
so trip to Glebe it will be, and i hear what everyone is saying, a Dob seems to be the best bet for beginner, but I'll have a better idea once i have seen them for myself

i will also look for a second hand scope maybe though the forum

cheers

Allan_L (Allan) · #10 19-05-2015, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tp

thanks wayne,
northern beaches is where i live
so trip to Glebe it will be, and i hear what everyone is saying, a Dob seems to be the best bet for beginner, but I'll have a better idea once i have seen them for myself

i will also look for a second hand scope maybe though the forum

cheers

Except that, BINTEL do not sell the Skywatcher Dobsonian.
According to their website, they only sell Bintel Brand (which are Solid Tube - not collapsible) and Orion (which are mostly listed as "Sold Out" or "Out of Stock")

I am not aware of any other retailer in Sydney area that has display stock.

If you want to see a Skywatcher collapsible, you are welcome to come for a drive up to Wyong and I can show you my 12" and probably arrange for you to see a 10" of a friend.
Or Maybe someone closer can help.

But it is worth the effort.

glend (Glen) · #11 19-05-2015, 09:20 AM

Andrews Communications in Sydney do sell the Skywatcher dobs (all of them, and they seem to be in stock) but they may not have a display model setup in their small shop. I believe that they can get one from the warehouse to show prospective customers if they are given a day's notice. Talk to Luke at Andrews.

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/optical-telescopes

Go to the Skywatcher page and scroll down to the dob section.

sil (Steve) · #12 19-05-2015, 05:34 PM

I can't believe how narrow minded some people are. I have bought scopes from optcorp and b&h including one celestron that had a faulty handset on arrival and had far better sales support and warranty replacement experience than i have encountered with local dealers. This is the only warranty replacement i've ever needed but its an actual experience, not a knee jerk opinion. Do your own homework there are bad dealers in australia, and there are good ones overseas. Yes there are savings but factor in gst/import duties too, couriers like fedex sort that out with you once the package lands in australia and is a safer option than trusting to regular parcel post and random customs checks. Even with the fees you can save considerably.

atman (Mark) · #13 19-05-2015, 08:39 PM

I've got an 8" dob and a 6" Celestron SCT - the same OTA as the Nexstar 6SE.

Got it from a US store for $500 aud, and used USTOOZ buying service to get it here. Totally seamless process) . The same scope here- more than $1000. ( For half the price I was prepared to take the risk - but had no problems.)

Have it mounted on a $79 AZ3 - for 2 reasons

1. I'm cheap

2. I don't need tracking

It's true that the view through the larger aperture is better, but I use the SCT more - its totally portable, and more versatile i.e. use it on land.

Take advantage of any opportunities to view before deciding.

My dream scope would be a large quality (16" +) dob.

Happy hunting

tp · #14 21-05-2015, 04:19 PM

hi everyone

thanks for the input

I have been to Bintel...which has really helped me after seeing all the scopes! I cant believe how big they get!

firstly...size of the scope/mount, and ability to set it up and pack it away easily, and ease of use, is something that is on the top of my list in combination with having a reasonable aperture (150mm is what seems the best compromise for me) to enable me to do some exploring.

so whilst i can see why everyone loves the Dobs, and they are cheap, i have ruled it out, as they are big and take up a lot of space (yes i know 'ease of use' gets the ticks...but it still takes up alot of space).

The scope that seems to be the best fit for me at this stage is the Skywatcher BD150X750 newtonian reflector or Bintel 6" f5 newtonian reflector (they tell me they are pretty much the same scope)

the tripod/mount can be folded away easily, and the scope put into a bag/box

the aspect i am confused about is the actual mount!??

and i am seeking input/advice on this if anyone can give me any

in the shop, the skywatcher BD150 was sitting on a EQ3 mount...($729)
http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx.

in the shop, the Bintel 6" was sitting on a Celestron Advanced GT GOTO mount...($1,100)

both i guess can sit on either mount

Do i need a GOTO?...i am not really thinking it is crucial for me now, at this stage looking at planets, moon e.t.c is my main focus, and im sure i can find them easily enough...i also dont really think i will get into the photo side of things...so maybe it just adds another complexity to my ease of use/set up, pack away criteria

which maybe leaves me with the EQ3 mount

from looking at many posts on this site...a clear winner for ease of use seems to be the Alt/Az mount...and ease of use is one of my criteria

the guy in Bintel didnt really say there was a decent Alt/Az mount for this scope??

and on the Andrews site...the Skwatcher comes with the same EQ3 mount

so can anyone give me some advice on this??
1. would an Alt/Az mount really be more user friendly for me?? why do they not package them with one? could anyone recommend a different more user friendly mount than the EQ3 for this scope if that is the case? is the EQ3 less user friendly?
2. is there another reflector scope worth looking at which would be similar?
3. i still have really seen the SCT's as they only had one there....and he didnt really point me in that direction...should i keep exploring that option?

any advice really appreciated

thanks!

Allan_L (Allan) · #15 21-05-2015, 04:37 PM

Firstly, just to be clear, the Newtonian reflector is the same scope as a Dobsonian.
The only difference generally is the way it attaches to a mount.
The Dobsonian base is the alt az mount system for a Newtonian.

Don't get an equatorial mount - you will regret it. These are only really good for Astro photography. (IMHO)

Did you see a collapsible DOB? Doesn't sound like it. This seriously eases the BIG and storage problem as discussed earlier.

If you really don't want a dob base, then maybe an SCT on an alt az mount may suit you better. They are compact and the tripod folds. Something like an 6SE or better still a CPC may be what you are after, but they are much more costly for the convenience.

Again, suggest you get to an observing session.
If you are north shore Mangrove mountain is pretty close.
Do you have access to a car?

I have had 6" and 8" Newtonians on EQ mounts.
Then upgraded to a goto EQ5.
Then an 9.25 SCT on EQ mount.
Then CPC1100 (11" SCT on integrated goto Alt az)
Then 10" DOB collapsible
and now 12" DOB collapsible goto.
Plus several other smaller scopes along the way so I can speak from experience.

rustigsmed (Russell) · #16 21-05-2015, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan_L

Firstly, just to be clear, the Newtonian reflector is the same scope as a Dobsonian.
The only difference generally is the way it attaches to a mount.
The Dobsonian base is the alt az mount system for a Newtonian.

Don't get an equatorial mount - you will regret it. These are only really good for Astro photography. (IMHO)

Did you see a collapsible DOB? Doesn't sound like it. This seriously eases the BIG and storage problem as discussed earlier.

If you really don't want a dob base, then maybe an SCT on an alt az mount may suit you better. They are compact and the tripod folds. Something like an 6SE or better still a CPC may be what you are after, but they are much more costly for the convenience.

Again, suggest you get to an observing session.
If you are north shore Mangrove mountain is pretty close.
Do you have access to a car?

I have had 6" and 8" Newtonians on EQ mounts.
Then upgraded to a goto EQ5.
Then an 9.25 SCT on EQ mount.
Then CPC1100 (11" SCT on integrated goto Alt az)
Then 10" DOB collapsible
and now 12" DOB collapsible goto.
Plus several other smaller scopes along the way so I can speak from experience.

my first scope about 14 years ago was a 6" reflector on an equatorial mount like you have mentioned.

I would not recommend this, and I would go as far as go with Allan and suggest a collapsible 8" dob. it is possible to get these with a goto function also at extra cost. if you can afford the goto I would highly recommend it. eq mounts are really only useful for photography and you won't be able to do that with those particular versions.

I notice bintel's website has had many of their goto dobs and collapsible dobs shown as 'sold out' for many months http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...3/catmenu.aspx which is a shame.

here are a couple of examples
collapsible 8" truss
http://www.myastroshop.com.au/produc...sp?id=MAS-041E

goto version
http://www.myastroshop.com.au/produc...sp?id=MAS-041J

also available from Andrews http://www.andrewscom.com.au/optical-telescopes

all the best

Russ

tp · #17 21-05-2015, 05:41 PM

thanks Alan and Russ for the clarification and your posts, i am slowly getting there!

yes i do have a car, but family things are just too busy at the moment for me to get anywhere...but thanks for the viewing offer...the 12" of yours must be a beast

they may have had a collapsible at Bintel, but maybe the $1000 or so budget stopped him from showing it to me? not really sure. I also had 5yr old with me, so i had to be quick!

but anyway...i suppose i was referring to the Dob base...bulky compared to a tripod that can collapse and be stored away easy...but maybe if the scope could be collapsed this would offset that? hhmm...something to think about now...is there a 6" one...to keep the base size reasonable??

and so would there not be any other base for Skywatcher BD150X750 newtonian reflector??

as for the SCT...this was where i started...with the Celestron nextstar 6SE, and looking at a photo of it again..and after being in the shop seeing the mounts....the Alt/Az mount does look much easier! i could also look at the non GOTO version which i think someone has mentioned..just the 6" celestron SCT?

from a quick google search...the CPC is off budget

(and i have enquired with 1 shop selling the 6SE in the USA...wayfair on ebay...roughly $1000 posted...and they provide their own 1 year warranty if shipped to Australia...and im sure the other big retailers such as B&H may do they same...havent asked them...but this risk is something i would weigh up if I was to purchase from USA)

i will continue the research...and will get there!

Ausrock (Chris) · #18 21-05-2015, 06:48 PM

tp,

Unless I'm mistaken, Andrews have an 8" SW collapsible dob for around $599 with the option of adding the Go-To upgrade later......... http://www.andrewscom.com.au/optical-telescopes .....scroll down and you will find it.

Compared to an EQ mounted 'scope, they are simpler and easier for someone starting out........not that I should talk as I jumped in the deep end with an EQ6 and Celestron 9.25, but that was my choice after a lot of research.

As others have suggested, it would be an educating experience if you could get to one of the Mangrove Mountain nights.

silv (Annette) · #19 21-05-2015, 10:56 PM

Quote:

I want it for stargazing, moon, etc.

Quote:

the best fit for me at this stage is the Skywatcher BD150X750 newtonian reflector or Bintel 6" f5

for moon and planets F5 would not be ideal. F5 is a fast light collector and therefore fine for faint, distant objects like deep space nebula.

Jupiter would only look like a very bright star through F5 - it did so through mine, at least (8" F/5 newtonian).

But don't take it from me. I hope someone else will pitch in and agree or disagree.
Or maybe you already made a decision towards viewing deep space objects?

barx1963 (Malcolm) · #20 21-05-2015, 11:29 PM

tp
I am a big dob fan, and I come from a position of having used newtonians mounted on EQ mounts as my first scope and they are not even close to comparable for beginners scopes.
In my opinion you would have to have a very serious storage issue for that to be a factor swaying you towards an EQ mounted scope.
My 8" dob took up no more room than my old EQ2 mounted 130mm scope. And when you consider that within a few weeks of having my 8" I had racked up over 100 objects but had managed only a couple of dozen in 18 months with the EQ, no way that they are comparable.
Go to a star party and have a look at what the visual observers are using, majority dobs, a few SCT's on fork mounts, almost no eq mounted newtonians. There is a simple reason, for us eyeball types, dobs actually work!!

Cheers

Malcolm