SCT DX6", 6SE or SW Mak 127/1500

[MamaJax (Jacqueline)]

Hi,
I am new to astronomy world and although I have been looking, learning and trying to decide on a scope I am still a bit hesitant to jump in and would love to know the realistic difference in viewable planets and some deep sky objects with each of the above options...
I'm mainly interested if visual, but will definitely enjoy taking some amateur pics just for fun.
I will be viewing with my Hubby and sometimes with grandkids aged from 5-13 ( though only occasionally with them). Initially wanting to stay below $2k inc some of the extra basic set up needed like lenses etc and a bag for portability on occasional dark sky or star party nights.
Any info on these options would be greatly appreciated.

[croweater (Richard)]

Hi Jacqueline, there is a 6se in the classifieds for $1000 that would be a very good buy. It's in Melbourne so you would have to pay postage. Seller has original packaging so shouldn't be too hard to organize and maybe not too expensive. This site generally is very good for buying quality second hand gear. I believe that scope would be a good allrounder and pretty portable. Anything something to think about.
Cheers, Richard.
Ps If you don't mind something a bit bulkier you can't go wrong with a 8inch dobsonian

[mura_gadi (Steve)]

Patience, IIC for sales and even gumtree are great options, the first one being the best. Gumtree for a new purchaser can come with more grief than its worth though...

Your best option to get an informed decision is the the tried and true method of going out with an astro club on their dark sky nights and trying different scopes and various eyepieces.

The clubs maybe a little inactive over the Christmas period but still your best chance of trying before buying and possible getting some helpful tips and knowledge first hand.

[dannat (Daniel)]

those 3 options will give similar results on viewing planets, even though the mak is 1" less diameter, it does well on planets, slightly better than SCT

the dx6 hasa star sense auto align function allows you to align your mount/telescope, to find objects easier

you dont mention which mount the mak will be on? eg az gti

[Crater101 (Warren)]

A lot of it will come down to personal preference.
I have the 150/1800 SW Mak-Cas, and it's great for viewing the planets. It does need a little "cool down" time before use. The 127/ 1500 would be a nice scope for what you describe.
Do make sure that the mount you get is one that can support the scope and any little extras, e.g. finderscope, camera, etc.
Good luck, and let us know what you go with.

[MamaJax (Jacqueline)]

Thank you all for the replies, I will certainly take it onboard... Yes I think a club star night might be a good idea. Also very interested in the SE for sale and will check that out. I would certainly like to have one of the goto type mounts to make finding celestial targets easier and quicker, so would be very interested in one of those if I go with the MAK. Does anyone know which would be a suitable one for that scope ?

[MamaJax (Jacqueline)]

Originally Posted by Crater101

A lot of it will come down to personal preference.
I have the 150/1800 SW Mak-Cas, and it's great for viewing the planets. It does need a little "cool down" time before use. The 127/ 1500 would be a nice scope for what you describe.
Do make sure that the mount you get is one that can support the scope and any little extras, e.g. finderscope, camera, etc.
Good luck, and let us know what you go with.

Hi Crater, I finally made the leap and bought the Skywatcher 127 Mak, on mini AZGti mount..... it was the one I kept going back to and was a good deal and has left me with a good amount to spend on extra kit as we go along.
Just need to check if I remembered to order a moon filter ... as this was the only thing I really thought I would need to add until we get used to the scope and decide what we need from there.. does this seem enough for now?
Thanks for the replies and I'm sure I will be back for more advise and sharing of the enjoyment once we get to use it.

[MamaJax (Jacqueline)]

Thanks everyone for the replies and guidance, It is greatly appreciated.
I purchased the Skywatcher Mak on AZGTi mount and tripod for now and will upgrade later if need. I got a good deal from Andrews communications in Sydney and will have plenty left over from original budget to add extras once we figure out what we need after using the basic set up for a while.
Looking forward to getting out there and enjoying some views of our amazing universe.

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by MamaJax

Hi Crater, I finally made the leap and bought the Skywatcher 127 Mak, on mini AZGti mount..... it was the one I kept going back to and was a good deal and has left me with a good amount to spend on extra kit as we go along.
Just need to check if I remembered to order a moon filter ... as this was the only thing I really thought I would need to add until we get used to the scope and decide what we need from there.. does this seem enough for now?
Thanks for the replies and I'm sure I will be back for more advise and sharing of the enjoyment once we get to use it.

It's a sound choice, and I'm sure you'll get a lot out of it.


I use a moon filter for my 600mm refractor when observing the moon. When ol' Luna is near full, a moon filter does help quite a bit.


Good luck, and do keep us posted on how you go.