GSO vs Skywatcher

[gazza83 (Gary)]

Hi,

I'm looking at the SW600 8" EQ reflector on EQ5 vs the GSO GS630 8" on SV1 from Andrews (both manual eqs and F5). Basically as an all round visual scope for a small outlay, but later on thinking about updating the mount to an EQ6 equiv if I get interested in AP. I'm fairly certain the mounts are both marginal for the OTA as sold. I like the focuser/fan on the GSO but for some reason (reading alot of forums?) I've got an opinion that the skywatchers are better quality. I'd be interested to hear from anyone with either scope.

[dannat (Daniel)]

I have had the sv1 & it is probably slightly below the eq5 - if only the eq5 could be upgraded with a hand controler - i presume the eq5 has the round legs -better than the Al ones imo

[Ian Robinson]

EQ5 can be upgraded from manual slowmos to dual axis drives pretty easily , and to goto if that's what you want.
The dual axis controller can be enhanced to include a rj12 interface so you can connect an autoguider too (see Shoestring's instructions).

I am not sure about what upgrades are available for the SV1.

Quality wise : EQ5 vs SV1 , probably much the same.

[gazza83 (Gary)]

Hi,

Thanks guys. Anyone used either OTAs?

Cheers

[DavidU (Dave)]

My 12" SW solid tube dob is a corker. I bought it because the optics were excellent.

[Mike21 (Michael)]

Andrew's claim that the GSO's produce mildly better OTA's than SW, I cannot say from experience.

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Originally Posted by Mike21

Andrew's claim that the GSO's produce mildly better OTA's than SW, I cannot say from experience.

hmmm ....

i would say its the other way around