Saxon 12" Collapsible Dob

[Liz]

Looking at getting another scope, and was wondering if anyone has a Saxon 12" Collapsible?
I presently have a 10" Gso Dobsonian, but have never been hugely happy with (never bonded ).
The 12" Skywatcher are very weighty - tube 21kg/base 18.5 kg, whereas the Saxon is tube 15.5/base 11.5 - about $1650
http://www.saxon.com.au/model/dob12c.html
The other option was the Skywatcher 10" with autotracking, which looks quite tempting at about $1600.
Any thoughts??

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Strange the Saxon looks the same as my DOB. Maybe a re-badge Skywater.

[mozzie (Peter)]

Originally Posted by mswhin63

Strange the Saxon looks the same as my DOB. Maybe a re-badge Skywater.

i think there all made out of the same synta factory i could be wrong
mozzie

[glenc (Glen)]

I would go for the black one.

[gmbfilter (Geoff)]

I like tracking. Gives the eyes time to adjust get comfortable etc.
Aperture is always good
JMI do track and train http://www.jimsmobile.com/buy_acc_al...%20Lightbridge
Bintel are JMI agents in Australia
12" Lightbridge + JMI trackandtrain $1800 ish

[glenc (Glen)]

This 14" Orion scope looks interesting. http://www.telescope.com/control/tel...nian-telescope

[GrahamL]

I'd have a look around on those weights Liz, the quoted focal length seems wrong for an f4 primary and the shipping weights of the 10" and 12" appear the same.I think the fairly heavy focuser and finder out front would easily have to put the tube up around 20 kgs to balance it.

Dont know how you feel about a little diy , but with the dollar riding fairly high these kits are priced not to badly, and there would be no doubt that you wouldn't bond with it.

http://www.dobstuff.com/index.htm

[Liz]

Thanks guys for comments and suggestions ..

Originally Posted by mozzie

i think there all made out of the same synta factory i could be wrong
mozzie

They certainly look similiar Peter ... just the weight, and the price, the Saxons are dearer for some reason.

Originally Posted by gmbfilter

I like tracking. Gives the eyes time to adjust get comfortable etc.
Aperture is always good
JMI do track and train http://www.jimsmobile.com/buy_acc_al...%20Lightbridge
Bintel are JMI agents in Australia
12" Lightbridge + JMI trackandtrain $1800 ish

Hmm .... OK, will check it out, had been looking at The Lightbridges.

Originally Posted by glenc

I would go for the black one.

I like the black

Originally Posted by nightstalker

I'd have a look around on those weights Liz, the quoted focal length seems wrong for an f4 primary and the shipping weights of the 10" and 12" appear the same.I think the fairly heavy focuser and finder out front would easily have to put the tube up around 20 kgs to balance it.

Dont know how you feel about a little diy , but with the dollar riding fairly high these kits are priced not to badly, and there would be no doubt that you wouldn't bond with it.

http://www.dobstuff.com/index.htm

Ok ..... it was the only site I found with the weights, but i admit they dont sound quite 'right'.
Haaah, not into diy ..... and prob wouldnt bond with it, as would end up in my wheeley bin out of exasperation ... i reckon.

[Liz]

Originally Posted by mswhin63

Strange the Saxon looks the same as my DOB. Maybe a re-badge Skywater.

Hey Malcolm ..... you have the SW 12" coll-dob - I know you are a big strong fella , but do you find it heavy??
This is prob the one I want, but am worried about getting it in and out of the car??

[Liz]

Originally Posted by nightstalker

I'd have a look around on those weights Liz, the quoted focal length seems wrong for an f4 primary and the shipping weights of the 10" and 12" appear the same.I think the fairly heavy focuser and finder out front would easily have to put the tube up around 20 kgs to balance it.

you are right Nightstalker - on the Saxon site Dob-12 COLLAPSIBLE

304mm aperture, 1500mm focal length (f/6)

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by Liz

Hey Malcolm ..... you have the SW 12" coll-dob - I know you are a big strong fella , but do you find it heavy??
This is prob the one I want, but am worried about getting it in and out of the car??

I am not really as some ASWA members know, I have a bad back, had a knee operation recently, triple hernia and a full shoulder reconstruction. I just love the DOB and alway find a way to lug it with the greatest of ease. Must admit my son helps a bit.