GSO 16" Dob - Your Reaction ?

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

There has been a lot of talk about the much anticipated 16" GSO Dob.
What has your responce been to this impending release?

[mickoking]

I havent enquired yet but I definatley must have one. Big scope descent price I'm excited

[rmcpb (Rob)]

I'm waiting on all the second hand 12" scopes coming up

[Orion]

Not interested in buying a telescope under 20" as I already have an 18"

[mick pinner]

l would be interested in the reaction if someone did try to order one, the grape vine tells me that GS have been approached and asked not to produce this scope as it is someone elses design.

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Mick, that is a juicy bit of gossip, I hope that doesn't happen

[anthony2302749]

While the 16”GSO sound too good to be true I would not even consider purchasing one!!!!!!!!!!!!!x100. While GSO make top quality 8” 10” & 12” scopes, my money (and your money) would be better spent on purchasing either an Obsession or Discovery. If you are serious about owning a large aperture Dobsonian such as me (I am planning to own an 18” Obsession one day) you would be better to save up and buy yourself a scope that will give you a life time of enjoyment such as an Obsession instead of a scope (16” GSO) that will more than likely yield only half decent viewing and give you hours of frustration. And like anything half decent it will end up sitting in the corner of the shed collecting dust and you will be sitting inside, wishing that you had spent a little more on a top quality large aperture Dobsonian.

Please!!!!!!!! no more talk about this scope until we see real photo of the prototype, until then I have heard enough.

[asimov (John)]

I'm not interested in anything bigger than what I already have (12.5")....Even a 12.5" is a pain to setup. If it was in a permanent observatory then I would change my tune quick smart though.

[mickoking]

Originally Posted by anthony2302749

Please!!!!!!!! no more talk about this scope until we see real photo of the prototype, until then I have heard enough.

But where is the fun in that ? Based on GSO's past performance I am quite confident the 16" Dob will be a winner. Saying that we are not mugs If the 16" turns out to be a piece of junk I am sure we will avoid it.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

I have my reservations, but where else can you get a truss dob in that aperture class without importing from the US (at huge costs) or building one yourself?

There was a truss dob builder mentioned in another thread, but he wont touch anything under 18inch. Im looking for something between 14-16 inch.

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

I have an interest in this scope as it is twice the apature of what I already have. I would love an obsession scope but I cannot affort such beauty. If I could get a relatively cheap 16" scope I will get a relatively cheap 16" scope, there a quite a few people around who can make the optics better too. I am waiting for some sort of reviews and photographs, until then, I save.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Sorry, Anthony, I have to remain skeptical about your advice, as you are a representative of Bintel who sell 8,10,12" GS Dobs and soon the 8-12" Meade Lightbridge, but will not be selling larger Dobs in the forseeable future. I also remain skeptical of the 16" Dob from GSO until I see one for myself. But my inexperienced opinion is that for me, as far as Dobs are concerned, any larger than 10-12" is going to be the ultimate (but still manageable) aperture scope to keep for life, so it will be a long and hard decision, with lots to learn before I spend the big bucks.

[davidpretorius]

i am still happy with what i have got. i will sit back and see what happens. who knows ini a few years time though???

[chunkylad (David)]

Originally Posted by davidpretorius

i am still happy with what i have got. i will sit back and see what happens. who knows ini a few years time though???

That about sums it up for me atm too Davo. The amount of time and money I have to devote to my hobby dictates that I'm probably better off investing in some more quality eps and upgrades for my GSO 12"er, than outlaying bigg(ish) bucks for something that may be better suited to a dedicated observatory - something which is not on the agenda in the foreseeable future. As Asi said, the 12" requires enough set up/pack away time for me.

Given the funds, the time and space to use it however, and a large truss dob would be mine!!!!

[ving (David)]

gawd... my response doesnt fit the poll.

some one buy me one of these?

[slice of heaven]

So who's got one on order....

[netwolf]

Bird's new scope is way cooler... I wonder how it would compare for cost..

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Bird's scope is something else. If the GS 16" is a Holden SV, then Bird's new scope is a V8 Supercar.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

I think the main voting option missing is:

Im thinking about it , but too chicken to order until others have theirs

[mickoking]

I think as a matter of priority when this 16" Dob becomes available some one with experience in these matters test it on behalf of the IIS members.