Which Brand - DOB

[RichardK (Richard)]

I am ready to purchase an 8" DOB and am seeking some advice on brand.

I see may advertised; Saxon, Bintel, SkyQuest, XTG, The Chines brand starting with G prehaps.

1. Do any have the reputation for having the best optics? Also I note that some say that their tensioners (?) on the tube are superior (Saxon ?). Is a primary mirror fan necessary?

2. Secondly I would like to start doing some basic astrophotography (planets, obvious features ie bright clusters etc) using a web cam. Should I be considering GO TO? I think I will eventually upgrade to a 'real' GO TO scope for deep sky imaging down the track so don't want to spend the money on a GO TO DOB unless it is a very important issue.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Richard

East Feluga via Tully

[stattonb (Statton)]

it all depends on how much you want to or can afford to spend,if you are on a budget i would go for the Guan Sheng GS-680 8" from Andrews for $500 including postage,from my experience brands dont matter i would be more interested in the accessories that come with the scope.

Secondly I would like to start doing some basic astrophotography (planets, obvious features ie bright clusters etc) using a web cam. Should I be considering GO TO? I think I will eventually upgrade to a 'real' GO TO scope for deep sky imaging down the track so don't want to spend the money on a GO TO DOB unless it is a very important issue.

Far Planetary imaging you dont need a goto scope but if you want to take long exsposure shots it is a must you can pick up a 8'' goto for around $1000 if you have the cash to get one. It all depends if you want to get right in to imaging if so the best way to go it a reflector on a Eq mount with a motor drive but for planetary imaging a dob with a webcam would be ok to start off with.
Hope this helps.

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Bintel and GSO are the same scope just rebadged for Bintel. Saxon and Skywatcher are the same also. Really what you are looking for are price for aperture and what goodies come with the scope. Don't get sucked in by thinking it come with lots of eyepieces. The EPs supplied are OK for 25mm or longer, just usuable for4 about 15mm, and junk if 10mm or below.
I have the GSO/Bintel and think the tensioners are just fine. They have the added advantage that you can adjust the balance point up or down so once the scope is balance you don't need a lot of tension to hold it.

Malcolm

[stattonb (Statton)]

and remember to add afew bucks to your budget to get yourself some extra and descent quality eyepieces.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Statton has basically summed it up for you.

The 'G' scopes you refer to are GS (or also known as GSO, and Guang Sheng).

You will find that many Dobsonian scopes are actually made by Guang Sheng. The GS, the GSO, the Southern Cross, the Bintel, etc etc.

The quality of them is very good for their price!

If you want to upgrade at a later date the 8" can be mounted up on an EQ mount

[RichardK (Richard)]

Thanks for the replies.

I have had a quote back from Bintel that looks ok - providing the insurers don't bawk at the freight.

Richard