What 8" Dob to buy ?

Fisherman (Mal) · #1 04-08-2008, 01:25 PM

I'm sure this question has been asked many times before but as time goes by things change don't they, so here goes -
I'm looking at buying a new 8" Dob as my first scope.

So whats the best one to buy?

I've narrowed it down to the GSO or a Skywatcher.
Any advise as to the better one and why, would be greatly appreciated,

desler · #2 04-08-2008, 02:03 PM

Hey Mal,

I've never used a sky-watcher Dob, but after owning both the 8 and 12 inch versions of the GSO, I can say that I have found them both fantastic.

Not to say I haven't had the odd problem, mainly the odd screw loose in the finder scope mount or alt axis bearing. Apart from that, I can't complain.

Later when you add various bits and pieces the box tends to flex a bit and the siction type probelms with fine azimuth adjustment appears to be half the fun.

There are pages and pages on everything from Milk bottle washers to total rebuilds. The funny thing is, we all tend to want perfection. Although I'm not 100% sure, any of us knows what perfection really is!!!!

Which ever choice you make, really depends on your circumstances. But which ever way you go, you'll have lots of sleepless night observing.

Darren

Fisherman (Mal) · #3 04-08-2008, 02:58 PM

Hi Darren,

Your my first reply on this website. Many thanks for your input.
I have read a couple of reports on similar scopes and can get a Skywatcher locally.
The GSO will be an interstate buy as I dont think anyone in WA sells them.
I'm also led to beleive the EP's that come with the Skywatcher are a bit ordinary so an upgrade might be on the cards straight away with that one.

The GSO on the other hands sounds more 'inclusive' of the good bits (but I'm really no expert).

Like all purchases its not easy is it ?

Thanks again.

Miaplacidus (Brian) · #4 04-08-2008, 03:27 PM

Hi Mal, welcome aboard.

I have had both Skywatcher and GSO newtonians. Any of the chinese dobs will be good enough optically. Really comes down to other features on offer now. A crayford focuser is perhaps the most useful addition, if you can get one included. (Try not to get too hung up on eyepieces...) Can get by without a fan on 8 inches, I reckon.

The tension control handles on the Skywatcher I find do make them easier to carry, and work pretty well to easily fix the scope in altitude. But if ever you want to add encoders for digital setting circles it is harder to do, though not impossible.

You'll almost certainly love whichever you get, up until the moment you decide you need more aperture...

Cheers,

Brian.

ving (David) · #5 04-08-2008, 03:37 PM

to be honest i think kyou'll be happy with either

i have a gso and they have changed alot since i got mine. optically i cant complain and i got more than i bargained for... some of the old pros will come here and say "how can you say its great, it mass produced rubbish", alas the are comparing to thousands of dollars worth of gear and for the price you will not find better. my 8" is now mounted on an equatorial mount (tripod). and years down the track i still think it rocks!

erick (Eric) · #6 04-08-2008, 03:50 PM

Sadly you say "new", so it won't be my Bintel (GSO) which I have to sell soon. And you'd have to come to Melbourne to pick it up

I'm very happy with my Bintel 8", especially after I made various tweaks and improvements since I bought it second-hand. I have since bought a Bintel 12" second-hand and am just as happy with that scope. I cannot comment on the Skywatcher - no experience.

While the eyepieces which come bundled will get you started with exciting views, in both cases I expect that you'll be wanting to move up to better eyepieces in a while. What is really useful and not bundled is a good collimation tool - a Cheshire tool is best (but add a laser collimator, if possible). Also useful is a barlow lens - a 2" diameter, 2 times (GSO make one - the ED).

Cheers
Eric

Chippy (Nick) · #7 04-08-2008, 11:50 PM

Hi Mal,

Welcome aboard!!

Not much in it, but personally, I'd go for the GSO if price is similar. They are coming out with new models, so don't know much about these yet, but I'm happy with mine.

AlexN · #8 05-08-2008, 01:29 AM

Im very happy with my skywatcher 8" dob.. Except no matter how much i water it (get dew on it at least...) It will not grow into a 12"

Bundled ep's were not horrible, but not fantastic either... if it will be your first look through a real telescope, they will blow you away...

Eric hit the nail on the head... a Cheshire collimation tool is one of those things that should be bundled with newtonian telescopes, but sadly, they are not... a 2x barlow is also very very useful...

Best of luck with which-ever you choose, You'll be impressed either way.

oh, and

to IIS...

rmcpb (Rob) · #9 05-08-2008, 09:24 AM

Welcome to IIS Mal.

You have raised the old problem we all face when starting out. As most have said the scopes are pretty equal in quality and it will come down to the extras. A crayford focuser is the biggest improvement you can get at this level, see if you can get a 10:1 model. Some say a right angle finder is better than a straight through one BUT I would only agree if you have ae Telrad or some other device to put you in the right area. You MUST get a Cheshire eyepiece to allow you to collimate the beast otherwise you are waisting valuable photons and resolution. A fan is good but don't stress too much about it if the scope does not have one, its an easy upgrade later.

As for the eyepieces that come with the scope. Relax about them and use the ones supplied for quite a while before getting onto the upgrade path. You can spend lots of money on these and its best to wait till you know what style of eobserving you enjoy most as this will influence the type of eyepiece that you will find best for you and your budget.

Enjoy it as it comes for quite a while, you will love it

Fisherman (Mal) · #10 05-08-2008, 10:44 AM

Morning guys,

I've just come into the office and what a great surprise. Many thanks for the quick replies to my questions. Its really good to get your comments. I only joined up yesterday and you make me feel like part of a 'family' already! Magic.

There were so many interesting and helpful comments there.

I've been using the 'Mk1 eyeball' and cheap binos for a while, but the cheap binos, just don't do it, do they, so reading your comments I figure it's going to be good with either scope on that score.

On the list now:
A Collimation tool - 'Cheshire' eyepiece and/or a laser!
Crayford type focuser.
Barlow lens.
Its beginning to get like fishing tackle already!!

Still 'the fifty million dollar question' ..... which brand to go for?

The GSO seems to be ahead a little at the moment and I'm led to believe there's some new models on their way to Aussie. I need to check on that. I've always been a little wary of 'new ones' though??

Would anyone have a link or three to any reviews on either I wonder?

Any more comments would be really welcome so please don't hesitate to post them.

Many thanks again guys.....and yes, clear skys (& good fishing!)

Mal

erick (Eric) · #11 05-08-2008, 11:00 AM

Reviews? Have a search through here:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?reviews

re Cheshire and/or laser. I reckon you can get away with only a laser, but others say no, definitely have a Cheshire and add a laser if you find it a useful supplement.

UFO · #12 05-08-2008, 01:10 PM

Hi Fisherman,

I am also looking to buy my first telescope and I am also in Perth.
I called andrewscom yesterday and they recommended me to wait for the GSO super deluxe model to arrive. The shipping cost to Perth is around $80-$100. I wonder if they can give us a discount on shipping if we buy one each.
By the way btow is having a Lunar night this Thursday.
http://www.btow.com.au/
You can try the skywatcher then. I really like to go but have other commitment.

Fisherman (Mal) · #13 05-08-2008, 03:03 PM

Hi Eric,

Many thanks for the advice Eric. The learning curve is sharp but I'm enjoying it immensely. I guess when I finally get my hands on one all will fall into place. Unlike cars you can't stand them side by side and compare them so the knowledge of an experienced stargazer is appreciated.

I used to be into photography many years ago, so the technology does'nt phase me. It's just knowing what's worthwhile and what's sales hype. I guess like many I'm trying to make the right purchase to start with.
"All that glitters ........... "

Hi Hendi,

I knew there had to be at least one other person out there doing the same...there always is! Thanks for the info re GSO and Andrews. I too have been on their site.
Do you have an email address for them? I could'nt see one so I faxed them a short list of questions last week with no reply?. Maybe they did'nt receive it...who knows. I'm a little surprised that no one here sells GSO but maybe the local market is'nt really there?

Did you get a price and delivery date on the GSO 8" super delux?

I also have spoken to BTOW re 'Skywatcher' and was aware of the Thursday night viewings but this week it looks like I might be tyed up to.
Also without knowing what the GSO looks, feels and performs like I wonder if I could draw a meaningful comparison from looking at one without the other. So far everyone seems to rate both highly, but I detect a leaning towards GSO.

Have you made your mind up for the GSO against a Skywatcher?
If so and I go that way to I would certainly be interested in the possibility of doing a deal on freight etc.

Let me know your thoughts,

All the best ...clear skys ( & good fishing)

Mal

ving (David) · #14 05-08-2008, 03:18 PM

g'day Mal...

tight lines mate!

UFO · #15 05-08-2008, 03:31 PM

Hi Mal,

I most likely will be getting the 8" GSO super deluxe which is $429.
The person that I talked to didn't know when it will arrive. He haven;t seen one but he said the colour will either be white or grey (not that matter to me).
Yes I am interested in saving on shipping cost too if they can give us discount.

Fisherman (Mal) · #16 05-08-2008, 04:06 PM

Hi Hendi,

Any particular reason you did'nt pick the Skywatcher?

Mal

UFO · #17 05-08-2008, 11:45 PM

Hi Mal,

Basically because the super deluxe GSO has more/better features and eyepieces for the same price as Skywatcher.

FromAndrewscom website:
Super Deluxe version includes a right-angle correct image 8 x 50 finderscope,2" Crayford style microfocuser with 10:1 fine focusing and a 2" to 1.25" adaptor, fan, GSO 6mm, 9mm, 15mm and 25mm 1.25" Plossl eyepieces - and a bonus SP32mm 2" eyepiece, too!
That's five high quality eyepieces included (not just two or three)!!

I will try to visit btow this Thusrday night to try their Skywatchers.

Fisherman (Mal) · #18 06-08-2008, 09:43 AM

Hi Hendi,

Yep, I'm thinking that way too. If you do get over to 'BTOW' tomorrow night I hope the weather holds out and the sky presents something to test the beast on.
Other than the obvious mechanical integrity i.e. ease of focus and movement etc I would'nt really know how to test/push the scope optically.
Hopefully you have a few good ideas in that department Hendi.
Be good to have an 'Eric' on the job would'nt it?

Please let me know what your impressions are.....

Clear skys (& good fishing),

Mal

PCH (Paul) · #19 06-08-2008, 10:02 AM

Hi Guys,

I agree with Hendi regarding the GSO if it comes with a right angle finder. This was a must for me when I bought mine (Meade LB 12") as the position you have to get into to see thru a straight finder would be most uncomfortable much of the time.

But, as a previous post mentioned, it's best to use the RA finder in conjuntion with a red dot finder or similar. This really works a treat and you can home in on anything in seconds within a very short period of practice time.

Cheers

Fisherman (Mal) · #20 07-08-2008, 09:32 AM

Morning chaps,

PCH,

Yep, I can understand the goodness of a RA finder for sure. Thanks for your thoughts on that.

Hendi,

My investigations say that the 'new' 8" GSO's are a while away...maybe late October?

Skywatcher 8" arrival 15 August. I'm told they now have a Pyrex mirror to!

One thing I've come to realise is that buying a scope in WA takes a lot of patience.
If you get there ...good luck tonight,

Mal