Weighing up differences

[Skuppy (Chris)]

Hi All,

I used to own a 12" dob and was very happy with it, unfortunately my back wasn't so happy with it, so we parted ways.
So I am looking at something a little smaller and portable
But I am just wondering what viewing differences to expect going from a 12" dob to say a Meade 6" SCT with EQ-3 Deluxe ?
I realize these are 2 different types of scope but was just wondering.
I am not into astrophotography , simply enjoy viewing what I can find now and then.
Appreciate your comments and views muchly.

Chris

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Depending on our budget and your back, an 8" would be more satisfying than a 6"....the 8" collects almost 2x the light compared to the 6", but then a 12" collects more than 2x the light compared to the 8"... IMO an 8" scope is the sweet spot between light grasp and portability.

Beyond 8", the scopes and mounts to hod them start getting quite a bit heavier. For example, a Nexstar 8SE is about 15kg all in, but an EQ5 alone to hold a 9.25" weighs about the same (and the 9.25" adds 9kg on top).

[Skuppy (Chris)]

Thanks Camelopardalis, I am hearing you bigtime

Would love to get another 12" Dob as my budget is slim
But I would need to leave it covered outside under shelter in an Alfresco
So I don't need to lug it in and out of the house
If I have the dob on wheels , would storing it outside obviously with a good cover pose any issues to it ?

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

I really couldn't say..whichever scope you choose, be sure to protect it well from the elements. Maybe with a Dob you might want to look at weatherproofing the board components? If you are interested in closed tube scopes, I wouldn't leave them outside. The moisture is likely to cause mist problems on the inside.

[el_draco (Rom)]

Originally Posted by Skuppy

I am not into astrophotography , simply enjoy viewing what I can find now and then.
Appreciate your comments and views muchly.

Chris

I'd be thinking about what you like to look at before making a decision. If you like big bright low power views then some kind of rich field scope may be a better option. That could be a short F ratio reflector or a similar refractor with some decent eyepieces. In either case, you can probably leave the mount set up and take the OTA inside.

My 2cW

Rom

[Renato1 (Renato)]

I've got bad back issues too, but can't answer your question as I don't know how much an EQ3 mount weighs.

My 5" Skywatcher MAK on the Bintel Alt-AZ mount (same as AZ4 mount) is very light, and has become my grab and go scope - I carry it outside assembled. Though it needs a 2" diagonal to get the wider views you'd be used to in your dob.

Once you go for an equatorial mount, if it's any good, has to have some weight on it, especially as it has to have a counterweight.

My 6" Mak is heavier, so I haven't put my Bintel mount yet, though one chap posted here the other day that he thought a 6" Mak was about the limit for an AZ4 mount.

That said, wouldn't a 6" dob that you carry out in two pieces be the cheapest thing for your back and wallet?
Regards,
Renato

[Skuppy (Chris)]

Originally Posted by Camelopardalis

I really couldn't say..whichever scope you choose, be sure to protect it well from the elements. Maybe with a Dob you might want to look at weatherproofing the board components? If you are interested in closed tube scopes, I wouldn't leave them outside. The moisture is likely to cause mist problems on the inside.

Cheers Camelopardalis, good advice !

[Skuppy (Chris)]

Originally Posted by el_draco

I'd be thinking about what you like to look at before making a decision. If you like big bright low power views then some kind of rich field scope may be a better option. That could be a short F ratio reflector or a similar refractor with some decent eyepieces. In either case, you can probably leave the mount set up and take the OTA inside.

My 2cW

Rom

thanks for the advice mate

[Skuppy (Chris)]

Originally Posted by Renato1

I've got bad back issues too, but can't answer your question as I don't know how much an EQ3 mount weighs.

My 5" Skywatcher MAK on the Bintel Alt-AZ mount (same as AZ4 mount) is very light, and has become my grab and go scope - I carry it outside assembled. Though it needs a 2" diagonal to get the wider views you'd be used to in your dob.

Once you go for an equatorial mount, if it's any good, has to have some weight on it, especially as it has to have a counterweight.

My 6" Mak is heavier, so I haven't put my Bintel mount yet, though one chap posted here the other day that he thought a 6" Mak was about the limit for an AZ4 mount.

That said, wouldn't a 6" dob that you carry out in two pieces be the cheapest thing for your back and wallet?
Regards,
Renato

Hey Renato

thanks for the suggestions and advice
appreciate it