What to buy? please vote!

Dave47tuc (David) · #1 21-07-2010, 07:54 PM

Ok looking for everyone's opinions on what my next scope should or maybe !!

It wont be my last

as my dream SDM will happen one day when I retire in the dark sky location. For now I looking for something thats not big, easy to carry in my units small back yard. I'm not looking to observe faint DSO's friends big scopes are for that. So i have a poll and my criteria for my next scope is.

Budget 3k.

For observing bright DSO's and mainly the Moon and Planets.

Prefer a scope that tracks (super smooth Dob !!)

Many Moons ago it would be easy a 6 or 8 inch newt on a EQ mount. But the amount of scopes with in reach of people now is incredible.

So I will do a poll and have other as a choice and tell me what the other should be?

I would like to know what your using and why your happy with it.

Please don't say get a big sct or a huge apo my budget is limited as above thanks.

acropolite (Phil) · #2 21-07-2010, 09:03 PM

I know you've had enough gear to not need to ask the question, but I voted 8 inch SCT, that's part of what I have, my reasons, portable, not too heavy to carry around, reasonable aperture, great go-to, fits easily in the back of the car.

I looked through quite a few larger scopes at astrofest last year but wasn't disappointed to return to the 8 inch, but I was quite impressed with the 16 inch GS truss dob which you don't have in your list...

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #3 21-07-2010, 09:12 PM

Dave, I voted 180mm Mak for you.

Why? Because it is the scope I have heard you curse yourself the most for getting rid of it.

And I was amazed at the nice crisp view through the one you had. Plus portability.

Stick that on top of an EQ5 with Goto and you have a nice little setup that will give pleasing views.

Dave47tuc (David) · #4 21-07-2010, 09:20 PM

Cheers Phil

buts its a bit of fun to ask.

hey Ken

Yeh I had a 6" mak once and it gave a very nice sharp view so a 180mm mak would be nice.

Jen · #5 21-07-2010, 11:02 PM

I dont know what half of those are
I will have one of each thanks
Can never have too many astro toys can we

Happy shopping Dave

sejanus (Gavin) · #6 21-07-2010, 11:38 PM

maybe hang a few months and wait for reviews of the new skywatcher tracking/goto dobs.

Saturnine (Jeff) · #7 21-07-2010, 11:50 PM

I voted for an 120mm ED ( 127mm North Group ! ) as I'm being converted to refractors for planetary/lunar observing even though I have an 180mm Mak which gives nice detail, less cool down time with the refractors compared to Maks or Newts. Then again I like having one of everything , for the different types of views they give, big dobs for dark skies, mid sized refractors for quick set up at home for solar system stuff.

Jeff

pgc hunter · #8 22-07-2010, 10:33 AM

G'day Dave, I remember you saying once that a 6" newt you had just didn't cut it in the aperture dept...

So, I'll go with..

10" dob with tracking. It'll show you the stuff that you crave plus it'll track 'em - minus the inconvenience of an EQ, not to mention being super easy to set up

goober (Doug) · #9 22-07-2010, 11:13 AM

Easy to carrry - TV102.

Lismore Bloke (Paul) · #10 22-07-2010, 04:06 PM

I voted for 10" dob with tracking:

Good light grasp for faint objects.
10" gives good resolving power.
Enough focal length to handle magnification and show detail on moon and planets
Tracking convenience without the awkward motions and EP positions of a GEM
Not to big to carry out into the yard, and will fit into an average car
Will fit onto an EQ6 without straining its weight limits too much.

wal · #11 22-07-2010, 08:50 PM

TV-102 as well

casstony · #12 22-07-2010, 09:28 PM

The Nexstar 6SE is attractively priced at Andrews at the moment ($1500). It'll provide more resolution and brightness than a 4" refractor, it'll cool faster than an 8" SCT or 7" Mak, it's very compact and portable and the ota can be seperated from the mount.

A bigger scope is better, but it depends on how much portability you want.

Starkler (Geoff) · #13 22-07-2010, 09:47 PM

Best scope is one that you can sell later without losing $

xstream (John) · #14 23-07-2010, 11:35 AM

As Geoff said Dave.
Personally I would be saving for the SDM, it was the best decision Anna and I ever made!

spacezebra (Petra) · #15 23-07-2010, 11:46 AM

Totally agree with you there John!

Quote:

Originally Posted by xstream

As Geoff said Dave.
Personally I would be saving for the SDM, it was the best decision Anna and I ever made!

Cheers Petra d.

Paddy (Patrick) · #16 23-07-2010, 12:34 PM

Aperture rules I reckon. I voted for 10" with tracking, but really, 16" without would be my choice - I'm very happy with mine.

Dave47tuc (David) · #17 23-07-2010, 01:02 PM

Lots of thoughts thanks. SDM yes but no room in my unit or the money.

Big scopes are great and yes aperture rules but in my case living in a unit with a small back yard a big scope is not practical.

I'm leaning towards a 8" SCT or the Mak.

Steffen · #18 23-07-2010, 04:53 PM

I voted for the 7" Mak, not because it's the best among the choices on offer but because things like a 100mm Tak would blow the $3k budget ever so slightly

Cheers
Steffen.

Terry B · #19 26-07-2010, 11:44 AM

You want to look at planets you need a decent focal length. Get the mak.

M_Lewis (Mark) · #20 02-08-2010, 06:56 PM

The $ value you pay for a 180mm Mak would be very good value vs a $ value of a decent refractor to obtain the same contrast. Plus the Mak is a perfect portable scope, great for planets and DSO - plus Mak's are just plain cooler than SCT's