Telescope advice please

[bluechucky (Charles)]

Hi Guys,

Long time reader, first time poster.

I'm looking at purchasing my first telescope, so have read many threads in here which seems to indicate that the preferred beginners scope is a 8 - 10 inch Dobsonian.

This suggestion satisfies my brain, but my "gut instinct" is leaning me to consider a 6 inch Dob.

Why?

I guess I want to test the waters so to speak, make sure its something that I will do regularly before investigating more funds into the project. I also have a dicky back so I'm more likely to pull out the six inch while I'm learning than a 10 inch.

Having said all that, I don't know what I'll get to see with a 6 inch. I've read that I should be able to see the bands on Jupiter and the ring division on Saturn with an 8 inch, but what would I see with a 6 inch? What about deep sky objects?

Is starting with a 6 inch a bad mistake?

I guess what I am leading to is that I'm ok with spending $300 ish now and then spending $2000 in six months time if I love it, but I'm baulking at the possibility of spending $800+ now and finding out that its not really me.

Thanks in advance.

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Hi Charles
If the smaller amount of money is what you are comfortable with, then go for that. 20-30 years ago a 6" scope was considered a biggish scope and the standard amateur instrument. You will see detail on Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. The Cassini division is hard to see even in a 12". Plenty of DSOs will be visible including all of the Messier objects and hundreds if not thousands of NGC objects.
From your post you are on the outskirts of Melbourne? If so light pollution is an issue for smaller scopes but if you can get away from lights, a 6" is an excellent scope.
Also given a dicky back, it also makes sense to test the waters.

Malcolm

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I think you are asking a great question...the best scope is the one that is most used.

If you are not sure of the size and bulk I would suggest going to a viewing night or two before spending your cash. There are quite a few regular observers in Vic. If all else fails next time you are near Melbourne swing in to Bintel there and check them out in person.

If your skies are dark you will see lots in a 6 inch...certainly aperture rules but aperture in the closet/house/garage sees nothing.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Oh I almost forgot...some astro clubs run scope rental Or loaner services for their members...another way to try before you buy.

Also with any of the smaller scopes you should think about the ergonomics of viewing...6 inch may need a table or stand to get the focuser in to a comfortable height...alternatively a height adjustable chair will help your back a lot...

[niko]

if it were me I'd go for a secondhand 8 inch dob. You won't spend much over $300 and you'll get better bag for your buck. I own 3 scopes all bought here secondhand and have never had a problem with ourchasing what was advertised.

The 10" dob I have has a little frame with castor and brakes on it to make it easier to move in and out from storage. A $20 upright trolley from Bunnings will also make moving the scope around much easier. If you planned to view over a couple of clear night you could also leave it set up and cover with a tarp.

A decent observing chair's a good idea too.

The suggestion to go to a local observing night is always good advice.

Good luck with whatever choice you make

niko

[Brian W (Brian)]

Charles, heres hat worked for me. I started by looking up at the sky one night with my wife and as we gazed she asked me 'whats that soft sort of cottony thing up there'.

I downloaded Stellarium and discovered that she had seen M-42. We got out the binoculars and started exploring. We quickly realized that she enjoyed it but I was getting wired.

We talked and then ordered an Orion 4.5" Eq mounted reflector. he very fast (3.9) short tube version. I loved it . trouble was that after about a year had done the entire M - 110 with it and was starting to push it to its limits. Least I told myself I was.

Next scope was an 8" Lightbridge. That was 2 years ago, I have done most of the H-400 that is in my sky and I am no where near finding the limits of this scope.

Would I recommend a 6" over an 8" or a 10" over an 8"... no I wouldn't.

Fact is that 6 - 8 - 10 are all good sized scopes that will show you a life time of wow. Astronomy has as many niches and fascinations as there are star gazers. Each niche is best explored with a particular type and size of scope.

Unless you are very lucky your first scope will not be the one that fits what becomes your passion so odds are you will be buying at least one more. So my suggestion is to buy the best quality that you can afford. Do not buy junk. A better quality 6" will give you a better introduction to the hobby than a junker 10".
brian

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Just to follow up on my earlier post. As Scott mentioned, the Astronomical Society of Vic has a loan scope scheme for members. For a $10 rental and $50 deposit ( and the cost of your membership) you can loan out an 8" dob for 3 months along with an atlas. I did it and really enjoyed the use of the scope, gave me a great start.
The ASV website is asv.org.au

Another idea is drive down to Bintel in Camberwell and have a look at the scopes on display. When I was there on Saturday they had 6, 8, 10 and 12 inch solid tube dobs as well as a 10" lightbridge and a 12" SW Collapsible on display and they are always happy to assist with any questions. They sold a couple of dobs while I was in the shop and the quality of the advice they gave was first class.

Malcolm

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

A 6" scope should be just fine (though as barx1963 points ou joining the ASV and renting is an even cheaper option).
My only suggestion would be to stear clear of a dob and use a tube + alt/az mount.
The rationale of a cheap, easy-to-use base made sense 30-odd years ago, when even a cheap mount ccost a fortune. But in today's mass market there are plenty of cheap Alt/Az mounts that are much easier to use than a dob (in sub-10") apertures. The bases tend to be quite heavy and are better suited to large tubes.
I also find these mounts steadier than the typical dob platform, being less prone to vibration and wind gusts.

A 6" newt will ride very happily on something like this:

http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tr...oductview.aspx

Just my opinion, but I got far more use from an 8" newt on this type mount than a 12" dob.

[dannat (Daniel)]

I agree with peter, an alt/az is much better than the dob base...if you havnt been up lose o. 6" it is short, seating only viewing.

The 6" is a great starting sie, the f8 is more forgiving on cheap eyepieces as well

[bluechucky (Charles)]

Thanks for the feedback and advice. Not 100% sure which way I'm headed but I'll let you know once I figure it out.