My first 8" Dobsonian?

[Siaynoq (Zoltan)]

Hi All,

Apologies if this topic was already discussed, I tried to do my research first and narrow the possibilities down.

Just for reference, first I wanted to buy an EQ Reflector telescope, but I made up my mind after seeing that everyone is against it to begin with for several good reasons

So, I will raise the original budget and go for a Dobsonian. Possibly a 8"... I don't know how long my passion will last, so maybe it's not a too expensive option

But after this, I became a bit puzzled by the choices:

http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx

http://www.ozscopes.com.au/skywatche...telescope.html

http://www.ozscopes.com.au/dobsonian...le-8-inch.html

I can't really comprehend the vast amount of specs and understand the main differences between these models... Except the easiness of carrying around it for the collapsible model, which is not an issue for me.
Can someone quickly do a quick comparison for me?

Also, if you think a 6" Dobsonian (same models) is not a bad option, I'm happy to save some money to burn on some upgrades, books, etc.

I live in a relatively light-pollution free place, about 50km from the CBD of Melbourne, almost on top of a hill, so I assume this is a very good starting point otherwise.

(PS: I also played with the thought of buying this: http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx - but I kinda like the idea of learning things from ground zero and rely on the help of a computer later : )

[Rod]

Hi Zoltan

An 8 inch dob is an excellent choice. If you have the money and space it is a better choice than a 6. Personally I would not buy the much smaller computer controlled scope. If you have a dark sky, the more aperture the better.

Each of those 8 inch scopes are essentially the same optically. The Bintel one has an extra eyepiece which is probably why it costs a little more. I think any of the three would be a good choice. I know you said the collapsible dob is not a feature you need but you may want to take your scope to a star party one day. The more compatible design would be handy there. If it were me that is the one I would choose.

Hope that helps

Rod

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Zoltan
An 8" dob is a great first choice. As regards the models you have mentioned, optically there would be little to choose. Mechanically, from what I have seen the Skywatchers are a little better than the Bintel/GSO model, but the difference is smaller than it used to be. One small point is that the Skywatcher eyepiece adaptors always seem to cause issue for beginners, not anything wrong with them, just a different way of dealing with the issue of different size eyepiece barrells.
I can recommend Bintel as a dealer also.

I see you are in Kinglake. If interested in dark skies, the Snake Valley Astro camp is coming up soon (see http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=137600 ) I am one of the organisers and it would be a great way to try out the scope in company and have a look at other gear. Let me know if interested!!

Cheers

Malcolm

[perrin6 (Alan)]

An 8 inch F6 dobsonian is a great choice - lots of light grasp for the money, quick to set up and good on the moon and planets while still producing pleasing views of many galaxies and nebulae. It's able to reveal quite a wealth of detail in jupiter's atmosphere when seeing conditions permit. Having used telescopes of different sizes over many years, I regard the 8 inch with a lot of affection. Smaller ones can seem a bit lacking to the beginner, larger ones can be a bit too heavy and cumbersome and take too long too cool down to ambient atmospheric temperature. However, whatever scope you get, the most important piece of 'equipment' for directly observing objects is patience. Many objects are either faint, fuzzy or both, and require time for the eye to adapt and detect all the detail the telescope can reveal. Good luck.

[Siaynoq (Zoltan)]

Thanks for the opinions, it really reassured me to go for an 8" dobsonian.

Thanks for the invitation, but I think I'll skip this year's Snake Valley... I don't think I'm going to buy my scope before that anyway

[doug mc]

The solid tube 8 incher would be better, less hassles with colimation, will fit across most cars back seat.

[Siaynoq (Zoltan)]

Andrews has Dobsonians on discount, the same Skywatcher for $499 - although I might choose Bintel - it costs $100 more but the extra eyepiece and the fan could come handy + I can pick it up in Melbourne, which saves me at least 50 bucks. The only disadvantage, that Bintel doesn't have an 8" scope in stock, so I might need to wait until November (which is fine with me)...

What do you think?

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Hi Zoltan,

I own a Bintel 8" Dob and so I can certainly say that you will not be disappointed! There is alot to look at with that size scope and some views will knock your socks off I have added some upgrade eyepieces since I first bought it, but the ones supplied are fine to begin with. Remember, alot has to do with "seeing"; atmospheric conditions can be great and they can be shocking...a scope of that size can magnify bad conditions so don't be disappointed on nights like that - the good nights will have you buzzing for the next few months....