Skywatcher 10" Collapsible Dobsonian vs Skywatcher 10" Dobsonian

[h45e (Anthony)]

Hi guys,
Just wondering which one is better and why?

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Originally Posted by h45e

Hi guys,
Just wondering which one is better and why?

probably both the same optically, but my 12" arrived 20 mins ago, so i will post some pics and stuff to show you. What i can tell you is, its looks killer.

For me, space was a premium, so i went with the collapsible.

will catch up with this thread later

[Starkler (Geoff)]

A 10" OTA will fit across the back seat of almost any car, so I see little value in getting the collapsible version at the 10" size.

At the 12" size its another kettle of fish.

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Originally Posted by Starkler

A 10" OTA will across the back seat of almost any car, so I see little value in getting the collapsible version at the 10" size.

At the 12" size its another kettle of fish.

if you have a back seat that is, i dont, thats why i went with the 12" collapsible.

having said that, you have missed out a word from your post, better amend it, or Ron will come down on you like a tonne of bricks

I have the SW10"-Collp, and loving it

Without the collapsible feature I think i would probably never use it!

It really does make it allot more friendly and easier when it comes to transporting.
I put the OTA in my little 2 door cope comfortably and the mount in the front seat.

The Alt is a bit hardy but I am currently working on replacing the rubbers with ball bearings as per forum below:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=39892

I am also going to build a light shroud.

The collimation is very easy to do on these scopes and seem to hold okay.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs a scope that will be transported around

[h45e (Anthony)]

I like the idea of collapsible but i dont like the idea of using a shroud

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by toryglen-boy

having said that, you have missed out a word from your post, better amend it, or Ron will come down on you like a tonne of bricks

Phew! I do that accidentally all the time. Btw I was too scared to post in that other thread

[h45e (Anthony)]

Before I forget does the Collapsible Dobsonian come with a shroud or do I have to buy one?

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Originally Posted by h45e

Before I forget does the Collapsible Dobsonian come with a shroud or do I have to buy one?

no, it doesnt come with a shroud, but the primary sits quite far down in the OTA, so its not that much of a problem, although i will build a shroud for mine.

I have the 12" and after building it, and using it last night, i can confirm a few things.

1. The size when its collapsed really helps, although its still bigger than i thought.

2. Its heavy, and i mean a 2 person lift and not over an obstacle course either!

3. Its absolutely beautiful to move, and glides about with a light swishing noise.

4. Optically its really very good, there is some coma, with it being so fast, but its excellent, as is the finderscope, its as good optically (or better) than any other similar sized dob i have seen.

5. it looks fantastic.

[PeterM]

Astrozap (USA) have now made a shroud to fit the the SW collapsible dobs. Sirius Optics will have the 12 inch next week and 8 & 10s within a fortnight.
PeterM.

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Originally Posted by PeterM

Astrozap (USA) have now made a shroud to fit the the SW collapsible dobs. Sirius Optics will have the 12 inch next week and 8 & 10s within a fortnight.
PeterM.

Thanks for the heads up Peter, i gotta get me one of them

[rmcpb (Rob)]

The short answer to your question is to save space and that is what the collapsible one does but at the expense of:

• It is more expensive
• You will have to collimate more often
• You will need a shroud, especially if you use it at public nights to stop coffee and keys falling on your mirror
• They are more prone to dewing
• They cannot be mounted on a GEM later if astrophotography becomes a passion

BUT they save room when you have to transport it. After saying that I would not consider a collapsable below 12" but I have a normal and roomy car for transport to dark sites.

Pick your poison....................

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Originally Posted by rmcpb

The short answer to your question is to save space and that is what the collapsible one does but at the expense of:

• It is more expensive
• You will have to collimate more often
• You will need a shroud, especially if you use it at public nights to stop coffee and keys falling on your mirror
• They are more prone to dewing
• They cannot be mounted on a GEM later if astrophotography becomes a passion

BUT they save room when you have to transport it. After saying that I would not consider a collapsable below 12" but I have a normal and roomy car for transport to dark sites.

Pick your poison....................

• My collapsible dob was $200 less than the solid tube version from Andrews. it was $1150.
• Mine arrived in perfect collimation, and after testing it again collapsing it over and over ... its holds collimation perfectly.
• A shroud would be handy, but the mirror is covered right around by over half a metre, i never noticed any loss of contrast from stray light when observing from a suburban position.
• True about the mount, but that said, the collapsible part is less than halfway down, so theoretically it could be mounted ... although it would look kinda wierd !

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by toryglen-boy

A shroud would be handy, but the mirror is covered right around by over half a metre, i never noticed any loss of contrast from stray light when observing from a suburban position.

What a shroud will do is reduce illumination of the upper inside tube opposite the focuser and behind the secondary if you get my drift. Less important at dark sites.

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Originally Posted by Starkler

What a shroud will do is reduce illumination of the upper inside tube opposite the focuser and behind the secondary if you get my drift. Less important at dark sites.

yeah, i was aware of this

[csb (Craig)]

Thanks all.

This is a great thread for the opinions about the pros & cons of these dobs.

[h45e (Anthony)]

Yep, this is a great thread. The only things im worried about is.
1. Stray light coming into the retractable when in use (the open part).
2. Being able to mount to a EQ mount when/if I upgrade to take photos.

Edit: Plus I can get a removable for $800 inc del
http://camerahousewa.com.au/skywatch...b10-p-797.html

So that is sort of making my decision harder.

Edit #2: Normal Sky watcher dobson is $650...

decisions, decisions...

[Starkler (Geoff)]

If you are sure you want to get a scope to use for photography then you dont want the collapsible.

What is it about the collapsible that appeals to you? Cramped for room? Small micro car?

[h45e (Anthony)]

The thing that appeals to me is able to move it, ppl been telling me that the normal 10" dob is a b**tc to put into a car (even a sedan) expesh the base.

[toryglen-boy (Duncan)]

Originally Posted by h45e

The thing that appeals to me is able to move it, ppl been telling me that the normal 10" dob is a b**tc to put into a car (even a sedan) expesh the base.

true enough, but the one thing that doesnt change, is the weight. and they are quite heavy, the base for the collapsible is a fair size, but then again the OTA is a fair size when extracted, so i wouldnt want it any other way.

Starkler is right though, if you wanna do imaging get the solid tube.

TBH mate, there are pros and cons for each, i dont intend on taking pics, and space was at a premium, and thats the cheapest price in Oz by a country mile, Optically they are both much of a muchness.

so, to recap, if you want slightly better portablility, and using less space, and dont want to image, get the collapsible

if not, get the solid tube

/close thread