10" GSO limited/deluxe or 10" Saxon dob

[Forgey (Paula)]

Ok a few questions,
Which one is better?

Been reading and cant make a decision lol

Guan Sheng 10" f/5 Limited Dobsonian telescope!
First grade 10" (250mm x 1250mm) Dobsonian reflector with truly outstanding 1/12 surface wave BK7 mirror, 2" focuser and 2" to 1.25" adaptor. Unbeatable value!!
Resolving power; 0.49 arc second.
Limiting magnitude; 14.5.
Limited version includes a 8 x 50 finderscope, 2" rack and pinion focuser with a 2" to 1.25" adaptor and Premium GSO 9mm and 25mm 1.25" Plossl eyepieces. Yes, it's optically the same as GSO's Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Adjustable Super Deluxe models. Limited stock - first come, first served! $499



or



Deluxe version includes a 8 x 50 finderscope, 2" Crayford style single speed focuser with a 2" to 1.25" adaptor and Premium GSO 9mm and 25mm 1.25" Plossl eyepieces. $549



or



Saxon Dob 10 - 254mm (10 inch) Reflecting telescope system $690



Product Description

AUSTRALIA'S FAVOURTITE 10 inch TELESCOPE IS BACK IN STOCK !!

Globally recognised Premium Saxon Quality

UPGRADED - "Higher Spec Model"


UPGRADED 254mm (10 inch) aperture Newtonian, 1200mm Focal length, plus ULTRA EASY to USE Dobsonian mount

UPGRADED Ultra smooth Crayford focuser (ultra smooth operation)

UPGRADED Premium "Plossl" eyepieces (CORRECT SIZE - 25mm & 10mm)

WHY UPGRADED MODEL - This is a QUALITY Deep Space telescope, without the upgrades it's performance is significantly reduced

plus ULTRA EASY to USE Dobsonian mount

Ultra smooth Crayford focuser (ultra smooth operation)

High capability Deep Space telescope

Specifications

• Aperture 254mm
• Focal ratio f4.7
• Focal length 1200mm
• Premium parabolic primary mirror 254mm
• Premium quality optical capability
• Mount type - Ultra easy to use high quality Dobsonian mount
• Eyepieces - UPGRADED Premium quality Plossl 25mm & 10mm full sized (1.25 inch/ 31.7mm) interchangeable eyepieces
• Premium UPGRADED Crayford focuser - 2 inch, including 1.25 inch adaptor
• Finderscope - UPGRADED 9 X 50mm (Large size)

High Quality
• High magnification capability
• Robust & durable system design

Premium components
• Extra heavy duty Dobsonian mount
• Very easy to assemble (tools included with system)
• Large 50mm size finderscope - enhanced deep space performance

Usability
• Easy to operate and find dozens of stellar objects
• Best value introductory/ intermediate capability telescope in Australia

Range of Accessories
• Additional eyepieces, Colour filters, Lunar filters, Camera adaptors

Total customer support
• Service centre is located in Melbourne

Highlights
• Outstanding value for a first telescope
• Introductory to Intermediate performance capability
• Exceptional value for money
• Ultra easy to use mount - easiest operation of any mount available
• Maximum performance per dollar spent you will get in ANY introductory to Intermediate capable telescope
• Made by global leading brand Saxon

INCLUDING FACTORY BACKED 3 YEAR WARRANTY

ULTRA SPECIAL SHORT TERM PRICE




OK now the saxon comes with Crayford and is a local store for me and the GSO with or without crayford will cost $60 for delivery
.
Ive heard that saxon is better quality, Price is not really an issue but would like to keep it as low as possible.

Hubby is a bit worried about mirrors on the GSO.

[stephenb (Stephen)]

Paula, Absolutely nothing wrong with the GSO mirrors. Personally, I don't think they are any better or worse than the Saxon.

I cannot tell where you've "cut and pasted" the information from.

Firstly cut out all the sale pitch rubbish. Most of what you've read in these adverts is hyped up sales guff. To cut through it all you're left with :

1 - Guan Sheng 10" F/5 Dobsonian telescope

• 1/2 BK-7 mirror
• 2" focuser
• 2" to 1.25" adaptor
• 8 x 50 finderscope,
• GSO 9mm eyepiece
• GSO 25mm Plossl eyepieces.
• Price = $499

Question: What altitude bearings does it have for this price? I'd suspect the old style.


2 - Guan Sheng 10" F/5 Dobsonian telescope


Your description the Deluxe option reads identical for $50 more ????


3 - Saxon 10" F/5 Dobsonian telescope

• Crayford focuser (single speed - will not have a fine a 10:1 adjustment)
• 10mm eyepiece
• 25mm Plossl eyepieces
• 2" to 1.25" adaptor
• 9 x 50 finderscope
• Price = $690

My observations:

• The GSO has an 8x50 finderscope. The Saxon has a 9x50 finderscope. Personally this will be of little difference to you - no contest here.

• They both come with their own mass produced eyepieces and are comparable in size - no contest here.

• Same size mirrors, same size tubes and mounts (or so close, it will make no difference to you.

What I would be looking for the altitude bearings. The early Dobs had small pivot points. GSO and BinTel brands have large silver knurled knobs which have a braking adjustment on them.

So, if you're asking for my opinion?

If you were going to layout money on a Saxon anyway, I'd be buying a BinTel's BT252-B 10" Dobsonian $699 - This model has everything I've filtered from your GSO, plus a 10:1 fine adjustment focuser. They are a rebadged GSO. you'll get personal, shopfront service, and backup if you have an issue. Be careful buying from "online shops". Personally, I wouldn't suggest it. That's my experience.

Or Andrews Guan Sheng GS-880 10" ASDX Dobsonian $649

Both have the new adjustable tension design on the altitude bearing. I cannot confirm that the Saxon does.

Hubby shouldn't be worried about the mirrors. In fact I'd prefer GSO than Saxon, but that's a personal thing. I've owned several GSO mirrors over the years and never had an issue. They have a very reputable name. And to be blunt, most people would/couldn't notice the difference between a Saxon mirror or a GSO mirror.

If you can tell us where you're seeing them advertised, we can look at the pics and check them out.

Regards,
Stephen

[Forgey (Paula)]

Thanks Stephen,
The GSO ones are from Andrews http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm
and the Saxon ones are from Astronomy Alive http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/

[stephenb (Stephen)]

No worries, Paula. Yep, If I had to choose between the two, forget the Saxon and Astonomy Alive, and go for the Andrews. The Saxon is over priced and it has an old version of the altitude pivot bearing, which GSO/BinTel stopped producing a few years ago. If you were prepared to spend $690 on the Saxon - then get the ASDX from Andrews .

[Forgey (Paula)]

The 10" one at andrews i was thinking of getting was this one:

Deluxe version includes a 8 x 50 finderscope, 2" Crayford style single speed focuser with a 2" to 1.25" adaptor and Premium GSO 9mm and 25mm 1.25" Plossl eyepieces.
Deluxe 10" GSO Dobsonians in stock...A$549 ea


Basically the same as the Guan Sheng 10" f/5 Limited Dobsonian telescope but with the crayford for an extra $50

[Groboz (Gino)]

Hi Paula

I'm new here too and for what it's worth I bought a GSO (16 inch). I've had it a couple of months now and I'm loving it. Meade use the same mirrors in their "Light Bridge" Dobsonians and they usually produce high quality telescopes so that should give you some idea about the quality of the GSO.

Here's a gratuitous shot of the main mirror. It doesn't tell you much about it's quality but I may as well show it off since I went to the trouble of taking the photo. It's a truss tube design by the way so a little different to the ones you are considering.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/v...f/SAM_1796.jpg

Good luck, and read as many reviews about your options as you can. I was very excited when I bought my 1st telescope.

[ColHut (Colin)]

I think that a Crayford focuser is nice, so is a right angle finder. I have played with the 8" skywatcher with adjustable tension azimuth (almost identical to the 10" f4.7) and thought it no better that the old 2 point spring tensioned gravity and teflon bearings on my 10" GSO. Actually I doubted the small diameter bearing were a good idea.

I would suggest if you are happy to spend the 650-690 then get the Bintel or Andrews dobs with more fruit, better mounting, and slightly longer focal length.

regards

[StarsInMyEyes (Peter)]

Hi Paula,

I've had my 12" Saxon dob for a few years now and am more than happy with it. That said, from what i've been lead to believe, the mirrors are much the same in these dobs. It just comes down to the extras like finders, focusers, bearings etc. Shop around, you might find a bargain or a special deal going somewhere ( sometimes Andrews will offer free shipping with certain brand scopes )

If I were buying a new dob today, I would be looking for one with a two speed crayford style focuser and good quality bearings. The rest, like eyepieces and finders can be upgraded later.

Peter

BTW, if you dont already have one, I would invest in a good collimator

[esky (Craig)]

If it were me, I'd get the GSO Adjustable Super Deluxe for $650. (GS-880 ASDX 10") Actually, that's a bit misleading... I just bought the next one up!!! *trying not to sound too biased but I love it!

The extras that come with it are worth the $150. You get a 3rd eyepiece, and that is good for bright objects like the moon and Saturn.

The right angle finder keeps your neck from getting stiff and stops you bending awkwardly to find stuff.

The adjustable tension is great for stopping the scope moving when looking at objects close to the horizon or when using heavier eyepieces. You can't add the knobs later as an upgrade, because the mounting point is different. One is a curved surface and one is flat.

The 10:1 focuser is the best bit though. Makes it really easy to focus with the 2 different speeds.

Andrew's were really helpful for me. I paid $35 for shipping to Port Stevens. The scope comes well packed in a big box with thick styrofoam inserts and the base is flat packed like ikea furniture. The delivery guys would have to be really rough to hurt the scope.

I cant really speak for the alternatives, but this one ticks a lot of boxes. Don't let the price trick you into thinking its a cheaply made scope. It's alot of bang for buck!

I suggest getting a moon filter as well with a 10" or bigger scope and have you thought of a collimator? That's what I'm getting next payday.

Hope this helps

[Forgey (Paula)]

Thanks for all your input everyone, i decided on the GSO 10" Deluxe for $549+$50 for shipping really need to save a bit of $ for bills. I should have it tomorrow.

[Liz]

Well done Paula ... am sure you would have been happy with any of them, but u cant beat the price at Andrews. .

I bought a GSO 10" from Andrew about 5 years ago, for a lot dearer than what u paid!!

Good luck on its (gotta name it) arrival and set up, they are pretty .... easy to set up.

Alas, be prepared for a few cloudy nights as part and parcel of getting a new scope. Other observers in the area will not be impressed.