Choice between nudging a dob around or using a manual EQ mount for tracking

[Mountain_Wanderer]

Just on the Skywatcher 10 inch collapsible dobsonian...

It is fair to say that if the up-down, left-right movements are silky smooth then tracking a planet at high magnification will be a lot more enjoyable?

If I want to track a planet at high mag, at what magnification do I need to see detail on mars, the bands and red spot on Jupiter, or the ring shadow of saturn? Can I have a low magnification for these or do I really need to take it up?

And just on deep sky objects, how good is a 10 inch aperature for detail on fainter objects, particularly galaxies? I know that 8 inches will show the object but not necessarily certain details. Would 10 inches deliver all the good stuff or is it still noticably limited? Take for example some of the more well known galaxies that are favourites for viewing (say the Sombrero galaxy). Will the 10 inch show all the basic features or do I need even more aperature???

I've also googled a bit about equatorial devices for dobsonians. They seem to exist? Maybe someone has some experience with attaching some sort of device to a dob that allows the scope to follow right ascention on a curved axis?

And just something about the base, this is shaping up as the more difficult thing to transport around. I wanted to fit everything in the boot of my small car. I feel the collapsed scope should fit in??? But then there's the bloody big base! That surely can't fit in the boot aswell? For long car trips to go on holidays where car seats are taken and room is at a premium, is it possible to disassemble the base and put it back together after the trip?

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

For visual, a alt/az track is more than enough, your eyes are great compensators of field rotation. For Astrophotograhy EQ is a must although planetary is a bit more forgiving. Deep Sky Imaging EQ is the only way.

I agree about the bases, I have 2 cars, 1 is a small van Citreon Berlingo, no problems, but my Hyundai IC30CW (wagon) is not suitable for 12" at least, not sure abouth the 10" but feel will still be a bit limited.

[sirius0 (Chris)]

Not that i'm qualified, I just use binoculars. But I would have thought that if an EQ was a nuisance for quick observation, then perhaps just set the equatorial as if it it is at the equator, latitude zero. Then just 'bump' the RA and DEC like an alt azimuth, for the visual results. Raise the pendants eyebrows who cares?

[Mountain_Wanderer]

Hey dudes. Just a silly question I have...

When you look through an 8 inch scope on the EQ mount, can you sit down doing so, or do you need to stand up all the time? Or perhaps using a high stool to sit on is the answer? Sitting would be my preference.

Also, when you're looking through the telescope, are you able to easily move the scope along the axis without needing to take your eye away from the eyepiece? What I mean is, can your hands reach the telescope controls when you keep your eye glued to the eyepiece?

[that_guy (Tony)]

newts are a pain in the backside (literally) on EQ mounts... they get to some pretty weird places... and if you do this.. your gonna need an observing chair...

[NorthernLight (Max)]

you not only need an observing chair but a ladder. In some (easily achievable) situations the focuser points vertical to the sky so you have to get something high enough to stay on and bend over the scope to be able to look in the EP. If you then want to move the scope you have to balance yourself whilst bending over the scope, move both your arms around it to reach the mount under it and twist the knobs. The other option is bury your mount halfway in the ground but then you have to lie infront of it to observe when the focuser points downwards. Of course you can also turn the tube in its rings but you will always loose your target thereby- and this becomes real fun when a barlow joins the game...
Get DOB! If ever want to do photography you´ll need buy a proper mount with ST-4 port anyways.

[jamespierce (James)]

8 inches is pretty big on a EQ ... to my mind the dob is a much simpler gentle telescope. When you're learning the sky unless the EQ5 has goto I'm not sure it's much of an advantage... the movements of the EQ are quite hard to get your head around when you're starting out. I'd recommend you go for the DOB (get a truss one if possible too) ... however, I think there is alot to be said for starting out with a 4" refractor, or a 5 or 6 inch SCT on a little goto mount.