9.25 Celestron Vs 10 inch Dob

Geoff · #1 10-08-2006, 08:22 AM

Hi All
I would like any coments on the following.
I bought a 9.25 inch Celestron last christmas and a HEQ5 mount (really lashed out). A great scope. Problem! My back yard is only good for viewing at about 40 deg to straight up. Fairly difficult with the Celestron, and sky surfing is difficult. In May I bought a 10 inch GSO DOB. $650. Also a great scope. Guess which one I use the most? 3 min to set up the DOB. 15+ min to set up the Celestron. The DOB is great for sky surfing and looking straight up. I find that the lack of tracking isn't a real prob, I can still study an area with gentle nudging. When the winter clouds come over I whip it away, and get it out when they clear. I'm now thinking of selling the Celestron. I guess I have answered my own Question. I am thinking of getting a 16 inch DOB and put it in a small shed with a roll top roof, if I sell the Celestron. The 16 inch models should be out by Christmas.
Cheers all, happy viewing.
Geoff

rmcpb (Rob) · #2 10-08-2006, 08:41 AM

Now you have it isn't it worth keeping the Celestron for those observing nights where tracking and a bit of photography are important? I see it like you have a great combination here so I would think very, very carefully before breaking it.

mickoking · #3 10-08-2006, 12:05 PM

A 16" Dob is very tempting

If you do decide to go that route keep the smaller Dob as well for quick peeks and week nights.

janoskiss (Steve H) · #4 10-08-2006, 12:13 PM

What Rob said. Your C9.25 setup would be nice for imaging.
and agree with Micko too, definitely keep the 10" even if you get a bigger Dob. My 12" Dob is a lot less comfortable to observe with than its 8 or 10" siblings. I imagine a 16" would be even more awkward.

Starkler (Geoff) · #5 10-08-2006, 12:32 PM

I would be interested to know your impressions of the c9.25 vs the dob for planetary viewing. In observing planets having tracking is a nice luxury.

davidpretorius · #6 10-08-2006, 01:03 PM

If money was no object,

I want a C14 on a decent mount for imaging planets, a 16" dob motorised / free wheeling for deep space, a grab and go 8" dob to bop janoskiss on the head and travel and an ed80 for wide views viewing and imaging.

Can't think of anyway one scope can do it all!!!

ving (David) · #7 10-08-2006, 01:15 PM

why settle for a 16" dave? whynot double that?

janoskiss (Steve H) · #8 10-08-2006, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidpretorius

... a grab and go 8" dob to bop janoskiss on the head ...

You're so mean!

Geoff · #9 10-08-2006, 06:58 PM

Thanks for the advice, I will keep the Celestron for a while. I need to be sure I am doing the right thing.
I would like to find out what I need for imaging with the Celestron. I thought it would be expensive so I havn't gone down that path.
I know there is plenty of info around on imaging, I just haven't looked yet.
Any tips would be appreciated.

One important thing I forgot to mention earlier. I lost most of my sight in my right eye, and my left eye is not real flash. I modified the DOB and finders so I can use my left eye. I still see a lot of great stuff though. I wish I started this 40 years ago.
Regards
Geoff.

rmcpb (Rob) · #10 11-08-2006, 11:43 AM

Geoff,

To start imaging have a look at Mike's How-to on imaging with a dob. The actual mechanics would be the same BUT with the Celestron you would have tracking and it costs very little to get started.

See what Mike pulled with an untracking dob in his early days for encouragement if any is needed.

Cheers