Bintel or saxon

[Troy.k]

Hi I have been researching for a while have decided to purchase an 8inch dob for my 10 year old daughter who has shown some interest in the planets and myself.
I am tossing up between the Saxon or bintel, any feed back from those with experience would be appreciated. I realise the bintel is gso but they are offering cheaper postage current specs are as follows.

Technical Data for the Bintel BT202-B 8" Dobsonian

Optical Design
Newtonian Reflector (Parabolic mirror)
Aperture
200mm (8 inch)
Focal Length
1200mm
Focal Ratio
f/6
Highest Useful Magnification
300x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude
14.0
Resolving Power
0.58 arc sec
Finderscope
8 x 50 Correct Image Right Angle Achromatic
Focuser
2" Crayford 10:1 dual speed with 1.25" adapter
Supplied with
SuperView 30mm (2") 15mm Plossl (1.25") and 9mm Plossl (1.25")

Saxon

Optical Design : Newtonian (Parabolic)

Diameter : 203mm

Focal Length : 1200mm

Secondary Mirror Diameter : 47mm

F/ratio : F/5.9

Highest Practical Power : 406x

Faintest Stellar Magnitude : 14.2

Resolving Power : 0.56

Finderscope : 9X50 Finderscope

Focuser diameter : 2" with 1.25" adapter

Focuser : Crayford

Colour : White

Eyepiece(s) : 1.25" Premium Plossl 25mm and 10mm

[raymo]

Not a lot to choose, except that the Saxon[Skywatcher] made by Synta has a much longer warranty, and some GSO Newts have a mirror configuration
that does not allow a DSLR to be attached to the focuser.[ Just in case you were to decide further down the track to take some pics of the moon or
whatever.] So if this matters to you, and you go with the GSO, check with
the retailer first. All Synta[Saxon/Skywatcher Newts do permit the attachment
of a DSLR.
raymo

[Troy.k]

Thanks for the quick reply raymo

I should of given more detail , really want to know about build quality and optic quality.. The bintel is $100 more plus delivery but has a 90 degree finder scope an extra e/p and also a fan were as the saxon does not but I could pick it up from the retailer. If they are fairly equal in build is the bintel worth the extra $$ for the e/p scope and fan?

Thanks again.

[raymo]

Judging by past threads on the subject, it seems that SW has the edge on quality, which allows them to provide a 5yr warranty. I wouldn't worry
about the extra EP, as the supplied ones with most mass produced scopes
are only adequate, and you will build a collection of your favoured ones over time. As for the fan, as long as you allow sufficient cooling time before
using your scope it is largely irrelevant; they are much more important for
larger scopes with a lot of mirror mass. I've been in this game for over
60 yrs, and have never found any necessity for one on Newts smaller
than about 12". The right angled finder can help, but not all people like
the different orientation of the sky when looking through them.
raymo

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Troy
When looking at scopes, all that info about useful magnification, resolving power etc can be fairly safely ignored. An 8" f6 newt is pretty much going to the same from an optical point of view.
One thing I would consider is if a 10yo is going to be using it, will she be able to reach the eyepiece and the finder scope? If she is unable to to will it mean you will have to find the objects for her to view? May be a good idea to check one out.

I notice you are in Geelong. One option that is worth considering is if you join the Astronomical Society of Vic, you can get an 8" loan scope from them at a minimal cost. Usual loan period is 3 months and give you a chance to try one out before laying out substantial $$$. Details are here http://asv.org.au/loan
Geelong also have a society here http://www.asog.org.au/ and I run the Snake Valley Astro Camps near Ballarat that is a great way to have a look at a lot of scopes and gear to learn more (see http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=145840 )
Camps and Star Parties are one of the best ways to learn!!

Malcolm

[Troy.k]

Thanks again raymo and barx

I had seen the geelong sight and considered joining to loan one but the outlay on a 8 inch dob is not that great so thought I would just jump in.
My daughter will definitely need help but I am hoping it will be something we can enjoy together an educational hobby would be a plus.

So sounds like I might save my self a dollar or two and go with the Saxon astronomy alive is the retailer in Vic so might give them a call tomorrow

Any other suggested retailers?

[raymo]

Andrews Communications prices are usually competitive, and I have bought from them on several occasions with no hassles. There is also Astro Pete's
and Sirius Optics. There are several others, but I imagine that's enough to be going on with.
raymo

[Troy.k]

That's more than enough to compare prices thanks Raymo, will have a look tonight and hopefully get one ordered tomorrow.