Which would you choose in DOB's?

[Marclau (Marcel)]

O'K, I have decided on a 12" Solid DOB but now need to decide on brand.
I have limited my choice based on feedback and reviews on the internet.

Looking at GSO or SkyWatcher.

Which would you choose and why?

[DavidU (Dave)]

I have a solid tube SW 12" dob, the optics are superb !

[erick (Eric)]

I have a solid tube GSO 12" dob, I'm told the optics are superb!

Mind you, I expect the tube to rust sooner rather than later and the chipboard base to show moisture damage at some stage.

I'm not rich, so it's the GSO for me and I'll live with the shortcomings.

[Marclau (Marcel)]

Originally Posted by erick

I have a solid tube GSO 12" dob, I'm told the optics are superb!

Mind you, I expect the tube to rust sooner rather than later and the chipboard base to show moisture damage at some stage.

I'm not rich, so it's the GSO for me and I'll live with the shortcomings.

Hi Erick,

Interesting. Is that a fault of the tube or something else I should know...?

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Skywatcher: Better collimation knobs, secondary holder, tube paint finish.

GSO: Better focuser.

[CoombellKid]

Originally Posted by Marclau

Hi Erick,

Interesting. Is that a fault of the tube or something else I should know...?

I'd say it has more to do with the cheap sheet steel they roll the tube
out of. And I would also say they both more than likely get their sheet
steel from the same place. Some seem to get it worst then others.
My old 8" was a Saxon that got it too, but never seem to get worst
than just the appearence of it, if that makes sense. Beside by that
time you might like to have it repainted a colour you like and properly
seal it at the same time.

I wouldn't worry too much about it, but thats me personally.

Saxon: crap focuser, crap collimation screws philips/hex (may of changed)

regards,CS

[astronut (John)]

The surface rust on the GSO scopes was with the earlier models.
The white tubed models don't suffer from that any more.
Which brand? Both are very good, with the usual advantage/disadvantage that all scopes have.
To prevent the base from eventually absorbing water, I would recommend that you apply (along the edges) a thin layer of super glue.
This will keep your mount in good condition for years to come.
I have members with both scopes; flip a coin

[Alchemy (Clive)]

as previously said, the silver GSO rusted, the paint was way too thin, the optics were great though.

[erick (Eric)]

Mine is the silver version - I can see some mild surface rusting. I have sealed the chipboard edges, but I keep drilling new holes into it! I try to seal them with paint or whatever.

[stephenb (Stephen)]

My vote's with BinTel/GSO. Remember watch out for that aperture fever. You may end up upgrading in a year or two anyway?

[Marclau (Marcel)]

Originally Posted by glenluceskies

My vote's with BinTel/GSO. Remember watch out for that aperture fever. You may end up upgrading in a year or two anyway?

Hahah I know.........I originally wanted the 8" and that was put on hold due to illness..........now suddenly almost 2 years later and I have jumped up to 12"........I'll be happy if this keeps me going for at least 10-12 years.......eventually want this to move into astrophotography so a 12 would be better then 8 or 10 in the long run.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.....

[Marclau (Marcel)]

Is there also something about eye lens size restrictions??

Something Bintel told me about the length of the eye pieces etc??
Unfortunately I was'nt listening too well and admiring all the awesome scopes in the store.