Assistance to make final decision : Lightbridge 12 or Collapsible 12

DJ N · #1 06-10-2009, 12:08 PM

Hi all,

I am literally ready to order my visual scope over the course of the next few hours. However, I am still having difficulty making my final decision.

I can say that I have definitely settled on a 12 inch dob, and I have decided that the GSO solid tube is just not an option due to transport restraints. Therefore, this leaves either the Lightbridge 12 or the Skywatcher collapsible.

I have read all the reports and reviews on IIS as well as Cloudynights and Stargazerslounge, and yet I am still at a 50/50 split decision.

I was initially heading down the Skywatcher path as I already have some of their products such as the EQ6 and the ED120 (and they perform flawlessly), however I am a bit uncertain to the design principle of the collapsible struts over the Lightbridge truss design. In addition, the LB does have a "better" focuser and a fan for the mirror..........

Anyone have any final pointers to help sway a decision.......

Look forward to some replies.

Thanks,

Daniel

gbeal · #2 06-10-2009, 12:26 PM

I haven't seen the collapsible, but did see the LB12.5 at Bintel a few years back, and nearly, very nearly bought it. My choice would be the LB. No real reason, just liked it. Possible the optics are from the same factory anyway.
Gary

DJ N · #3 06-10-2009, 01:03 PM

The optics in the Meade are GSO........

beefking (Nathan) · #4 06-10-2009, 01:35 PM

well, I've never used or even seen a lightbridge, but I do have a 12" skywatcher collapsible.

I find the design to be effective and the structure pretty solid. I've had no issues with the tube flexing during use or anything like that, the collimation holds extremely well during transport... people talk about having to replace the primary springs but they seem fine to me. the only change I've made is to add bob's knobs to the secondary.

just out of interest, was the EQ6 pro/DB ED combination good for astrophotography? was there a steep learning curve? I've been considering a 100ED/EQ6pro, but have been hesitating at the edge.

DJ N · #5 06-10-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beefking

well, I've never used or even seen a lightbridge, but I do have a 12" skywatcher collapsible.

I find the design to be effective and the structure pretty solid. I've had no issues with the tube flexing during use or anything like that, the collimation holds extremely well during transport... people talk about having to replace the primary springs but they seem fine to me. the only change I've made is to add bob's knobs to the secondary.

just out of interest, was the EQ6 pro/DB ED combination good for astrophotography? was there a steep learning curve? I've been considering a 100ED/EQ6pro, but have been hesitating at the edge.

Thanks for the comments Nathan. With regard to the EQ6..... I honestly believe it to be the best bang for buck mount out there. And as for the ED120..... I just love that scope. I use it predominantly for deep sky imaging (guided with an ED80) with a DSLR, and I just love the whole setup. I actually have an image in this months Sky and Telescope of M83 (4x30min subs). Prior to purchasing the ED120, I did actually purchase the Equinox 100, however I found that during imaging, I was getting strange diffraction spikes on some of the brighter stars. Apparently this is a common problem on ED100 due to an impinging lens spacer. I returned the Equinox 100 and purchased the BD ED120, and have absolutely no regrets.............hope this helps!

(Oops, sorry I have gone a bit off topic in my post.......

)

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #6 06-10-2009, 02:15 PM

i would defo get the SW

/end thread

DJ N · #7 06-10-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toryglen-boy

i would defo get the SW

/end thread

Thanks Duncan.............. that was my first instinct.........

Cheers!

StarGazing (Alex) · #8 06-10-2009, 02:31 PM

I second that. I own the 10'' version and have been very happy with it. Also the way it packs away makes it the easiest handling dob going around.
Best of luck Alex.

Starkler (Geoff) · #9 06-10-2009, 02:52 PM

SW for me.

The only thing better about the LB I can see is the focuser, and that can be changed out.

DJ N · #10 06-10-2009, 03:14 PM

Thanks for that Alex and Geoff. More ticks for the SW............ I am getting excited..............

Doc63 (Neil) · #11 06-10-2009, 09:39 PM

Does the SW have a fan for the mirror, and if not, how much of problem would that be?

norm · #12 06-10-2009, 09:53 PM

I prefer the looks of the LB, but the SW seems to get lots of good reviews as well.

LB - you may need to factor in bobs knobs for the 2ndry and primary screws and heavier springs, if these have not been sorted out by Meade.

I don't think you could go too much wrong in either/or.

Good Luck!

Norm