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Need some telescope recommendations (based on my criteria)


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I would like to get your input on some telescope recommendations based on my criteria.  This will be my first telescope, and I want to get a good one that I'll use for a long time.  I started a thread a few days ago about myself considering 8" or 10" Dobs...but I want to be open to other scopes that may still be along the lines of what I'm wanting.  I want to be open to other ideas, especially since my schedule has not allowed me to attend any local astronomy clubs yet...so I have no actual experience behind a telescope ever.  I'm just guessing based on what my experience has been with binoculars, and based on all the reading I've done on astronomy and about various telescopes.

Here's my criteria: (1) Minimum aperture of 6" - I want to be able to see DSO's and all the Messiers, (2) Push-to (not go-to) to help learning the night sky, (3) POSSIBLY an equatorial mount for tracking so I don't have to constantly adjust the OTA like with a standard Dob.

I'm not 100% set on needing equatorial mounting for tracking, but it would be a plus.  What are your recommendations?  Feel free to recommend something similar based on your experience.  Thank you!

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Hi,

I have the Celestron Omni XLT on the standard C-G4 equitorial mount and it is a fantastic scope. You can buy tracking motors for the mount for around £130 in the UK, probably cheaper in the US.

One thing Iwould say is that an equitorial mount can be frustrating if you are using it purely for observing. I have had lots of advice to get myself a good Alt-Az mount but just have't got around to it yet. If you are planning on using your kit for observing rather than imaging a good sized Newtoian on a sturdy Alt-Az mount might be a good solution.

The Skywatcher 150P is essentlially the same scope as the Celestron Omni and comes with an Alt-Az option and is one of a range of sizes so you could go big if that's what you are looking for.

good luck.

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A couple things I think you have missunderstood a little bit.

1.) You can have GOTO on your mount and just not use it and thus it becomes a push-to mount. GoTo is comes in very handy when you want to get some viewing in but don't have a lot of time to spend on finding the object. It is also very nice if you are wanting to show the stars and objects to other people. That way you just hit a couple buttons instead of having them wait around while you try and find the object, which isnt fun for those just standing around.

2.) Tracking can be achieved on any style of mount. You dont need an EQ mount to get tracking. Now tracking is most commonly paired up with GoTo because they are closely tied together and work of each other. So this goes back to point #1. If you get a GoTo mount you can just not use the actual goto munction and physically move the mount and find your objects and it will allow you to track accurately. This is great to keep the object in the EP without nudging and is really really handy when you are trying to show other people what you are seeing. Because most people dont know how to nudge a scope in the right way, and gently enough, to keep the object in view.

3.) Now you also dont have have have GoTo to have tracking. These mounts are as common because most people just spend the little bit extra to get GoTo so most are just provided with GoTo.

So my recommendation, though a bit more expensive, is to get your 8" or 10" Dob and get it with GoTo if you can afford it. This will give you all the options in one bundle and you can pick and choose what you want/need to use that night.

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One thing Iwould say is that an equitorial mount can be frustrating if you are using it purely for observing. I have had lots of advice to get myself a good Alt-Az mount but just have't got around to it yet. If you are planning on using your kit for observing rather than imaging a good sized Newtoian on a sturdy Alt-Az mount might be a good solution.

DRT, could you explain what you mean here a little more?  Why would the Alt-Az mount be better for observing than an equatorial mount?

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A couple things I think you have missunderstood a little bit.

1.) You can have GOTO on your mount and just not use it and thus it becomes a push-to mount. GoTo is comes in very handy when you want to get some viewing in but don't have a lot of time to spend on finding the object. It is also very nice if you are wanting to show the stars and objects to other people. That way you just hit a couple buttons instead of having them wait around while you try and find the object, which isnt fun for those just standing around.

2.) Tracking can be achieved on any style of mount. You dont need an EQ mount to get tracking. Now tracking is most commonly paired up with GoTo because they are closely tied together and work of each other. So this goes back to point #1. If you get a GoTo mount you can just not use the actual goto munction and physically move the mount and find your objects and it will allow you to track accurately. This is great to keep the object in the EP without nudging and is really really handy when you are trying to show other people what you are seeing. Because most people dont know how to nudge a scope in the right way, and gently enough, to keep the object in view.

3.) Now you also dont have have have GoTo to have tracking. These mounts are as common because most people just spend the little bit extra to get GoTo so most are just provided with GoTo.

So my recommendation, though a bit more expensive, is to get your 8" or 10" Dob and get it with GoTo if you can afford it. This will give you all the options in one bundle and you can pick and choose what you want/need to use that night.

nmoushon,

I'd heard that Go-To's can't be moved manually without computer guidance.  If that's the case you can still move the scope around manually, Go-To would be great for tracking OR for using it for hunting objects on your own.

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DRT, could you explain what you mean here a little more?  Why would the Alt-Az mount be better for observing than an equatorial mount?

It is all to do with the viewing angle. Moving an EQ mount to various parts of the sky can cause huge variances in the position of the eyepiece. This can lead to very uncomfortable viewing positions. An Alt-Az mount on the other hand keeps the eyepiece in a relatively small area compared to an EQ and is therefore more comfortable to use with little or no need to alter the positioning of the tube in the mounting rings whilst viewing, which can sometimes be necessary with an EQ unless you are a contortionist.

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You do not mention a budget.

So with that in mine (no budget) this mount is straight forward to use for visual observing and has slow motion controls. These you turn with the hand to keep object in the field of view rather than a dobsonian mount which you nudge.

I have not used one but I understand it is popular as the recent sale of stock at a very attractive price (now back to normal price) went real quick.

Vizen Porta II Mount.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth/vixen-porta-ii-mount.html

then chose your telescope to go with it within it's weight carrying range.

I picked that because I like using my AZ3 with has slo mo controls but that tripod probably wont take the telescope size you are after.

Is your main location for observing very light polluted?

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nmoushon,

I'd heard that Go-To's can't be moved manually without computer guidance.  If that's the case you can still move the scope around manually, Go-To would be great for tracking OR for using it for hunting objects on your own.

You can. With my HEQ5, which is goto, all you have to do is release the clutch and then its all manual movement. The reingage the clutch and the tracking takes over. Though if you do this your goto will get messed up and you will have to redo star align to get goto to be accurate again. But the tracking will still work.

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DRT, could you explain what you mean here a little more?  Why would the Alt-Az mount be better for observing than an equatorial mount?

It is all to do with the viewing angle. Moving an EQ mount to various parts of the sky can cause huge variances in the position of the eyepiece. This can lead to very uncomfortable viewing positions. An Alt-Az mount on the other hand keeps the eyepiece in a relatively small area compared to an EQ and is therefore more comfortable to use with little or no need to alter the positioning of the tube in the mounting rings whilst viewing, which can sometimes be necessary with an EQ unless you are a contortionist.

It would be worthwhile reading this thread for more info on the trials and tribulations of using an EQ mount for observing :wink:

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I've only been in this hobby for only a few years, but I have never seen an EQ mount that has a "push to" feature.  If "push to" is more important to you than tracking check out the Intelliscope Dobs from Orion.  They have the 8 in, 10 in and 12 in versions.

http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Dobsonian-Telescopes/IntelliScope-Dobsonians/Orion-SkyQuest-XT8i-IntelliScope-Dobsonian-Telescope/pc/1/c/12/sc/27/p/102012.uts

If tracking is more important for you, check out the GOTO Dobs from Orion; the XTg or the xxg series.  With these GoTo Dobs you can manually move the scope without loosing the alignment for tracking.  No "push to" feature on these however.  Again with 8 in, 10 in and 12 in versions.  Up to 16 in for the xxg truss tube Dobs.

http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Dobsonian-Telescopes/GoTo-Dobsonians/Orion-SkyQuest-XT8g-Computerized-GoTo-Dobsonian-Telescope/pc/1/c/12/sc/30/p/102019.uts

I still enjoy my Orion Astroview 6 scope.  It is a 6 inch reflector on a manual EQ mount that helped me learn the sky a lot.  You track by turning the RA slow motion knob.  I added a relatively inexpensive motor drive and it automatically tracks very well.   EQ mounts are actually easier than you think and you can't beat the tracking compared to a manual DOB.

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There is no way that having a goto means you do not learn the sky. Basically forget that well worn and somewhat inane idea. How are you going to tell a goto where to go unless you know the object and have a good idea where it is.

I know of no-one with a goto that does not have a very good idea of what is up there and exactly where it is. Most don't trust the things so they know what they ask for, where it is and where the scope should go to.

If you read the alignment process of a goto they generally all assume you have some idea of the sky before even powering up. When a Skywatcher says Point me at Vega as the first position for alignment you have to know where Vega is. So you have to know before use. You learn fast with a goto.

Really get along to a club and see what is used. Do not buy anything until you have, it could be surprising. At 3 clubs around me the selection of scopes is sort of 90% or more goto.

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