Seben 114-1000

[Neptune Ascending]

Just wondering how good this telescope is, I got it for my birthday and it seems alright, but what are some other telescopes that are even better for the same price? (Paid around $270 for it.)

[ronin]

Seban's are generally poor, however the scope is a 114/1000 and simply theyare purchased en-mass and branded so the basic scope will be the same as the Skywatcher and other 114/1000 scopes.

At f/8.8 it will be a spherical mirror, they all are. Not too much of a problem.

Better means 2 aspects:-

Larger diameter mirror and a parabolic mirror.

There is a 130P around which would be better - make sure it is 130P not 130EQ.

The 130EQ one is an odd design and I suggest it is avoided.

The focal length is 1000mm but the tube is just 500mm(ish), the design uses optics in the focuser to get this longer focal length, it doesn't work as well as it should.

If the retailer can exchange for a 150P dobsonian which in the US is the Orion XT6, you would be better off wih that. The less costly Skywatcher 150P is not overly available in the US. However I suspect there is a cost difference.

[John]

I agree with ronin - try and get an exchange for a better quality scope such as the Orion XT6.