16" Explorer Scientific or 14" Skyquest xx 14i ???

[basilio]

Hello!

I´m thinking to upgr

This is my first post!     Need some help.

ade from a Skyquest xx8i dobsonian for a 14" or 16" (also dobsonian).

Thinking in the dobsonian, i don´t have problem with weight but "less is better", i dont need to mount and dismount all the time either and i would like with something like intelliscope to locate the amazing things in deep sky.

So after a long search, i found 2 telescopes with almost the same price (don´t forget im writting from Portugal in Europe and it´s not like America with lots of fantastic brands!!   )

16" Explorer Scientific for    2260 €    (light with 38 kg, more 2´ than the skyquest, but without the finder) 

14" Skyquest xx 14i for        2109 €     (heavy, less 2´, with finder)

With almost the same price the 2" is a strong argument for the Explorer?

The optics are good from both telescopes? Made in the same place Chine? Strelh ratio? P-V?

By the way i live in a small city, in a hill and therefore the light is not from above (have the terrace in last level). I will notice the difference of aperture?

Do you recommend other telescope??

Best regards,

[niallk]

Hi,

Welcome!

If you were open to second hand, an interesting option like the following might crop up:

http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=101400

Note this scope includes a Feather touch focusser with SIPS - alone worth a lot new...

8" to 16" is a very significant aperture jump, 4x the light gathering capability or a 1.5 gain in magnitude. Especially in a portable format to be able to get away to darker skies... I went from a 10" to 15" (approx 1mag increase when the mirror coatings are taken into account, and this was very noticeable).

Just another possible option,

-Niall

[stadaik]

ok. Welcome from me.

The scope Niallk has posted its really awesome with perfect optics. Another option for me is http://www.sumerianoptics.com/also amazing and very portable.

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL.

[nates]

Welcome,

after my first post not long ago asking if the aperture size difference is worth the extra cash I too am having the exact same dilemma.

Using my current scope I help myself with Stellarium on a laptop during observing sessions which makes it a lot easier to star hop once you know where to look so maybe you should look into it if going for the ES 16" (the software is also available for some mobile devices eg. android).

I've done some research but unfortunatly have not found a way to add any kind of object locating system to the ES if wanting in future (if anyone does please describe). Although I've read the ES scopes may have some collimation problems when adjusting altitude (going from horizont toward zenith). If you're a collimation freak like me it might be a bit of a downside. I haven't heard the same about Orion but maybe some owners could weigh in.

Very interested how about the answers as it might help me choose also.

[nates]

PS: as many have pointed out before, the darker the skies, the stronger visual impact the difference in aperture makes. So you might want to check how dark your sky really is (if you can see "arms" of the milkyway than you will certainly visibly benefit from 2" difference)

[nates]

Too bad no replies from any owners, but in retrospect, basilio you could let us know you're still with us as this wouldn't be the first time someone posted a question expecting a universal answer and never came back,,

You could read some nice reviews about both here on SGL and similar sites and maybe post some findings and your final decision based on them..

Not meaning to offend anyone, just trying to keep the ball rolling..

[John]

Too bad no replies from any owners, but in retrospect, basilio you could let us know you're still with us as this wouldn't be the first time someone posted a question expecting a universal answer and never came back,,

You could read some nice reviews about both here on SGL and similar sites and maybe post some findings and your final decision based on them..

Not meaning to offend anyone, just trying to keep the ball rolling..

I think it's possible that only one member here actually owns a 16" Explore Scientific dob (as far as I know). He has posted on this instrument sometime ago on the forum. Thats the only feedback I've seen on them, anywhere.

[jetstream]

If the 16" Explore Scientific is their truss dob, there are quite a few posts in some previous threads..... Are they still testing them out on Europe before the USA release? This had been sentiments from a few observers, not sure what to make of it.

Have you seen the scope you have chosen? they are fairly big... I am happy with my 10" OOUK dob and wouldn't hesitate to buy another, possibly the 12" 1/8PV f5.3 would fit the bill?

[nates]

John, yes i've seen and 'devoured' the ES 16" dob thread, looks like a very nice scope. A few smaller modifications maybe needed but i like to tinker so no problem there. I already have some mods for the rocker box in mind for it :-) 

I've contacted astroshop.eu about availability but haven't heard back yet. Also i'll be checking a local dealer to see if he can maybe supply it. Just checking at the moment no serious purchasing intent yet.

Jetstream, I know it's a big scope but i've also been looking at 14" or maybe a 12" but definitely a truss (lets just say i'm built to handle the size at my current state and age   ). Still haven't decided yet if i would rather spend the extra money saved from a smaller aperture on some nicer eyepieces or a coma corrector, which i guess will be vital for such fast scopes. Also i don't mind if the mirror isn't of excellent qualtiy at the beginning as long as it's not damaged, pinched etc. as very good pv ratio mirrors only strut their stuff under very stable atmosphere which might not be that often.

PS: John, is it okay if we just continue the discussion on this thread, seeing as it's on topic and the thread poster isn't likely to respond?

[John]

....PS: John, is it okay if we just continue the discussion on this thread, seeing as it's on topic and the thread poster isn't likely to respond?

As long as it's relevent to the original topic, then fine.

The thread poster was online yesterday so may respond at some point.

[nates]

Noted, thank you for checking and i apologize for assuming before checking myself.