Parabola66

Hey John, Sorry to hijack your thread Curtis, but I have a question that I have been trying to get an answer on and this thread seems like a good piggy backer... I am on the market for my first scope, the one I am looking to get is a 10" Skywatcher Dob. It is a 1200mm, f/4.7 and comes with 10mm and 24mm 1.25'' Plossl. (I wasn't aware of field stop before reading this thread) My main targets are going to be DSO, What is the lowest power eyepiece I can get that would be "usefull"? If a 40mm would have the same affect a 28mm then why do they make eyepieces higher than 28mm in the 1.25" format? Also, how does field stop come into play with wide angle lenses such as the TeleVue Panoptic 24mm, 68 degree FOV EP? Or the 72 degree version? Sorry again to hijack.. Thanks, Collin

Maybe ~200ish

I like the collapsible feature on the Truss DOB.. a nice 10" Sky-Watcher. What would I need to get started, just a Collimator? What should I look for in an eyepiece considering it being paired with this: f4.7, 1200mm FL, 10in Dob? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/735539-REG/Sky_Watcher_S11720_10_Dobsonian_Telescope.html

So I know I am going all over the map here.. but what about something like the Nexstar 6se as a beginner scope? I know its a slow focal ratio f/10, but it has a nice GoTo and tracking Alt-az mount, which I think will be good for my GF (she isnt too mechanically inclined and would probably lose interest in the hobby needing constant adjustments) Why are slow scopes bad for DSO? All this being asked with AP out of the equation..

I keep seeing the term OK referring to a large aperture DOB. Since aperture is king with DSO what are the downsides making it OK compared to a newtonian? What are quality EPs for DSO?

I did notice that. I can also get it ota. Would you recommend the Meade mount? Which is eq. Or buy a separate alt-az mount? What brand and size ep would you recommend for dso? Something like a 32mm? Do dobs need to be put on a stand or something like a table? Thanks, Collin

Mainly because of the cost of manual vs tracking. My girlfriend is interested in astrophotography so computerized tracking would be the smarter choice in future proofing. What auto tracking mount would you recommend?

So I have decided to purchase my first telescope. After narrowing it down to the options in below, I cannot decide so I am putting it up for the Lounge to offer your opinions. If you vote for #3, what type of mount would you recommend. I am looking for manual EQ. 1) http://agenaastro.com/meade-lx70-r8-8-eq-reflector-telescope-270012.html 2) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1124690-REG/bresser_br_nt203exos2_messier_203mm_for_5.html 3) http://www.adorama.com/BRN20839.html

Anyone have experience with First Light Optics website? How are they? I am new so I don't know the reliable sites from the scams. They seem pretty well put together and have international shipping which is good, plus the Dollar to Euro exchange will save me some money. I was looking at https://www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-200p-eq5.html Any thoughts?

Whoops. Posted something on the wrong thread. Sorry!

So I found this.. I am new so I don't know if it is a quality brand... Bresser? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1124225-REG/bresser_br_nt2031000_messier_nt_203mm_for_5.html or http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1153104-REG/meade_270022_lx70_r8_8_newtonian.html Any advice? Thanks!

I think you are right about this. I can only find a hand full of scopes online that aren't on Canadian and European. But the Orion Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain has a f/12.1 How would something like that perform well with DSO?

Hello Everyone, This is my first time post to this site, just found you guys last night. I am from the Jersey Shore so there is always a medium level of light - pollution, though I can find some nice dark spots around town.. I am looking at purchasing my first telescope. I have been on some adventures with my friend and his 2" reflector, but I want to get my own now. My main objective is DSO such as: Andromeda, Sombrero Galaxy, Nebulae and the like. Also would like to see details of the planets, but this is not as much a requirement as the viewing of DSO. So I understand a large aperture reflector with fast f / ratio is best for DSO, but I have heard of great results with a Refractor. What specs would qualify a Refractor for being good with DSO? Are Reflectors the usual tool for DSO? I think I understand for DSO I would require a large aperture and a large aperture Reflector would do me more harm than good in NJ with the light pollution. What would be a good scope for me? I am looking the $500 range for OTA or with stand, not including additonal eyepieces or collimator (if I purchase a Reflector). So far I have my eyes on the Celestron Omni XLT 150 Reflector, but I wanted to get some opinions from some more experienced stargazers. I have also found https://www.telescopes.com/collections/telescopes/products/meade-lx70-r8-8-inch-reflector-ota Thanks!!! P.S. If you are going to recommend a different scope, please explain the benefits of the scope over the Omni XLT 150.