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Posts posted by LewiSci
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14 minutes ago, Saganite said:
Hi Lewis,
Welcome to SGL.....
If you are not in a hurry then consider a used Orion Optics VX12L Dobsonian. I have one with a 1/8th, almost 1/9th wave mirror which is a very good quality, and I bought it in excellent used condition for £650. I am 5' 8" tall but my eye level is 2" higher than the eyepiece of the scope when it is vertical. The tube is aluminium and so light that I can carry it comfortably ( I am 68 years old ). The base footprint is also less than 18".
I have used the Skywatcher 12" and the Meade Lightbridge 12" prior to the OO VX12, and whilst they are very capable scopes, they are as heavy and large as has been mentioned.
I will not need another 12" Dob for the remainder of my observing life.
Hope that helps
Thank you, that is definitely something to consider - I will keep an eye out on the used pages.
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2 hours ago, Shimrod said:
How big is big? If you are purely observing and want to learn the sky as well, then you are more or less in 12" territory for a Dobsonian - but you need to consider size and maneuverability/storage. If you want some assistance navigating the sky, then an slightly smaller goto or push-to would be an option.
I think the first accessory most would recommend for a Dobsonian would be a Telrad finder which would leave some budget for a couple of budget eyepieces - or if you get a truss style dobsonian, then a shroud to cut out stray light.
Thank you - I have no issues moving it between the house and the garden/field for observing at home - I would however probably need to get the base dimensions to make sure it would go through the door! I want to fully embrace learning to navigate around the sky so not too interested in a goto at the moment. I was looking at the Skywatcher 300p which I believe is 12" and would need the shroud I guess. Telrad - noted will add that to the list. Thank you for the advice.
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Hello everyone, glad to be here.
I used to have a basic Celestron Astromaster 90EQ telescope and I was enjoying using it, only for visual not imaging.
However disaster struck when my son managed to knock it over, and damaging it beyond repair. The scope has now gone to someone for spares.
I am now in the position to replace this and want to go for something bigger and purely for observing, not imaging other than using a smartphone adapter for fun.
My initial thoughts were to get a big dobsonian. I have good skies where I am (edge of the Peak District) and plan to take it further into the national park when time/weather allows.
My budget is around ~£800 for the telescope and then another ~£200 for lenses/accessories.
Would really appreciate some advice on what to do for the best.
Thanks in advance, Lewis.
New to the Forum - Replacing Telescope Options
in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
Posted
Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. That sounds pretty uncomfortable to be having to be on a stepladder - excuse my ignorance but I assume this would be just when the object is directly overhead? I have some eyepieces that came with my other scope and also a celestron kit which included:
15mm Kellner eyepeice
6mm Plossl Eyepiece
2 x Barlow lens
80A blue planetary filter
24 Red Planetary filter
Moon Filter
I'm wondering whether I would get better results with a smaller scope (10" maybe) and more eyepieces?
Thanks,