dobsonian 150 or 200?

[navydave]

Starting off in astronomy and been looking for a decent dob. Limited budget so wondered if you could recommend if I should go for a 150 or 200 size?

[callisto]

If you're budget allows, I'd go for the 200mm.

A good all round scope which will serve you well

[navydave]

thanks - will try to - providing I can store it - there are no dimensions listed - how big is it?

[RikM]

I would say 200 as well if you can afford it. Bigger and brighter than the 150 but still very portable and quick to cool down.

[Ad Astra]

thanks - will try to - providing I can store it - there are no dimensions listed - how big is it?

A 150mm f/8 and a 200mm f/6 are both the same length - about 4 feet long give or take a bit. For tube diameter, add about 1 inch on each side of the mirror, so a 6" scope will have a 7-8 inch wide tube and so on. The bases are much the same size, appx. 18-24 inches wide and usually circular.

Both scopes take almost the exact amount of floor space to store, but the added girth and weight makes taveling with the 200mm more of a challenge, especially if you are trying to fit it in the boot as you drive.

Dan

[ollypenrice]

Another vote for the bigger one. In light grasp it is a big step, in other respects quite a small one, as it seems to me.

Olly

[JAO]

If you can afford the 200mm I would recommend that one. 150mm Dobs are excellent but the 200mm will open up observing horizons that will be beyond the 150mm with not much additional challenge in terms of moving it about and storing it. Just my personal view though and others may present differnt perspectives.

Adrian

[twotter]

Another vote for the 200P (mind you I'm biased).

Mine sits usually in a shaded corner of our conservatory and fits in my car (BMW 1 Series - so not exactly spacious) as the base in the boot, with the tube on the back seat.

[cotterless45]

200P every time. Gives really excellent views right across the field of view. Super scope, plenty on the Dob Users forum. Easy to carry and transport, get in there!!

[Adz]

Another sheep following vote for the 200mm It gives you so much more light, I have seen the difference first hand.

The price to aperture ratio really doesn't come much better in the 'transit van' of scopes!

Mine fits in a tiny corsa too.

[ZEbbEDY]

200p yep yep

Easy to store in upright position