Any advice on new scope

[JamesM]

Hi Dave and welcome to the forum

Clear skies

James

[Dave Collins]

I have now made a decision and have ordered the SW Skyliner 200p dob from FLO. Thanks for all the previous advice/replies. I've also ordered a Cheshire collimator and Baader moon filter. The only other bit Im thinking of ordering is a Telrad or Rigel finder as a few people have posted that the finder it comes with isn't very good? Is there any difference between the Telrad and Rigel?

[barrymcd]

Hi there all. Wondering if anyone has any experience with the Orion Skyquest XT8 dobsonian? I currently have a Meade DS2080 GOTO refractor and I'm looking for more detail on the planets and DSO's. Also looking at a Celestron Nexstar SE 6. I know the Dob is not very portable so would only be using it in the back garden. Live on the outskirts of town so not too much light pollution. Any advice/recommendations would be appreciated. Open to any suggestions on a better scope? :-)

I recomend Tal-125 .. there robust enough to luggie the around in the car . Although i expect you be loosing resolving power in relation to the XT8 but the detail wont be leagues apart . Sky watcher are good scope but the tubes arn't as robust as Tal .. these are both in the £200 range and are f6 .

The Celestron Nextar SE 6 is F10 and is sure to give better resolving power. But look about for that kind of money i'm sure you;ll get a telescope with a focal length of at least F14.

[barrymcd]

Hi thanks for the welcome. I noticed you have a Skywatcher 200p. What's it like for planet/dso views? I'm still undecided whether to go for a dob or a scope with tripod. I noticed the 200p won a good award in Sky at Night so would be interested in your opinion of it. Thanks Dave

Dont get a telescope with a tripod any serious Observer would want a EQ mount with fixed legs.

You'll want right ascension and declination dials if you want to be able to go to the same spot night after night .

[barkis]

Dont get a telescope with a tripod any serious Observer would want a Altzimuth mount .

You'll want right ascension and declination dials if you want to be able to go to the same spot night after night .

RA and DEC. circles aren't much use on an Alt Az. mount.