Aperture fever strikes!

[ian_d]

I've been the proud and very satisfied owner of a Celestron C6 SCT with CG-5 GOTO mount for about four years now. Never regretted that purchase - a great setup, great views and really good for taking along to various public events I do as part of Cotswold AS. Quick to set up, and really quick to do a tour around the "wow" objects etc.

However, as I've done more observing and developed my own interests, I've realised that a) I don't use GOTO when doing "proper" observing - I much prefer star hopping, and I want more aperture!

So, I'm close to hitting "checkout" at FLO on a Skywatcher 250PX solid tube Dob. (With no intention of parting with my trusty Celestron setup, much to my bank account's disappointment!) I think this will give me what I'm after - more light, no fuss, and I've already got some decent EPs (Televue Panoptic 24mm, Televue 2x Barlow and a 7mm ortho) so hoping the f/4.7 won't be an issue.

Thoughts? Would others with the same needs be considering the same? Really interested to get some views!

[RikM]

I did and it is great.

[ian_d]

Nice one Rik, thanks - I'm 99.99% convinced to go for it, only the skinflint in me is holding me back :-)

[RikM]

I am bringing it to Shurdington on the 28th and Newent on the 29th if you fancy a play (assuming the weather cooperates). I'll trade you for a peek through your Pan 24

[ian_d]

It's a deal!

[swamp thing]

Hi

Seeing as you are keeping the other scope. I would go with a 12" personally.

Regards Steve

[Nexus 6]

Hi

Seeing as you are keeping the other scope. I would go with a 12" personally.

Regards Steve

why stop there?...do I hear 14"?

its a nice jump you thinking of Ian, I went from a 6se to the 925 and have loved the views using that.

[ian_d]

Right well, no going back now - I've done it! 250PX in the post next week. Blame it on the clouds tonight - if it'd been clear I'd have been outside, away from the internet!

Bring on the light bucket

[Tiddles]

Yeeehaaaaaaaa, lucky you!!!!!!

[Luke]

Congrats on the new scope!

I miss our fixed tube, stick it outside, let it cool for a bit, if it doesn't clear, all of 30 seconds wasted

[RikM]

Well done

[swamp thing]

Bring on the light bucket

You will not regret it. Good call.

[Damo636]

Congrats Ian, welcome to the dob brigade

[Gina]

Nice buy I can't afford anything ATM, I'm stony broke! Enjoy your light bucket - helps the winter blues away (if you get any clear skies) Good luck

[ian_d]

Yeah, thanks all - no doubt I will be asking a few dumb questions about collimation on here soon, having never owned a Newt before.

Rik - would be great to get some tips from your good self next weekend maybe?!

[derekm]

Hi

Seeing as you are keeping the other scope. I would go with a 12" personally.

Regards Steve

The 10" will be like night & day, but a 12" even more so. Only proviso, do you have the space and would a 12 fit your car? The solid 12s are big but a flex-tube would be well worth a look.

EDIT: Didn't read the whole thread! Good luck with the new toy, you won't regret it! Aperture is king!!

[ian_d]

The 10" will be like night & day, but a 12" even more so. Only proviso, do you have the space and would a 12 fit your car? The solid 12s are big but a flex-tube would be well worth a look.

EDIT: Didn't read the whole thread! Good luck with the new toy, you won't regret it! Aperture is king!!

Yes, cost and size constraints came into the decision - just as well cos otherwise I'd have been eyeing up a 20" or something insane like that

[RikM]

No problem.

I am aiming to get to Shurdington for about 5pm. If you haven't ordered one, get a Cheshire eyepiece because at f/4.7 it does make a difference to the sharpness of the view. I'll have mine in the box anyway.

[ian_d]

Thanks Rik - ordered a Cheshire and a Rigel QuikFinder with the scope, they sounded pretty essential...!