16" dob price?

[estwing]

hi guys,just putting the feelers out..any idea what's the avg price for one of these...second-hand,not seen one of these for a while..thanks.

[dtr42]

tthe last one i saw was on here think it went for about £800-900

[estwing]

can you remember what make it was dtr42?

[Moonshane]

I think like most things it depends on the quality of the optics. you could buy a 16" mirror set for <£500 if you are going to need recoating and possibly improve the figure. you could make the truss dob system for maybe £300-400 and end up with a scope with good optics, coatings and figure for maybe £1200. or you can buy a good used 16" lightbridge for maybe £1000-1200 depending on condition. personally I went for a used good quality OOUK 1/8PV f4 mirror set, bought the tube and rings off the seller and then made a cell, bought a focuser and spider/secondary and made the base.

if I'd have bought the thing new it would have been between £3500-4000 but I ended up with the same thing for substantially less.

[Moonshane]

I think it was Matthew's home made f6?

[estwing]

makin my own isn't an option Shane not the time or patience..or room.

[dtr42]

it was daniel k and was a 16" meade light bridge and it was earth titan who bought it

[Moonshane]

that's a decent price for 16" lb. they don't come up that often.

[dtr42]

had just got my 200 flex goto so had emailed him re price then found out it was daniel k as you say they dont come up to often

[estwing]

great..the long wait begin's......

[Mike73]

Place a Wanted add on AB&S and see if you can tempt someone......

Shane I've just done some quick sums and you got yourself a hell of a scope for what I think you paid!!

[dtr42]

there was a truss dob 14" about 4 months ago that went for £410 so they do come up just need to be at the right place and time

[Moonshane]

I agree. though I am a confirmed OrionOpticsUKaholic and tend to only buy their optics (used naturally). usually they cost a little more than average but well worth it.

you do need to be careful of coatings and optical quality at the bigger end but the LBs and SW are pretty good (I believe) as are Oldham Optical and John Nicol etc.

[swamp thing]

Keep your eyes open, don't rush into anything and you will get a good one.

Personally I think the mechanics are extremely important on a scope of this size. It should be a pleasure to use, not a chore. The superb views a scope of this size can give can be ruined if using it is a headache.

[Moonshane]

sage advice indeed Steve. in truth that's why I made my own base (other than being a bit tight). I can push mine around with (literally) one finger in any direction.

[estwing]

i'm gonna get as much use outta my 12 as i can this winter..last year my app was 63mm!!,if one comes along,so be it..but for now 318mm will have to "do"!

[Mike73]

but for now 318mm will have to "do"!

Its a tough life eh!

[estwing]

brave but honest move with the ethos mike...better to of loved and lost than..yadda,yadda

[Moonshane]

I predict one will come up this weekend now you've mentioned it and you'll end up spending quickly! (not mine I stress - it's a family member now).

[Beulah]

You're in the same position as me Estwing. Same aperture (give or take half an inch ), same aperture fever.

I'm standing at the shore waiting for my ship to come in... Any savings I have currently goes on bills...

[swamp thing]

It would appear a 12" scope is the point where aperture fever really takes off

[Doshy]

I got my 16" Lightbridge off ebay. They do come up and if you budget for between £1000 & £1300 dep on any extras then you shouldn't have to wait too long. Really enjoying mine

Phil.

[E621Keith]

+1, I think used 16" mass market dob such as Lightbridge, GSO, and Skywatcher cost between £1k - £1.3k, or around 60%-70% new.

Home made dob can be cheaper, while premium dob cost significantly more.

[Beulah]

It would appear a 12" scope is the point where aperture fever really takes off

Indeed. Fortunately my aparture fever can be cured by driving 30 mins West. A little cheaper too..

[crashtestdummy]

a 16" lightbridge went for just over £1000 on ebay about a month ago