GSO or Skywatcher

[Gal]

Hello,

I'm intending to buy 200mm f/5 Newtonian, but can't decide which one to buy. I'm deciding between http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p5237_GSO-8--f-5-GoTo-Newtonian-Telescope---EQ6-SynScan-mount.html and http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p3887_Skywatcher-Explorer-200PDS---8--f-5-Newtonian---1-10-MICRO.html + http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p433_Skywatcher-EQ-6-Pro-SynScan-GoTo-equatorial-Mount---Telescopes-to-20kg.html , and the question is, is Skywatcher really worth 200€ more. What is your experience with both manufacturers?

thanks for the answers

[emadmoussa]

For the money I think the GSO on EQ6 package is better.

I'm not sure about the OTA - I know the 200P is an excellent telescope since I had one. But I can see that the GSO version has the same AND more features.

for me personally, I'd go for the GSO/EQ6 deal.

[John]

The Skywatcher has a slightly smaller secondary mirror - 58mm v's 63mm so less impact on contrast. I reckon the Skywatcher is more likely to have a better quality mirror than the GSO, on average.

Otherwise, not much in it.

[scarp15]

I was speaking to someone a few weeks back, who had their skywatcher mirror tested. The reading came back as 1/6PV. Skywatcher do appear to mass produce constistently good standard optics, which ought to be between 1/4 and 1/6 PV, there are very few negative accounts that I have come across from users. Cannot speak for GSO and I have little experience with premium mirrors, but I am very happy with the optics on my 300p flextube.

[laser_jock99]

The GSO has a better main mirror cell than Skywatcher & the focuser on my GSO/Revelation Astros is better than my Skywatcher equivalents. Optically the scopes are probably on a par.

[Bart]

Can't say I've looked into a SW but I have the 10" GSO and I love it. The alt/az motion is just a dream. It has a fan. Keeps Collimation very well despite being moved on a sack truck. Can't fault it really. Sometimes feel I enjoy using it more than my 16" (I didn't say that out loud, did I?)

Can't give you a direct comparison but wouldn't sell my 10" GSO, probably hold onto it before the 16" ( didn't say that .....etc)

Barry

[Gal]

Came to the situation where I got my EQ6 mount only need the OTA and both of them cost the same which one would you choose? Will use it for both visual and astrophotography.

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p3888_Skywatcher-Explorer-250PDS---10--f-4-7-Newton---2--1-10-Crayford.html

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p2765_GSO-254-1250mm-Newtonian---10--parabolic-Mirror---OTA.html

[MartinB]

Don't know if this is of any relevance http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/119535-8-f4-quattro-and-gso-newts-on-m33-first-light-review/?hl=%2Bgso