Explore Scientific 16" Dob is out!!

[emadmoussa]

http://www.explorescientific.co.uk/en/Telescope-optics/Explore-Scientific-Ultra-Light-Dobsonian-406mm.html

[Mike73]

'Ready for shipping' haha yeah good joke! 

Same as the 12", for the money it looks a very nice scope.

[Myopicus]

Well, that's a sexy bit of kit.  Although the yellow bits would be better in black.

[emadmoussa]

I don't know, I kinda find the yellow bit attractive....sort of bee like, sting the hell out of DSOs

[mitchelln]

Very nice! I think the "Dew-resistant because of aluminium construction" claim is pushing it a bit though

[estwing]

Focuser is on the wrong side for me....

[emadmoussa]

Focuser is on the wrong side for me....

Humm...actually, you're right...didn't notice.

[crashtestdummy]

They all are on US scopes.they drive and observe on the right.I'm sure you can easily swap it around

[swamp thing]

Gotta be honest. I don't like it at all.

[Joseki]

Focuser is on the wrong side for me....

but as it's a truss tube scope it might be okay if assembled the other way round? I'm going to be interested in hearing how people get on with this and the 12" ( standing up to repeat assembly, owner mods - e.g. upgrading to moonlite truss connectors etc). Definitely something I could be interested in myself sometime in the future.

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[Pig]

I really like he look of it, not bad for a DOB  

[emadmoussa]

but as it's a truss tube scope it might be okay if assembled the other way round? I'm going to be interested in hearing how people get on with this and the 12" ( standing up to repeat assembly, owner mods - e.g. upgrading to moonlite truss connectors etc). Definitely something I could be interested in myself sometime in the future.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

I think there's a level of bias in astronomy. You hear over and over again people praising Skywatcher and talking down GSO for example - without necessarily having used a GSO gear. The same applies to Explore Scientific, it's  becoming pretty popular, but a lot of astronomers are a bit hesitant to invest in their products. I don't know how good optically these dobs are, but having played with one at Astrofest this year I was impressed with its build and mechanics. I tried several ES products, and so far I haven't been let down...

[jetstream]

Emad,it looks as if they used an AL square tube frame with thinner side plates riveted on for the mirror box,rocker box-when you saw the other one did you notice if this is the case?They look utilitarian,but if they work it may be a good value.Any word on mirror specs?

[rowan46]

Focuser is on the wrong side for me....

FTFY

[AlexB67]

Any word on mirror specs?

I suspect mirror specs for that sort of cash will be the fairly standard thing. My guess 1/4PV  - 1/6 PV at best with the standard coatings. I suppose like most of the Chinese equivalents sort of class perhaps ?

Interesting that the weight was one of the boasting points in the video is not mentioned, if  that figure I recall, something like 35 kg was it ?  I certainly would want that on the page as a selling point, but it is not specified.

[Beulah]

Cheaper than the bog standard SW 400p as well....woe is me!!!

[SnakeyJ]

Interesting that the weight was one of the boasting points in the video is not mentioned, if  that figure I recall, something like 35 kg was it ?  I certainly would want that on the page as a selling point, but it is not specified.

first thing I checked on the specs too, and probably right on the mirrors too - still it is a good price and nice looking bit of kit even in yellow/black.

[avtaram]

I'm tempted.

Avtar

[jetstream]

I wonder how rigid the truss pole attachment points will be, held in place with one screw each,presumably a friction fit insert with a screw,also the side bearing ring screw attchment(cross piece)