What can I expect from an 8" Dobsonian

[scottphillips]

Hey guys been told that the SkyWatcher Skyliner 200p is the best option for my small budget of £300

I wanted great views of most objects in the sky with the option of planetary imaging

Could anyone confirm this is the right option or not and if not what is ?

Thanks

[Astronigel]

8"" sounds good size for alot of general use, I cant comment on the model to be honest as not used one, not to sure a dobsonian is best for much imaging tho.. dobs are more for visual mostly. only the shortest of exposures to be had for imaging

[daiwelly]

Hi Scott have a read of these pages on forum for a idea of what you can expect to see:

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/196278-what-can-i-expect-to-see/

[scottphillips]

What would you suggest I get for £300 that would enable me to take decent planetary images ??

[Astronigel]

Tricky one that scott... for imaging you need a decent equatorial mount i would say .. 

[scottphillips]

Even for planetary imaging ? I got told an eq was for deep sky long exposure imaging ?

[Naplesnut]

Dear Scott,

I have used an 8" skywatcher as a visual scope on a dob base, but this wont do for imaging planets. You could go to www.astrobuysell.com/uk and buy a 127 MCT on an Eq3-2 mount for under £300. MCTs are great for planets

stu

[Astronigel]

Pretty much any imaging needs a decent ish equatorial; mount.. defo not a dobsonin

[John]

Even for planetary imaging ? I got told an eq was for deep sky long exposure imaging ?

Scott,

I recommended the 8" dob in your other thread as a visual instrument. I thought you had decided to drop your imaging needs for the time being. You might be able to take the odd lunar snapshot with a dob but it's not driven (for your £300 budget) so won't be suitable for any imaging that requires tracking of objects, which is most astro imaging to be honest with you.

Sorry if I did not make that clear when I made the recommendation.

It really is very difficult to get an instrument that "multi tasks" for your budget in all honesty.

[Naplesnut]

Also unless you are well sheltered or have an observatory, then regardless of any mount you may have a wind of 15mph or more causes too much wobble for visual use let alone astro photography

[scottphillips]

hey john i did say i wanted to do planetary imaging !! now i have come across this which i have read that it has tracking on it so would i be able to take planetary imaging with this ? http://www.firstlightoptics.com/maksutov/skywatcher-skymax-127-supatrak.html