Should I Buy!!

[Bino Pete]

At present I have a Mak 127 (see sig.).

I'm thinking about buying a dobsonian - probably the 200P and also keep my 127.

I know the majority of you will say 'the more the merrier' but in reality do I really need two scopes - will I then not use my mak?

I live in a light polluted area so will I get the adventages that come with the dob?

Help me out please!!

[dweller25]

The 200P will significantly outperform the 127 Mak on the planets, lunar and deep sky.

The 200p will be OK in your locale for deep sky but will be much better at a darker site.

Put a cooling fan on the back of the 200P and it will proabably cool as quickly as the 127 Mak

I suspect you may sell the 127 after you have use the 200P for a while

 

Edited April 10, 2016 by dweller25

[Beulah]

200p? Absolutely yes.

An absolutely cracking mirror, and a real keeper. Great on planets and DSOs.

Manageable size, too, to take out in the car to darker sites. Setup time; virtually minutes, once you have learned to collimate.

One thing to mention is that the care and feeding of a Newtonian will be a little different from the Mak; I mentioned collimation, which is making sure the both mirrors (large primary, smaller secondary) are aligned.

You'll need to buy a collimator: http://www.firstlightoptics.com/other-collimation-tools/cheshire-collimating-eyepiece.html

And here is a guide: http://www.astro-baby.com/collimation/astro%20babys%20collimation%20guide.htm

 

[astronymonkey]

I have a 127 mak, a 200p and a 16inch lightbridge and find I tend to use the 127 more when im doing planetary or lunar as the tracking means you can catch moments of good seeing and it helps when showing others these objects. Despite the smaller aperture the goto also means that finding objects is simplified and the whole lot fits in a toolbox with a 7ah skywatcher battery with only the tripod separate ... so great for camping trips.

The 200p is bigger but you need to know the sky to find objects and  get the most from it so even with the larger aperture you need to be able to find the objects first. The tube fits across the back seat of the car and its quick to set up but too big for family weekends away. Id be tempted to consider a 10inch dob .... or even a 12 as there are some second hand bargins around but obviously size and budget may be a factor. The 200p is a great scope though and great value for money if bought second hand and very simple to operate. cheers

 

 

 

 

 

[xtreemchaos]

200p, you cant go wrong,cracking scope, i love mine, i have the f5 version it gives amazing views and its good when you want to take pics.goodluck.  charl.

[great_bear]

I have a Mak 180 and the Revelation 200 Dob (which is better than the SkyWatcher one).

The Dob is now my travel scope (seriously). The OTA fits into the roofbox on the car, and the dob base has no impact on space for me as I pack luggage bags both into and around it in the car boot.

I bought it because:

1. It is considerably more stable in a breeze than a tripod-based scope - this is a big plus
2. It is considerably less hassle to set up and use than a motorised setup

Il still use the Mak for those long urban nights binoviewing Saturn, Jupiter, or the moon etc. - but it is staying at home from now on. Life's too short for all the faff setting it up when visiting a dark sky site.

The Dob feels like freedom - and the wide-field views are breathtaking!

Edited April 10, 2016 by great_bear

[Jimtheslim]

14 minutes ago, great_bear said:

I have a Mak 180 and the Revelation 200 Dob (which is better than the SkyWatcher one).

 

I am considering the skywatcher, so just wondering what makes you say this? I had been looking at both the skywatcher and revelation and a lot of people have said there's not much in it, if anything people thought the skywatcher might be better

[Peter Drew]

Nice quote "the Dob feels like freedom", sums it up well.  

[niallk]

+1 for considering a 10" f/4.7  similar tube lengths

[brantuk]

Astronomonkey must be reading my mind cos that's exactly what I was going to suggest in his post above.

Think of it this way - if you can afford to hire a scope for a year at £2 per week - then you can get a 200P for circa £300 and get 65% of value back selling on in twelve months time. Better still - do the same exercise with a 250P if you consider it manageable.

[great_bear]

3 hours ago, Jimtheslim said:

I am considering the skywatcher, so just wondering what makes you say this? I had been looking at both the skywatcher and revelation and a lot of people have said there's not much in it, if anything people thought the skywatcher might be better

In contrast to the SkyWatcher, the Revelation 8" Dob has:

1. Really nice high-quality Alt bearings with large tension knobs cleverly designed so that the tube just lifts straight on/off the base instantly
2. You can fine-tune the scope balance if required
3. Built in cooling fan with battery box
4. Dual-speed 10:1 crayford focusser
5. Large knurled collimation knobs on the mirror
6. Better quality finder
7. Decent (re-sellable) eyepieces with 2" extender tube

 

Edited April 10, 2016 by great_bear

[Bino Pete]

A 250P skywatcher dob is for sale near to where I live for £275 (I've just asked her to drop but she hasn't got back to me yet). It comes with laser collimator and solar filter (which I don't really want), no other mods. She says its in good condition.

1) is this a good price.

2) as I know nothing about reflector telescopes or dobsonian mounts what would I be looking for when viewing the scope at her house?

thanks

Edited April 10, 2016 by Bino Pete

[brantuk]

So long as it's been looked after, in full working order, no major blemishes or undue signs of wear, and under 2yrs old, the price being asked seems reasonable. The main thing to check is the optics of course - make sure there's no scratches or marks on the primary or secondary - shine a torch down the tube to see the mirror condition, and in the focuser tube to see the secondary. Look through with an eyepiece and check it focuses - you'll need a distant object. Check the finder and ensure you can align it.

Mechanics - ensure it moves smooth and firm in both axes with the right amount of stiction and no looseness or wierd noises which might indicate a bearing issue. Ensure the focuser is smooth and positive in it's action and holds the eyepiece well with no slippage or side to side rocking. My estimate based on 2/3rds of the cost of a brand new one (which is £415) would be circa £270 - but like you say - she may negotiate if you don't want the extras. Others will suggest other checks, but hope that helps.

(Oh and check all the primary and secondary collimation screws are present and correct, and lock nuts on the primary).

Edited April 10, 2016 by brantuk

[Jimtheslim]

2 hours ago, Bino Pete said:

A 250P skywatcher dob is for sale near to where I live for £275 (I've just asked her to drop but she hasn't got back to me yet). It comes with laser collimator and solar filter (which I don't really want), no other mods. She says its in good condition.

1) is this a good price.

2) as I know nothing about reflector telescopes or dobsonian mounts what would I be looking for when viewing the scope at her house?

thanks

This is the scope I am looking to buy new as I can't find any second hand. It will certainly be worth a look, making sure you take the precautions above. If you get a bad feeling about it, like if it's covered in dints and dust and doesn't seem well looked after then you don't have to get it. I often ask what people's reason for sale is and a little bit about using it. This will usually give you an indication as to whether the seller is likely to be a conscientious amateur astronomer who is likely to look after their kit. 

[Physopto]

I have just sold my Celestron 5SE. I regret selling it even though not used much. Starting to realise now when I could have used it on my present  better mount. Just can't win.

[g30rg313]

16 minutes ago, Physopto said:

I have just sold my Celestron 5SE. I regret selling it even though not used much. Starting to realise now when I could have used it on my present  better mount. Just can't win.

That's like anything physopto guaranteed that when you get rid of something you end up needing it.....you can have something that's seemingly useless for years, but the the moment you get rid of it.......

[Physopto]