Upgrade

[Ambrose]

Hi all, just joined this forum and after a bit of advice, I am thinking of getting a 10” dob, any recommendations and advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks

 

ambrose 

[johninderby]

Hi and welcome to the forum. 👍🏻

First of all what’s the budget? There are good basic dobs and better equiped ones but more expensive.

[Ambrose]

Thanks, I really don’t want to spend more than £1000 just yet, I’ve been looking at Bresser Messier and just wondered if anyone had used one or have any recommendations, thanks

[johninderby]

The Messier is a great choice. I’ve had a Skywatcher 10” dob and while it was a good buy the Bresser is a step up in quality and better equipped with a great focuser and proper bearings etc. Well worth the extra. Never regretted upgrading to one. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Finder needs upgrading but that’s typical for most dobs. This is a good finder and you will have to change the finder shoe to a Synta type. 

Finder

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-9x50-right-angled-erect-image-finder--bracket.html#SID=22

Finder shoe with wide hole soacing.

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/baader-finderscope-base.html#SID=1666

Also have a red dot finder as well is really usefull to get you in the general area then zero in with the optical finder.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/rigel-quikfinder-compact-reflex-sight.html

Edited April 25, 2020 by johninderby

[Louis D]

I've read that they're pretty decent.  Sorry I don't have any first hand experience with it.  Have you ever see or picked up a 10" Dob in person?  They're not exactly small or compact.  As long as you're aware of that, it can be a very good choice giving years of astro enjoyment.

Have you read through @johninderby's thread on his 10" Bresser Dob? (Apparently, we simulposted.)

Edited April 25, 2020 by Louis D

[Ambrose]

Thanks john and Louis, think that’s the one I’m gonna go for, I’ve seen one for £535 so that leaves money for upgrades. 

[johninderby]

Would check with dealer first before ordering to confirm the scope is in stock and delivery time. Got mine from Harrison Telescopes but think they are waiting for stock. Telescope House ships direct from Germany so may be quicker. 

Also get the 1:10 uprade for the focuser.

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/bresser-messier-1-10-gear.html#SID=1690

Do you have any collimation tools.?

Edited April 25, 2020 by johninderby

[Ambrose]

I’ve just ordered a cap and laser, will check delivery options before I commit, have looked at three or four so should be ok, one said two day delivery. 

[johninderby]

What laser? 

[Ambrose]

I’ve just ordered a cap and laser, will check delivery options before I commit, have looked at three or four so should be ok, one said two day delivery. 

[Ambrose]

It’s a seben, first laser one I’ve had, do you have any other ideas John 

Edited April 25, 2020 by Ambrose

[Ambrose]

[johninderby]

Not familiar with that one. Cheaper lasers usually need collimating themselves before they can be used. Just search collimating a laser collimator for more info.

I use a Hotech which is spot on but not cheap.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/hotech-collimation-tools/hotech-sca-laser-collimator-with-cross-hair.html

I also use a Concenter for setting up the secondaty properly although it can also be used to adjust the primary mirror. I adjust the secondary with the Concenter then finish collimation with the laser. 

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p5506_TS-Optics-Concenter-2--Collimation-Eyepiece-for-Newtonian-Telescopes.html

[johninderby]

Yep you will need check collimation on that laser before using. Should be usable once collimated though.

Edited April 25, 2020 by johninderby

[Ambrose]

Thanks john, you’ve been very helpful, you’ll be sick I’m me before long ha ha ha