New member and first scope advice please

[StevieD]

Hi All,

Just joined tonight and new to astronomy. I've been a lurker on this site for around 4 weeks, researching the requirements for my first scope just for observatory viewing. I've also been on several "what will i see sites" so i know im not about to compete with the hubble lol. 

I've narrowed it down to a 10" Dob, either a Sky-Watcher Skyliner 250P Dobsonian or a the FlexTube version:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-250px-dobsonian.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-250px-flextube-dobsonian.html

I've read a few topics and from what i can conclude the rigid scopes are preferred if you don't have storage issues which i don't and i have an SUV which will easily transport the 250p. Some people are also saying that the flextube might need collimating more often, so is the rigid scope the best buy do you think?

A few extras im looking to buy:

Cheshire Collimating Eyepiece - https://www.firstlightoptics.com/other-collimation-tools/premium-cheshire-collimating-eyepiece.html

Talrad Finder - https://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/telrad-finder-astronomy.html

Am i missing anything like a decent eyepiece or is the above enough for my first glimpse of the moon and close planets? What is a good beginner tracker, the GoTo?

Thanks,

Steve

 

Edited July 12, 2020 by StevieD

[johninderby]

I prefer the solid tube but others like the flex-tube but if storage isn’t a problem the solid tube is a good option.

You might also consider the Bresser dob which is a more deluxe better built dob although optics are similar. Seems expensive until you add up all the extras it has over the Skywatcher. The focuser alone is worth a big chunk of the price difference as well as all the other features.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bresser-telescopes/bresser-messier-10-dobsonian-telescope.html

Whike the  Skywatcher solid tube is cheaper it’s adding things like a decent focuser etc that start adding up. However being cheaper you can add the extras later on as budget allows.

The Chesire collimating eyepiece is fine and also the Telrad although some like the Rigel Quikfinder which is a lot smaller and works in a similar way.

You will probably want to replace the straight finder with a right angle correct image one. Yoir back will thank you. 😁

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/astro-essentials-9x50-right-angled-erecting-finderscope.html

I just mentioned the Bresser as I think it’s a good idea to be aware of other options. It is good value when you consider what you are getting but it does mean putting out all the money in one lump whereas with the Skywatcher you can spread out the expense.

The stock Skywatceher eyepieces aren’t the best but will get you started. 

Edited July 12, 2020 by johninderby

[Pixies]

There are a few 10" Besser Dob owners on here - worth considering, although they are a little pricier that the 10" Skyliner, they're the same as the flextube.

I got an 8" Bresser, when I was originally looking for the 8" Skyliner. I haven't regretted it. 

All have long waiting times now, though.