What is my best dobsonian option in your opinion?

[johninderby]

I checked Bresser.de and this is the notice they are showing on availability.

[Mihai]

Mhmm...so that means that they are probably back ordered.

Hopefully FLO, RVO or other UK astro shops are getting some soon.

Thanks again for the interest, John

[johninderby]

Telescope House’s seach system is rubbish and often won’t show what you are lookin for.

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

[Mihai]

45 minutes ago, johninderby said:

I checked Bresser.de and this is the notice they are showing on availability.

Yeah, just gave the Bresser support team a call. Apprently, because of the huge amount of orders they've been receiving, they have ran out of some parts that connect the OTA to the alt bearings. They are waiting for some more now but said it would be at least until late Oct or early Nov before a new batch is out

[johninderby]

Ouch !!! 🙁

Not good news but the Bresser has been very popular lately. so in a way positive in that so many others want one.

[Mihai]

@johninderby, it seems like no one has in in stock, both in the UK as well as Europe.

I guess I missed that train

What would next best option be, in your opinion?

Cheers!

[johninderby]

Perhaps this one? Same mirrors as the Bresser but a truss tube.

https://www.365astronomy.com/Explore-Scientific-10-Ultra-Light-Dobsonian-254mm.html

[Mihai]

I had it's bigger brother in my original line-up:

"Explore Scientific Ultra Light 12" Dobsonian (Gen II) - Although this is just a bit above budget (£1,063 + £7.50 shipping) and the truss design gives me some pause (regarding the ease of setup, the need to constantly recollimate and the potential need for a shroud - as I live close to Manchester's light polluted center), I've read that they improved quite a few things with the 2nd generation. The light gathering capabilities would obviously be better but it would mean that I would have to give up on the RACI and the eyepieces, at least for now. Also, given that I live in Manchester and the weather and light pollution are usually terrible, I'm not sure how often I would manage to get it to a proper dark site with clear skies. What do you think?"

As mentioned, the only things I'm a bit worried about the truss setup process, collimation and light pollution in and around Manchester. Do you think any of those would be an issue?

What about a RACI? Do you think it could support that?

Thank you agian!

Edited July 30, 2020 by Mihai

[johninderby]

Setup will take longer of course if you have to set up up completely but you woulld normaly leave it set up at home and only take it apart if taking it to a dark observing site.

You will need a light shroud as this stops stray light and also heat currents from your body disturbing your view without the shroud to stop them.

Indeed it would need collimating it fully setting up but should be like any other dob if left set up.

Should be no problem fitting a RACI. You would just have to fit one of the Badder finder shoes..

 

 

Edited July 30, 2020 by johninderby

[Mihai]

I've been seeing pretty bad opinions on the build quality for this one, so I'm not sure. Also the extra setup plus the need for a full shroud gives me pause.

@johninderby, I was wondering if there was something else, other than the higher price point, that you think is off with the Orion SkyQuest XT10 PLUS. I understand that the R&P focuser on the Bresser is a bit more stable with large eyepieces and cameras, but is the Crayford that bad? Also, is there anything else that rubs you the wrong way with this one?

Thanks again!

[johninderby]

So frustrating when you can’t just order what you want and have it in a few days.

The Orion XT 10 is a good scope but I like the bearing system on the GSO better. Optics are the equivalent now and build quality the same so it’s only the bearings rhat would sway me towards the GSO.

Astroshop does the GSO deluxe 10” dob under their own brand name but about a months wait until it’s back in stock so about two weeks longer than the Orion. About £40.00 more than the Orion but comes with a Telrad type finder.

https://www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/omegon-dobson-telescope-prodob-n-254-1250-radiant/p,62921

The crayfords supplied with both the Orion and GSO are good although not top quality.

EDIT:

Astroshop do the GSO branded one with a1 to 2 week availabity but more expensive.

https://www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/gso-n-250-1250-deluxe-dobsonian-telescope/p,23750

Edited July 31, 2020 by johninderby

[Mihai]

I found this German company that might still have the Bresser in stock and, with shipping, it would be about 640 EUR: https://www.apm-telescopes.de/en/telescopes/dobsonians/bresser-messier-10-dobson.html

Do you know anything about them?

Thanks again, John!

[dweller25]

APM are a good supplier 👍

[Mihai]

Thanks for the info, @dweller25!

Since I have you here, I was wondering what your thoughts are regarding my options.

Cheers!

[dweller25]

To get the best out of a large aperture scope you may need to view away from the turbulence of Manchester.

So you may need pick a scope that you can transport

[Mihai]

5 minutes ago, dweller25 said:

To get the best out of a large aperture scope you may need to view away from the turbulence of Manchester.

So you may need pick a scope that you can transport

We do have a pretty big Skoda with lots of space in the back, so that should necessarily be an issue. The main concern is quality (for optics, focuser and general build) within the £1,000 budget.

[johninderby]

APM is a major manufacturer of telescopes including APO refractors up to full professional observatories. Also one of the founders of Lunt Telescopes. 

https://luntsolarsystems.com/about-us-lunt-solar-systems/

Bought an A&M refractor from them years ago and Markus Ludes phoned me to discus options with the scope before shipping. Don’t think he deals with customers direct any more with the growth of the company.

But anyway a top company to deal with. 👍🏻

A youtube vid of one of their observatory class scopes being installed.

 

Edited August 1, 2020 by johninderby

[dweller25]

There is also Orion Optics (UK) with guaranteed 1/10th wave optics, but they are very expensive - a new 8” is £970.....

https://www.orionoptics.co.uk/VX/vxnewtonianrefle.html
 

 

Edited August 1, 2020 by dweller25

[Mihai]

13 hours ago, johninderby said:

APM is a major manufacturer of telescopes including APO refractors up to full professional observatories. Also one of the founders of Lunt Telescopes. 

https://luntsolarsystems.com/about-us-lunt-solar-systems/

Bought an A&M refractor from them years ago and Markus Ludes phoned me to discus options with the scope before shipping. Don’t think he deals with customers direct any more with the growth of the company.

But anyway a top company to deal with. 👍🏻

A youtube vid of one of their observatory class scopes being installed.

 

I emailed them yesterday evening and Markus Ludes just replied

Unfrotunately, they don't have it in stock.

I will check again with the UK retailers and maybe wait for the Bresser to be back in stock, if it's not to delayed.

If anyone can think of other similar options, please, don't hestitate to post.

Thank you all again for the invaluable feedback!

Cheers

[Mihai]

On 29/07/2020 at 19:18, Whistlin Bob said:

Hi Mihai- glad to hear what a good time you're having with your 130. If you're enjoying that, then a larger dob will really do it for you...

Have you considered a second hand purchase? Most amateurs seen to take good care of their equipment, and with a dob, unless it's mistreated, there isn't a lot to go wrong. 

I was in your position a couple of years ago and eventually opted for a 3rd hand (at least) truss 14" Orion USA that I found on Astro Buy and Sell with a few extra bits for £800. I was able to check it out before purchase and it has paid me back many times over in fabulous views and awesome sessions. At my Bortle 5 home it blows my 200p out of the water, at a dark site (sadly only a few trips in that time) it is a wonder. It's needed a bit of maintenance but it has been a fantastic purchase. With the experience you already have you'll know what to look for and if you're patient you're sure to find a similar (if not better) bargain.

Sorry about the delayed reply, @Whistlin Bob. Must have missed your message when it came through.

I have been browsing Astro Buy & Sell for a while and found an older 12" Revelation Astro that seemed perfect. Unfortunately, by the time the seller got back to me, it was already taken.

Haven't managed to find any dobs in the UK since then. If you know of some, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks and have a great week ahead!

[Mihai]

Update (for posterity):

I've been speaking to the wonderful people over at FLO and made a pre-order for the Bresser 10" Dobsonian today. It will take a few weeks to get this, as it is back ordered but @johninderby made a really good case for it and, after some through research, I decided that it was the best value for money option I could possibly get. Thanks again for all the extremely useful info and tips, John!

I'm so pumped! Can't wait for first light with this bad boy.

In case anyone in the future has the same struggle as I, here is a list of everything I ordered:

- Bresser Messier 10" Dobsonian Telescope
- Bresser Messier 1:10 Gear-set for Hex-Focuser
- Baader Universal Quick Release Finder Shoe / Base
- Astro Essentials 9x50 Right-Angled, Erecting Finderscope
- Premium Cheshire Collimating Eyepiece
- Explore Scientific 82º Series Eyepieces - 8.8mm (1.25")
- Explore Scientific 2x Barlow / Focal Extender 1.25"
- Astro Essentials Variable Polarising Moon Filter
- Baader Colour Filters for Visual Use - Light Blue / 470nm (1.25")
- Baader Colour Filters for Visual Use - Red / 610nm (1.25")
- Celestron NexYZ 3-AXIS Universal Smartphone Adapter

There are 3 more things on the list but I am going to way for the scope to arrive and then consider purchasing these:

- Explore Scientific 82º Series Eyepieces - 8.8mm (1.25")
- Baader Neodymium Filter (1.25")
- Astrozap Baader Solar Filter 294-304 mm (10" Newt')

I will update everyone once first light has been drawn.

Thank you all again and have a great evening!

 

Cheers,

Mihai

[johninderby]

Glad to hear you have finally got things sorted. 👍🏻

It will be worth waiting for and at least the nights will be a bit darker by then as well. 

One other thing to get is some Turtle Wax to wax the bearing surfaces with. Only the original Turtle Wax works and no other brand works as well. I experimented with different things and found this to be by far the best. It has been recommened for years for a good reason. 👍🏻

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00068OL1A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edited August 5, 2020 by johninderby

[Pixies]

2 hours ago, Mihai said:

Update (for posterity):

I've been speaking to the wonderful people over at FLO and made a pre-order for the Bresser 10" Dobsonian today. It will take a few weeks to get this, as it is back ordered but @johninderby made a really good case for it and, after some through research, I decided that it was the best value for money option I could possibly get. Thanks again for all the extremely useful info and tips, John!

I'm so pumped! Can't wait for first light with this bad boy.

In case anyone in the future has the same struggle as I, here is a list of everything I ordered:

- Bresser Messier 10" Dobsonian Telescope
- Bresser Messier 1:10 Gear-set for Hex-Focuser
- Baader Universal Quick Release Finder Shoe / Base
- Astro Essentials 9x50 Right-Angled, Erecting Finderscope
- Premium Cheshire Collimating Eyepiece
- Explore Scientific 82º Series Eyepieces - 8.8mm (1.25")
- Explore Scientific 2x Barlow / Focal Extender 1.25"
- Astro Essentials Variable Polarising Moon Filter
- Baader Colour Filters for Visual Use - Light Blue / 470nm (1.25")
- Baader Colour Filters for Visual Use - Red / 610nm (1.25")
- Celestron NexYZ 3-AXIS Universal Smartphone Adapter

There are 3 more things on the list but I am going to way for the scope to arrive and then consider purchasing these:

- Explore Scientific 82º Series Eyepieces - 8.8mm (1.25")
- Baader Neodymium Filter (1.25")
- Astrozap Baader Solar Filter 294-304 mm (10" Newt')

I will update everyone once first light has been drawn.

Thank you all again and have a great evening!

 

Cheers,

Mihai

Hi 

The latest Bressers come with solar filters included, I believe.

Mine certainly did, and I have heard the same from a few others too.

[Mihai]

3 hours ago, johninderby said:

Glad to hear you have finally got things sorted. 👍🏻

It will be worth waiting for and at least the nights will be darker by then as well. 

One other thing to get is some Turtle Wax to wax the bearing surfaces with. Only the original Turtle Wax works and no other brand works as well. I experimented with different things and found this to be by far the best. It has been recommened for years for a good reason. 👍🏻

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00068OL1A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For which bearings is this, John? Alt, az, maybe the focuser's, all of them?

Thanks again for all the knowledge sharing. It's really appreciated!

[Mihai]

29 minutes ago, Pixies said:

Hi 

The latest Bressers come with solar filters included, I believe.

Mine certainly did, and I have heard the same from a few others too.

@Pixies, amazing news!

FLO's website did not mention it so I though I would have to get one myself. Thanks for letting me know