Which 10" dob to buy?

[Retro]

Hello to all,

Im an old member returning to the hobby after a few years break and im scopeless of sorts.

Problem now is choosing the right scope, things have moved on a little but not much, my previous scopes included a Meade 16" Lightbridge,

an Orion XT10i, Meade LXD 75 refractor.

The ideal scope for me now would be a 10" dobsonian, not too big too handle and purely for visual, i did consider a 12" dob but starts getting a bit awkward storing and transporting, bit like the 16" Meade did.

I've been looking at the Orion XT10 plus as i didnt use the handset on my previous 10i and it seems a fair price, and also the TS GSO 10" deluxe scope but i have no experience or knowledge about these scopes, and the Sky Watcher 10" dob which is half the price of the Orion and GSO.

Ideally i just want the best quality one out the choices i have, i know they might even roll out the same factory but there must be some slight differences with mirrors, focusers etc and the base obviously.

I've been reading up on here and other forums but the more i look the more difficult its becoming.

I live in the UK also so availability must be easy in a already dried up market

Would really appreciate as much help as possible

Thank you

Mike.

[dweller25]

Looks like you may have a long wait for a new scope, the 10” Bresser Dob looks nice. Orion Optics in Crewe do a good range.
One thing to consider if buying from Europe after January 1st is import duties 🙁

Edited December 31, 2020 by dweller25

[johninderby]

The Bresser dob is very well specced for a mass market dob. You would need to get something like an Orion UK dob or other specialist manufacturer's dob to get something better. Great CNC focuser (optional dual speed knob) and proper alt bearings.

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

Mine with a custom base.

Edited December 31, 2020 by johninderby

[Simon Dunsmore]

Hi Mike, 

Welcome back!! 

I purchased a Skywatcher 10" dob from the good folks at FLO. Nice piece of kit, although it could do with a twin speed focuser. 

I have two scopes, a 130pds on a Heq5 for photography and the dob for visual, I built a push to base for the dob and love the set up, definitely don't regret the purchase. 

Hope you find a scope soon, you never know we may even get some clear skies?! 🤣😂

Happy New year 

Simon 

[Retro]

20 hours ago, dweller25 said:

Looks like you may have a long wait for a new scope, the 10” Bresser Dob looks nice. Orion Optics in Crewe do a good range.
One thing to consider if buying from Europe after January 1st is import duties 🙁

Hi David

I totally forgot about brexit and the import duties/tax, should of bought one months ago!

Appreciate the input, i'll have a look at those options

Many thanks

Mike.

 

[Retro]

19 hours ago, johninderby said:

The Bresser dob is very well specced for a mass market dob. You would need to get something like an Orion UK dob or other specialist manufacturer's dob to get something better. Great CNC focuser (optional dual speed knob) and proper alt bearings.

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

Mine with a custom base.

Hi there

That looks impressive and love custom made bases!

Thank you for posting

Mike.

[Retro]

18 hours ago, Simon Dunsmore said:

Hi Mike, 

Welcome back!! 

I purchased a Skywatcher 10" dob from the good folks at FLO. Nice piece of kit, although it could do with a twin speed focuser. 

I have two scopes, a 130pds on a Heq5 for photography and the dob for visual, I built a push to base for the dob and love the set up, definitely don't regret the purchase. 

Hope you find a scope soon, you never know we may even get some clear skies?! 🤣😂

Happy New year 

Simon 

Hi Simon,

Thank you for the warm welcome back, although i never really went away as astronomy never leaves you even when you have no scope, always find myself looking up at the stars at any opportunity.

I managed to buy a Skywatcher 150p second hand recently as just a stop gap till i buy my main scope, i was very impressed with the builld quality of the SW hence why I would consider a 250p, price is very good too!

Focusers can be easily upgraded if need be, love the base you made, quality!

And yes we could do with some good weather and clear skies asap!

All the best for new year

Mike.