Celestron NexStar 127 SLT - 127 / 1500mm GoTo Maksutov Vs. Skywalker 8 inch Dobsonian

[shiladazz]

Hi Everyone,

Off the bat, I understand this comparison is probably unfair on the Maksutov from a visual range and performance perspective. 

A little bit on the context of this question:

My current circumstances will mean that I will do a lot of window gazing as I do not have a backyard. I plan to take the telescope and mount out often to a darker place out in the open in my car so ability to transport it without hurting my back or worry about damage to the equipment is important. So even though the Dobsonian is probably going to outperform on ability to show not so bright DSOs, usability is important for me. 

The price points of these two devices are similar. 

However, I am not willing to accept a far inferior visual experience just because I can carry a piece of OTA. Might as then not buy it at all. So, I asking for your help to enlighten me with your experience and whether am I trying to solve something unsolvable.

PS: I am a beginner and this is my first telescope. I have read the reviews of the Celestron Maksutov which clearly highlights the average quality of the tripod, battery draining GoTo and the inability to find DSOs fainter than Orion and Pleiades cluster. I presume the 8 inch Dobsonian would be better at viewing DSOs. But it keeping coming back to the darn 28kg setup vs. more nimble 8kg Maksutov..

PSS: I am not worried about astrophotography yet. I will get there when I get there. I want to enjoy the views and fall in love first. 

Best regards,

 

Edited April 15, 2021 by shiladazz
more info

[johninderby]

An 8” dob is quite easy to carry for most as you can carry the base first then the OTA seperately. The dob is a better all rounder that will give better views than the 127 mak. Pity the Bresser 8” dob is backoredered but it is a better specce£ scope than the Skywatcher with a great focuser.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bresser-telescopes/bresser-messier-8-dobsonian-telescope.html

The 127mak on a manual alt az mount is a very popular very portable setup.

Edited April 15, 2021 by johninderby

[Cosmic Geoff]

27 minutes ago, shiladazz said:

I have read the reviews of the Celestron Maksutov which clearly highlights the average quality of the tripod, battery draining GoTo and the inability to find DSOs fainter than Orion and Pleiades cluster.

You do not have to buy a Maksutov with the entry level tripod, and Goto. Other options are available (subject to delivery problems), if you buy the items separately.

As for "the inability to find DSOs fainter than Orion and Pleiades cluster", this sounds lile some urban reviewers' hyperbole. If you take it to a dark skies site you will see plenty of DSOs.

You could just buy both scopes, as the smaller and handier scope will complement the heavier light-bucket.

[cloudsweeper]

I had the 127 Mak and standard GoTo mount and tripod, and found it all perfectly satisfactory.  It's a great all-round set-up, and very portable.  GoTo and tracking are very good aids in this pastime, and the GoTo doesn't drain a jump-starter or power tank excessively.  Batteries? - a non-starter.

It would certainly show you lots of things dimmer than the Pleiades and the Orion Nebula - plenty of other clusters, double stars.  Planets and Moon - no problem.  Depending on the sky, you could probably also see a few of the brighter galaxies.  

If you want to enjoy more fuzzies, a bigger Dob would be required, but the 127 Mak will show you a great deal.  Wish I hadn't sold mine!

Doug.

[shiladazz]

44 minutes ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

You do not have to buy a Maksutov with the entry level tripod, and Goto. Other options are available (subject to delivery problems), if you buy the items separately.

As for "the inability to find DSOs fainter than Orion and Pleiades cluster", this sounds lile some urban reviewers' hyperbole. If you take it to a dark skies site you will see plenty of DSOs.

You could just buy both scopes, as the smaller and handier scope will complement the heavier light-bucket.

Thankyou.  I did not think about decoupling and buy it piecemeal. Maybe a good idea to go with EQ5 or higher and the Mak OTA alongwith. 

[shiladazz]

7 minutes ago, cloudsweeper said:

I had the 127 Mak and standard GoTo mount and tripod, and found it all perfectly satisfactory.  It's a great all-round set-up, and very portable.  GoTo and tracking are very good aids in this pastime, and the GoTo doesn't drain a jump-starter or power tank excessively.  Batteries? - a non-starter.

It would certainly show you lots of things dimmer than the Pleiades and the Orion Nebula - plenty of other clusters, double stars.  Planets and Moon - no problem.  Depending on the sky, you could probably also see a few of the brighter galaxies.  

If you want to enjoy more fuzzies, a bigger Dob would be required, but the 127 Mak will show you a great deal.  Wish I hadn't sold mine!

Doug.

Thank you Doug. Its reassuring to hear that it is perfectly good for more DSOs and not just the very brightest. Thank you for sharing. 

[shiladazz]

1 hour ago, johninderby said:

An 8” dob is quite easy to carry for most as you can carry the base first then the OTA seperately. The dob is a better all rounder that will give better views than the 127 mak. Pity the Bresser 8” dob is backoredered but it is a better specce£ scope than the Skywatcher with a great focuser.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bresser-telescopes/bresser-messier-8-dobsonian-telescope.html

The 127mak on a manual alt az mount is a very popular very portable setup.

How I wish that I could go to a star party to lift the 8" Dob to feel it or visit a fellow enthusiast in Germany, where I live, and take a look at their devices before I make up my mind. But these are strange times and who knows when we can do that again. Might have to blindly bet I guess. But it is reassuring to hear from you that it is not a task only for Hercules.  

I am leaning towards the Dob to be honest and swear to god, if my dealer wasn't out of stock I would placed the DoB order yesterday. 

[johninderby]

You might ask Bresser’s customer service if they have an availability update.

https://www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Telescopes/BRESSER-Messier-8-Dobsonian.html?listtype=search&searchparam=8” dobson