Help with dob choice please?

[Rob]

Looking at Skyliner 200p or Orion XT8

Dobsonians - Skywatcher Skyliner 200P Dobsonian

or

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic

Have to say I'm kinda taken with the Orion XT8, but would like opinions on both please?.

Thanks

Rob

[johninderby]

They're both made by Synta and use the same OTA and mirrors. The base is different with a different tensioning system. I prefer the SkyWatcher as the tensioning handles make good carrying handles but some prefer the Orion.

John

[Sam]

I've got an XT8 Classic and it's a great scope. The base is quite solid and the scope is easy enough to move around. It is also quite well balanced and the spring tensioning system is very good. As mentioned above it's pretty much the same scope as the 200P but the base and other bits are different.

Sam

[Rob]

Thanks guys.. I like the fit an finish on the Orion. The SW price is £269 for the 200P. The XT8 is £299.. the fight also is the SW 250PX is £369

Humm.. lots to think about. I also need to think about space and carrying the beast outside + not putting my back out again, hence the 8!

[Sam]

I've got a 250px as well and it's not too much heavier than the 200/XT8.

[ollypenrice]

Go as big as you can! These ae just incredible value, like so many instruments today.

Olly

[room16]

250px and you wont be dissapointed

[johninderby]

Yes, get the 250PX if you can as it's not that much bigger and heavier than the 200 and will show you a lot more. The big jump in size and weight is between the 250 and the 300.

John

[Rob]

Currently have an offer of a OO 10" F4.8 (1200mm) OTA on the table. I only have a EQ5 with 1.75 Steel legs and ticking over whether it will carry it ok. Its a fair price for delux model as well, so giving it lots of thought.

[AstroJosh]

From experience I can say the XT8 is the best choice for the money. Sturdy and well-put-together while still maintaining overall lightweight portability. Plus the actual optics are incredible.

Thumbs up for the XT8!

[John]

From experience I can say the XT8 is the best choice for the money. Sturdy and well-put-together while still maintaining overall lightweight portability. Plus the actual optics are incredible.

Thumbs up for the XT8!

The XT8 is a great scope but lists at £299 wheras the practically identical Skywatcher Skyliner 200P is £265.

Both made by Synta as far as I know.