Skywatcher 200P Dob

[lepus]

Hi

I'm looking to upgrade my current 70mm refractor to the above mentioned. Does anyone own one of these that could give me some advice? I need to know the following things

1 What are the views like through it?

2 Does it require collimating every time it is used?

3 Is it heavy to transport?

4 How much space does it take up?

Thanks

Kelly

3

[dweller25]

1 What are the views like through it?

I am a dedicated planetary observer and use the 8" F/6 OTA but mounted on a Vixen GP-E equatorial head. With this setup I have seen some great planetary views - see my drawings in the sketching section. My eyes are average - people with better eyesight will see even more.

2 Does it require collimating every time it is used?

No - it's very stable, but east to collimate if required.

3 Is it heavy to transport?

They are not heavy, as long as you have no health issues you should be ok - try to see one in a showroom.

4 How much space does it take up?

Again try to see one.

They are a superb all round scope and really good value for money - only issue I found was sticktion with the dob base but I now use it on an EQ mount.

HTH

[Rob]

I have a 200P DS and love it. currently on a EQ5 with CG5 tripod soon to become a GPE on CG5 tripod cant wait for those smooth RA & DEC gears..

You cant go wrong really. just wished the 200P DS had a dob mount!.

Rob

[lepus]

Dweller25

Wow amazing sketches the views are certainly not dissapointing.

Other than the sticktion? is the dob base difficult to operate?

Kelly

[dweller25]

The dob base idea is excellent as long as it is smooth. Mine was not and was very frustrating. It is not difficult to make your own dob base.

[lepus]

Great thanks for the advice.

Kelly

[yeti monster]

Do production Dob mounts utilise an old LP for part of their bearings then?

[twotter]

1 What are the views like through it?

I give mine an hour to cool down and then the views are, to me at least, breathtaking. I've had some great nights out under the stars. Highlights so far include Jupiter, Mars in January and the Ring Nebula. I've also had some nice views of M31, M1, M45, M42 and many others. Changing eyepieces around allows me to take time to really appreciate some of these delicate, almost ethereal, DSOs

I'm still looking forward to my first views of Saturn

2 Does it require collimating every time it is used?

I haven't needed to yet and I've had it since last September.

3 Is it heavy to transport?

I just move it from the conservatory out onto the patio, so leave the tube on the mount. It's quite easily manageable even for me with a knackered back.

4 How much space does it take up?

About 3 foot diameter and 4-5 foot high.