Standard Dob vs Flextube

[ponte carlo blue]

If using in an area with light pollution would a flextube dob suffer more from "light intrusion" and thus diminish performance because the sides are open?

I'm hoping that question makes sense!

Thanks

Rich

[yoda]

Hi Rich yes but you can buy a cover to go around the flextube to prevent it.

Or go for the solid tube and you will not have that problem.

[Chris H]

Unless you really need a flextube for storage reasons youare best getting a solid tube for 10" or less. The solid tube's will hold collimation better, you won't need a shroud and they actually weigh less.

[ponte carlo blue]

Thanks,

Storage is an issue, but its good to know as well.

Thanks for the answers.

Rich

[yoda]

The solid tube 10'' stands 4'6'' tall if that helps

[mason]

i was useing a skywatcher flexi tube auto for imaging planets. The light from my laptop was abit of a problem, had to turn it away which made it harder to focas the image. Had to do it at arms lengh!! but yeah, you can get a wrap around.

[ponte carlo blue]

Mason

Is the flex tube something you would recommend?

Are there issues with collmination as suggested above?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks

Rich

[mason]

i would recomend yeah, collmination wasnt really a problem, the truss locks into place nicely, cools down quicker and easier to pack away and store.

The only problem i had was with the focuser. wasnt very responsive with an imaging camera inserted. was a bit heavy and the focuser slips. This could be corrected easily with an upgraded focuser.

As far as the actual tube goes, yeah was great.

hope this helps alittle!

[StevieDvd]

I recently asked the same questions here http://stargazerslounge.com/equipment-help/130563-8-standard-8-flextube-dob.html

It may be of interest to you and save others repeating their responses.

On the whole I think I'm glad I went for the solid tube in the end.

Steve

[Space Cowboy]

Flextube is shorter but heavier and more bulky. Advantages are you can fit the tube in a large holdall and it goes in the boot of a medium hatchback. The shorter tube makes it easier to carry through door ways (not that i've ever carried a solid 10" through a door!).

Collimation is not too bad the secondary keeps in place and only the primary needs a tweak which only takes 30 secs, (even after transporting in the car).

[brantuk]

You can stop the focuser slipping when it's loaded up (eg with big ep's or cameras etc) by tightening the locking screw underneath it

[mason]

you can yeah, but achiving a sharp focus is difficult when it slips about. can be alittle frustrating!

[ponte carlo blue]

Again thanks for the advice, and the link to the q&a thread.

Still, plenty to think about. I'll have to have a look in the flesh to check out sizes.

But regarding collmination, it strikes me that could be an issue with what ever reflective type you are using and or who made the scope and on what day.

Like you really don't want a friday car for instance!

cheers Rich

[ponte carlo blue]

Right next question anyone seen or used a dob with goto?

like this Skywatcher Skyliner 200P FlexTube GOTO

Dobsonians - Skywatcher Skyliner 200P FlexTube GOTO

Rich

[brantuk]

"you can yeah, but achiving a sharp focus is difficult when it slips about. can be alittle frustrating!"

Don't know if this will work ,but you could use a bhatinov mask to focus and lock the tube in place before mounting the camera - might be worth trying