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Post by mia on Nov 24, 2006 14:38:33 GMT
Hi all I've decided to buy another scope (because I can and EQ mounts are turning into the bane of my life) Eamonn in his infinite wisdom has pointed me towards the Meade ETX80AT whichTelescopehouse are selling for £250 + accessories (I'd post the link but don't know how, technology eh?) I currently have a 4".5 reflector which I still intend to use so any suggestions are welcome (no EQ mounts please and something handy for observing sessions) and whoever wins, gets a box of Maltesers.
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Post by Martin Mc kenna on Nov 24, 2006 15:49:20 GMT
For that kind of money Mia I would go for a larger reflector on an alt-azimuth mount. The 80 is a nice little package with Go To but I believe that you will be very disappointed by the view through this scope in comparison to your 4.5"
A 6" or larger reflector would provide beautiful views at the same price range.
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Post by NeilP on Nov 24, 2006 16:08:10 GMT
Mia I think Martin is right, you could get a 8" Dob for not much more than £250 the Skywatcher Skyliner 200 goes for £278.99, get you a lot more light gathering than the 80.
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Post by mia on Nov 24, 2006 16:53:22 GMT
Thanks to you both but I was hoping to get a refractor because Neil said at Killylane it was the only way to go re telescopes so that's why Eamonn's recommended the 80, sorry should've been a bit clearer. However, I'm beginning to warm to the idea of a Dob and I can increase my budget a bit. I want it for DSO's mainly because that's what's interesting me so anymore advice, keep it coming!
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Post by Martin Mc kenna on Nov 24, 2006 17:01:58 GMT
Yes it's good advice. Those ETX80's have a focal length which is too small for a refractor of that size which results in poor images. The aperture is too small for any serious deep sky work and the images appear so tiny. It really would be a waste of your money. A good reflector is the key to having years of enjoyment under the stars. A refractor (the proper kinds) are the best scopes to get for optical quality though they are expensive. Mia I can gurantee that if you hold out and get the skywatcher reflector which Neill suggested or a reflector of that type then you will have made a good decision and will have a fascinating and productive time of thrills and discovery for years to come.
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Post by NeilP on Nov 24, 2006 17:40:55 GMT
Mia
I was only kidding around when I said a refractor was the only way to go, If I had your or Martins dark skies I would have the biggest dob I could get. if you are going for the faint fuzzies you have to go for the aperture, take a look at the price differentials between 8" and 10" or 12" it is not that much, you might want to hold out a bit and go for even bigger aperture, better to wait a bit now than wish you had later.
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Post by stevie on Nov 24, 2006 20:58:18 GMT
Martin and Neil are both right Mia. If it is DSO's you want to see, and you have a dark sky, then a dobsonian is what you need. A 10 or 12 inch would probably be best for you, not too awkward to handle. Consider the Meade lightbridge or the Revelation from Telescope House. I'm sure there would be no shortage of volunteers to help you set it up, and to eat the maltesers afterwards. Good luck!
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Post by markdj on Nov 25, 2006 13:07:32 GMT
I would agree that for eye popping views of DSOs a reflector is the way to go but also consider that my humble 80mm refractor was preforming admirably on DSOs at Slieve Croob and it's very portable.
I think if you can handle the size and weight of a dobsonian then go for one but if it's portability then a refractor is a good choice.
I know you have had a bad experience with your EQ mount but things are not normally like that. For instance, we were able to view Saturn the other night at 150x magnification and since the motor was on I did not have to keep re-centring the scope to the target.
The Meade LXD75 from Lidl is a great buy with GOTO but for the same money you can get a 10inch dob which has far superior light gathering.
I think there is no perfect scope for both planets and DSOs but if you get a dob with a medium f/6 ratio then it will probably work very well on both.
Also, think about what eyepieces you want to use and purchase. For DSOs a nice 30mm ultra wide 2inch would be great with a Dob so factor that in to your budget.
NeilP has both a number of refractors and a 10inch newtonian so he's well placed to advise.
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Post by mia on Nov 28, 2006 12:29:51 GMT
Okay......I've decided after trawling through various sites and taking your advice on board... I'm going to hold on and go for a 10" dob which means it's back to saving again as I'm also buying another guitar at this time and can't afford both. How awkward are they to carry? I've carried a bass amp up two flights of stairs no problem and the dob comes apart so I'm sure I'd have no bother unless it won't fit in the boot of a Clio, should check out dimensions first... I did forget about including lenses in the budget so DOH!!! I nearly fell of the chair when I saw the prices. I need cheaper interests. I do hate EQ mounts, I don't even use the motor on mine, am I the only person in the world who has diffs with it? Thanks everyone, don't know who gets the Maltesers, might have to buy more than one box, it is an expensive hobby
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Post by paulevans on Nov 28, 2006 13:26:40 GMT
In terms of ease of movement, look at the Meade Lightbridge range of Dobs which, by using a truss instead of a tube, collpases down to two smallish packages.
Paul.
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Post by mia on Nov 28, 2006 14:28:03 GMT
Thanks Paul, I have checked out the Lightbridge, it's between it and Skyliner 250PX though I could only stretch to an 8" in the Lightbridge and they have a red dot finder and the Skyliner doesn't but I can afford a larger Skyliner. Decisions! Decisions!! HELP!!
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Post by markdj on Nov 28, 2006 15:45:06 GMT
The Lightbridge does have roller bearings and is extremely smooth in operation. There is no stick-tion and the ease of movement can be controlled with thumbscrews.
Overall the meade is a higher spec. and seems very well made. I saw one in operation briefly and got to have a feel of the controls.
Only one eyepiece with the Meade but it is a 2inch ultra wide FOV so you wouldn't need another unless for planets.
The focuser is a crayford so ultra smooth - also has a focus lock for heavier eyepieces.
The truss design is very robust and is surpirsingly good at keeping collimation, even between assembly and dis-assembly. I think a laser collimator would be first on the wish list for getting the collimation just perfect and a wrap-around cloth to keep out stray light.
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