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Post by clearskies on Dec 30, 2012 15:12:39 GMT
Hi all!
I'm looking to buy an 8" dobsonian. Something like the skywatcher skyliner, though I suppose any starter scope would be considered. It will be my first scope after using binos, which now need collimated, so I'm making the step up to a scope.
What have you? Can collect all over NI, I'm in the NW area.
Thanks!
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paul
Cygnus
Posts: 29
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Post by paul on Dec 30, 2012 16:51:24 GMT
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Post by stevie on Dec 30, 2012 20:30:07 GMT
An 8" dobsonian is the ideal beginner telescope. It will provide good views of most objects, yet is easy to handle and store. There's usually a few on Astronomy buy and sell, or you can keep an eye on gumtree. The best price new I can find just at the moment is this one www.cameracentre.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=151although you would have to take shipping costs into consideration. This particular company only charges £5 shipping to the UK mainland, but there is an extra charge for Northern Ireland. Also, this particular supplier does not re-open until 7th January. The other option is to contact Andy McCrea in Bangor to see how much he would charge to get the scope for you. he may even know of a second-hand one for sale. jimmy65.uku.co.uk/
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Post by clearskies on Dec 30, 2012 22:07:41 GMT
Thanks very much for the replies guys! Would I need a collimating eye piece to go with this? Any other nessesities? Would buying second hand one be taking a chance, could you get burned? How much would a second hand one go for? Thanks again
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Post by Ronny on Dec 31, 2012 0:06:42 GMT
If you're buy new then you won't need a collimator but you probably will want to buy one at some stage. If you get a second hand one then you'll probably need it collimated. I can do that for you easily enough. Whereabouts are you?
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Post by Ronny on Dec 31, 2012 0:13:09 GMT
Just read the second part of your message. Provided the scope has been looked after ok then second hand would be ok. I bought a 12" second hand and actually sold it on and the guy who bought it loves it. It a fairly basic piece of equipment and there are few things which can go wrong. Just make sure the mirrors aren't cracked or scratched and that the focuser moves in and out freely. Damage on the tube is inevitable I suppose but as long as it nothing serious it won't affect viewing. I got a 8" for a friend second hand about a year ago and he paid £180. It was in first class condition. Keep an eye on this one www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skywatcher-Skyliner-200P-Dobsonian-Telescope-/261148089908?pt=UK_Photography_Telescopes&hash=item3ccda39e34It'll give you an idea how much they go for.
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Post by clearskies on Dec 31, 2012 1:15:52 GMT
Good job Ronnie, I'm in L/derry. Ill keep any eye on that one on eBay. Thanks for the help! Very much appreciated.
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Post by Ronny on Dec 31, 2012 23:54:51 GMT
You're not that far from me in Portrush then. Maybe we will get together for a bi of observing sometime next year?
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paul
Cygnus
Posts: 29
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Post by paul on Jan 5, 2013 11:47:57 GMT
If you still havn't decided on a scope how about this grab 'n' go option. www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-heritage-130p-flextube.htmlIt's dirt cheap, its got decent reviews and folds down to a small size so your likely to use it more. but if its galaxies your after it probably hasn't got enough apature. I'm afraid to collimate my scope but this one has a much shorter focal length so i'd imagine collimation would be a breeze.
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