Orion V. Celestron Dobs.

Hi Guy's,
I have narrowed down my search for a mid size dob to 2 alternatives.

Orion 12" Intelliscope and Celestron 12" Starhopper.

The Orion has a computerised object locator (which I would find useful)
The Celestron has exceptionally good optics according to various reviews.

I have absolutely no experience of dobsonians. :oops:
Any comments about quality or pro's and cons of either scope.

Please don't comment on where I might have to buy the Celestron. :!:

Thanks in advance

Hi John,
I'd personally always go for the image quality versus gadgetry.That is the whole reason why I would want a scope - to SEE things! If its not computerised, its not a set back, just a feature you can do with out for the time being. You know, with the time it takes to set up a scope for GOTO control, it is sometimes better to just do the "slew and seek" option. Be a REAL astronomer!

Good luck on your choice!

Seanie.

John,
Personally, I wouldn't expect much if any difference between the two when it comes ot image quality. Most scopes now are made by 2 companies over in China (Synta and Guan Sheng). Might be worth doing a bit of research to see which of them makes what.
www.gs-telescope.com /
I don't have a link for Synta.

I don't have a link for Synta.

fyi
From cludy nights forums:

Suzhou Synta Optical Technology Co Ltd Company Address:
#65 Yu Shan Rd,New District
Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province
215011, CHINA
Factory Address:
#65 Yu Shan Rd,New District
Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province
CHINA
Tel:
86-512-68098882;86-512-68091178
Fax:
86-512-68091278
Email Address:
synta@vip.sina.com
synta_toytrade@asiatrademart.com
Homepage:
www.toytradeb2b.com/synta
Contact Person/Title:
Nancy Liu/Administer Assistant

No web page, trade only, no retail.

Be a REAL astronomer! .

:lol: :lol: you just trying to provoke me.

Seriously though, I'd go for the computerised scope, IF the optics prove to be bad, then get a refund and get the celestron, thats what gaurentees are for.
Its a pitty you couldn't do a side by side comparison

Heres a mad idea, buy both and return the one with inferior optics!

Be a REAL astronomer! .

:lol: :lol: you just trying to provoke me.

Yeah, you were quick enough on this one!!

:lol: :lol: :lol: