Is this a good scope?

Hi all,

It's been ages since I've posted on this forum but I have been lurking around on a regular basis.

I am still using my celstron binoculars for stargazing (it's been about 8 months now) and I feel like I'm ready to move on to a telescope (cue dramatic music!!).

I've done some research (such is my OCD nature!!) and the following dobsonian has caught my eye (as the price seems v. reasonable).

www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/Sk...onian_Telescope.html

Would anyone have any opinion?

Thanks!

Gareth

I remember once on the Sky at Night programme, Patrick Moore giving the advice that one shouldn't go below 6" for a reflector - I think that's good advice. This scope is barely over 5".

I know the price goes up with aperture but I would go one further and aim for 8" - or bigger if you are going to keep the set-up as a dobsonian mount.

I went for a Skywatcher 8" dob (full tube - not a truss system).
This choice allowed me to use it on an equatorial mount later on.
Now I can mount either way.

If you go for a collapsable truss system (neat for portability and storage) you will really want to consider a shroud to enclose it to avoid stray light. I also suspect that you will be plagued by dew on the secondary mirror unless you use a shroud as more of the secondary-mirror assembly is exposed to the cold sky. Also there is no tube extension protruding forward from the secondary on this scope so not even minimal "dew shield" effect to help ward of the dew. I believe you would also need a dew shield (easy to make though). I suspect that a collapsable truss system will require more frequent collimation - possibly every viewing session to get the best out of it.

Also note that shipping will be a significant part of the overall cost.

I'd go bigger.

Mark

I'd have to agree with Mark,
Its more of an IYA ornament then anything else.