Big Al Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Ok, I realise that in asking this question, I'm likely to get as many answers as there may be folks responding. So here goes... Given the following criteria, what is my best option for a scope purchase? My main interest at the moment is lunar and planetary, with a few Messiers thrown in. I've no particular desire to get into AP, just visual stuff for my own amusement. I've been window shopping for a while, and one I keep coming back to is the Skyliner flex tube dob go-to models, 200 or possibly the 250. I like the look and idea of the skyprodigy 6se, but my horizons at home are too limited for the system to work, I think. I don't have much time or storage space available to me, so a quick setup is good, as is transportability. I'm also rather tall, and I read that EQ mounts can be awkward for us vertically unchallenged folks? I'm in no particular hurry to get anything, the binos will keep me going until then. I don't even have a budget yet, as I suspect I may have to sell one of my motorbikes to fund it. Will probably go to IAS in May to have a look around. May have an opportunity to call into Rother Valley Optics at some point as I have a new customer near there. All thoughts and opinions are welcomed.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tweedledum Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Hi Alan, We all have our own faves, I would suggest that you come along to a meet and have a look at what we all have. I have had, SCT,Newt,Mak, frac or three. Currently have Frac & Mak. My favourite was my sct, great compromise but not exactly portable. Coming along to a meet will give you an idea of size & weight and what would suit you best. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Alan - you'd be most welcome to drop round and see a few scopes in the flesh if you like - I've got a small group of chaps coming Tues or Weds of this week - if you're interested in joining us let me know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catman161 Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Wednesday is looking best at present Kim. Heavy rain Tuesday night and clear Wednesday night Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Ok I'll suggest Weds to Dave - Norman might come as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catman161 Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Ok I'll suggest Weds to Dave - Norman might come as well Brilliant a mini star party on the drive ;D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted January 29, 2013 Author Share Posted January 29, 2013 Kim, Definitely interested in that, I'm free both nights at the moment. It would be nice to put some faces to screen names! Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Pm'd you details Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyboy1970 Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Hi, i'm only 5'10" and find tripod mounted EQ telescopes can be a pain in the back. Having used other peoples Synscan Dobs I find they are brilliant if AP isn't your thing. The real bonus is eyepiece position which is always good if you get an observing chair which is height adjustable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted January 29, 2013 Author Share Posted January 29, 2013 Andy, Thanks - that's useful and pretty much sums up what I thought as well, I just haven't had the opportunity to try any for real yet! At 5'17", I think I fall outside of the size range that designers take into consideration... Notice you have the Explorer 200P on your list - that was one on my short-list (based on the S@N review), but I was worried about it for that reason. I see you are in Kettering - I was born and dragged up there as well. Alan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyboy1970 Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Alan, The 200p is a top scope, I have never heard a bad word about one yet. The problem with EQ mounts is that to keep them good and stable the tripod really needs to be at its lowest setting. The flex-tube 250p is outstanding but as with any scope it is only held back by the eyepieces used. Remember with dobs the focal length is a good approximate of the height to the eyepiece. I'm in Burton Latimer, moved here about 11 years ago from Scotland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted January 29, 2013 Author Share Posted January 29, 2013 Up or downwind of Weetabix??? :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyboy1970 Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Up or downwind of Weetabix??? :-) Luckily the wind blows it away from us most of the time!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAZ Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 I would get your hands on some and see what suits you. They all have their strength's and limitations. As mentioned, the position you observe from is also an important consideration, as if you are not comfortable it's not fun. Iam sure you will get a good tour around our Curator of instruments collection, and this will give you a valuable insight into what you would be comfortable with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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