Best of both worlds?

SpaceCase · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

I am considering a telescope purchase for my family. After a few weeks of research, I decided on a 10" dob. Or so I thought. I started talking it over with my wife, and mentioned that it sounded like it offered everything I was looking for, great views, relative ease of use for beginners, and the price is right since I'm looking to spend $500 or less. Then she reminded me that I also talked about wanting to take it camping next summer, and the issue of portability came up. Now, a 60 lb. dob doesn't scare me, but, I guess I'm wondering more about the bulkiness. At probably 11" approx. diameter and 4 feet length, including probably around a 20" base, it's going to take up quite a bit of space in the family rig (Ford Windstar) with all the other camping gear. Smile

After that discussion I started looking around some more and came across the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT. It includes a Go To computer, but, I'm not overly concerned about computerized astronomy since I figure finding stuff on our own will be part of the learning experience for our children. Now my concern is, though, that a compromise between portability and power/light gathering ability will end up not allowing us to see everything I was originally hoping, which includes the obvious lunar and planets, but also DSO. What kind? Not exactly sure at the moment.

Is the thought of taking a 10" dob on family camping trips insane or should I really consider something a little smaller since I'd like it to fill both needs (home and away)? I'm aware that collimation may be needed after transporting the scope to a new location. If I should be looking somewhere other than 10" dob, any recommendations? Any help sincerely appreciated!

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5517

Hi

Not insane at all - IF you have the vehicle for it. I used to transport a 10" Dob - in a Geo Metro Hatchback of all things - by folding the seat down and strapping the tube in with a seat belt. That said, reflectors take a bit more care when traveling, due to the mirrors being prone to getting knocked out of alignment, but it is by no means impossible.

All you gain with the 130 is a bit more portability, but dropping down to a 5" (130) scope from a 10" is going to result in a big loss in performance. I'd at least try an 8" if this is your concern. Better yet, get the 10" and add a smaller scope later for traveling.
_________________
Thanks for posting with us
Joanie K - Your personal optics expert

Forum: http://www.opticsplanet.com/msgboard
Blog: http://blog.opticsplanet.com/
Store: http://www.opticsplanet.net/

Phone: 847-513-6201
Fax: 847-919-3003

SpaceCase · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

Hello,

Thank you for your response!

"Better yet, get the 10" and add a smaller scope later for traveling." - Hmmm...you think like I do. Perhaps an 8" dob and something along the lines of the Celestron AstroMaster 114?

I'm just hung up on the 10" dob, I think. But, I do like the smaller travel scope idea.

SpaceCase · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

Now I'm thinking about an 8" Meade LightBridge. Very Happy

Solves portability issues and doesn't sacrifice aperture, and with current $100 rebate still around $500. Hmmm...

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5517

Hi

Now you are thinking like me - scary.
_________________
Thanks for posting with us
Joanie K - Your personal optics expert

Forum: http://www.opticsplanet.com/msgboard
Blog: http://blog.opticsplanet.com/
Store: http://www.opticsplanet.net/

Phone: 847-513-6201
Fax: 847-919-3003