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[-=CROMAN=-]

Would a 6" dobsonian be comparable to a 130mm scope? I believe 130mm is something like 5.1"?

I'm trying to figure out the differences between these 2 scopes

www.telescope.com/control/telescopes/reflector-telescopes/orion-starseeker-130mm-computerized-goto-reflector-telescope

and a

www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=intelliscopedobs/~pcategory=dobsonians/~product_id=27182


Maybe something non-dobsonian would be easier for a short child to view through?

[Paulie pchris00]

Okay, I have telescopes similar to each of these, at least in some ways. The Dobsonian is the same size as mine, but without the computerized stuff. It's a slightly larger mirror, but the long focal length gives a better resolution than the same size mirror with a shorter optical tube.

I also have a Meade 114mm (4.5") short tube go-to, similar to the Orion above, but slightly smaller. I don't know how the go-to stuff will be to set up. Personally, I rarely use the go-to on my scope to get dead on target. I use it to get in the right neighborhood, then work my way over to what I'm looking for. I know Patrick takes the time to get his little go-to aligned, and has used it to find things that I could not find without it.

Those are both good starter scopes, but I know Joe will tell you to stay away from the go-to because the optical tube (OTA) is only supported by one arm. They Dobsonian, with a larger mirror and longer focal length will show slightly more detail. Even in say an 8" scope, the views are only slightly better than in a 5" or 6". Each person has to decide how much that little bit is worth when emptying their wallet on a telescope.

I don't have kids, but I've done a lot of viewing in public places the last year, and finally had to buy a short step stool so that I could let smaller children use the telescopes.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Orion Scopes Shoot out...

Croman had expressed about the differences between these two scopes, so let's see what we got...

Both good scopes -

The 130mm (5.12"), scope is fully computerized and with go-to capability. It will slew to your desired object with proper star alignments - just punch in your object..and it should get you in close. Comes with two Kellner eyepieces and a red dot zero mag finder.

$369.00


The 6" Dob, (152.4mm), has a computerized data base, but it's all manual - you do the pushing while watching the Digital setting circles indicator - and it should get you right on the target. Comes with two Plossal eyepieces and a 6x30 right angle finder scope.

$399.00


Evaluation:

I choose the Dob over the go-to.

It has a larger aperture and in astronomy - it really matters. You want to gather as much light as you can, and it outweighs any lesser aperture go-to. With a go-to scope, you are at the mercy of batteries out in the field and when they lose enough power -you are dead in the water - bringing a sudden end to an observing session. Sure, you can bring spare batteries or a powerpack, but with the Dob, even if the batteries fail for the digital indicator - or are still able to continue your viewing enjoyment - going all manual, star hopping to your targets.

The 130mm is a one arm scope, which I'm not too fond of. Overtime and with a lot of use, I fear the plastic attachment will start to develop a wobble, making the go-to feature useless. And, others who have a one-arm scope also have found out that you cannot slew it manually, needing to move the scope with the hand controller. No batteries - no move.

And for the extra $30.00, you get a real finder scope and a right angle one too. I know Paulie doesn't dig the right angle finders, but for sore backs, it's cool to have. Don't be impressed by the "Thousands" of available objects in the data bases. Most are just too faint to appreciate in these types of scopes. You will only be regularly viewing a small handful of targets anyway. And...I think the Plossls are better than the Kellners anyway...Kellners are an antiquated design with poor eye-relief.

For a child, I would still recommend the dob.

It allows the young astronomer to control the scope and become part of the instrument. Anybody can punch in numbers and have the machine do the work. Cool, but does not teach the observer how to work the sky...and it detaches the experience a bit. We have a Chicago Astronomer member who can find anything in the skies by star hopping - and I'm quite in awe and envious.

For the passive causal viewer, the 130mm is fine, but for the more serious astronomer, it's the 6" dob by far.

[patrickm]

Jan 22, 2011 1:32:53 GMT -6 Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe said:

Orion Scopes Shoot out...

For a child, I would still recommend the dob.

It allows the young astronomer to control the scope and become part of the instrument. Anybody can punch in numbers and have the machine do the work. Cool, but does not teach the observer how to work the sky...and it detaches the experience a bit. We have a Chicago Astronomer member who can find anything in the skies by star hopping - and I'm quite in awe and envious.

For the passive causal viewer, the 130mm is fine, but for the more serious astronomer, it's the 6" dob by far.

I love my GoTo, but at Xmas I bought my three young cousins, ages 7-12, an Orion Skyquest XT6 ($279) and the Orion Basic Accessory Kit ($99). I chose this over GoTo for a group of kids who live in dark skies. My hope is that any one of the three, and MAYBE an occasional parent, can drag it outside to check something out on the spur of the moment without any setup time whatsoever.

I also sent them a $30 copy of "Nighthingych" and some star charts.

We come out at around the same price, BUT the get the extra eyepieces, filters, 2x Barlow lens, star charts, AND a kick a$$ book which I am still absorbing as well.

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't trade my GoTo for very much, but I have powerful binos that serve the same purpose for those unexpected astroCialis moments.

And I agree on the Plössls as well. There are other scopes in this range which I might choose before this Orion Dob, but this GoTo ain't one of 'em, and the other ones weren't brought into the equation.

By the way, I've had my Celestron 4.5" GoTo over a year now with significant mileage on it and have not observed any wobble at all. Not sure what the warranty is, but if you are thinking of going that route, it is worth finding out in case you do run into Joe's scenario.

The choices can be overwhelming, but now I see it as just a fun part of the overall astro experience. Best of luck and thanks for posting.
patrick

[-=CROMAN=-]

Morning guys...

After reading all of the reviews here and figuring out my own budget I decided on going with the Orion skyquest xt6i. I'll be ordering that at the end of Feb as a birthday present to myself!

I am also picking up a celestron astromaster 114eq that I found on craigslist over the weekend. Supposedly it's in great never-used condition. Should have it by Thursday night, I'll post if I pick it up.

I hope you guys are ready for the onslaught of newbness!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Croman,

I think you made the right choice.

Look around though for a sweet deal on a similar type of scope on the net. Do frequent searches and one will pop up and be waiting for you.

And the 114 EQ is a good starter/back-up scope and will provide decent views of celestial objects.

Post some pics when you get your scopes and binoculars - documenting your instruments of science.

But let me warm you....

You have just entered the bottomless money pit of astronomical toys and accessories. Never ending, but oh so satisfying.

Enjoy!