First Telescope - Skywatcher 200p 8" Dobsonian

osnola ibax

Hi there,

I have made enquiries with this crowd and it seems they deliver to the ROI. http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-200p-dobsonian.html

Its 279£. Does anyone have this scope. Would it be a good first scope? Any other advice, anyone know if there is a better / cheaper way to obtain one in the ROI?

By the way, ive been using binoculars for some time now, just the bresser 10 x 50 and they are great. I know my way around the night sky now and I enjoy the fun of finding stuff rather than a goto system.

After doing lots of research this seems like the best scope for me. Would people agree? Thanks for any responses.

Plug

Its a very good price and a good scope. Dobs will always be cheaper, you can get more mirror for your money. No fancy mounts here. I'll be getting this in a few months. I have a 5 inch scope but I need more viewing detail.

peterako

Nothing but glowing praise on Stargazerslounge for First Light Optics!

Would make a great first scope!

But you might be surprised by how big an 8" Newtonian can be.

If you're even thinking about some photography I'd go for a GEM mount at the least.

Also check out Advetrs.ie. I looked at a lovely 10" Skywatcher Newt in Dublin for about €300 before deciding on sticking with an 8" Newt.

You'd need to build a mount for it though.

Also, check out IFAS (www.irishastronomy.org) as there may be something in the for sale section there.

Just spotted this: 8" Skywatcher on Adverts.ie

It's not clear from the description if it has a mount.

Clear skies!
Peter

osnola ibax

Plug wrote: »

Its a very good price and a good scope. Dobs will always be cheaper, you can get more mirror for your money. No fancy mounts here. I'll be getting this in a few months. I have a 5 inch scope but I need more viewing detail.

Yes, I saw this alright. Definitely gonna get a flex tube now for extra portability. Do you think it might be advisable to also go for this auto track version or even the goto version. Think ill just get the manual one and then get some extras. Any advice here. Would hate for electrics to go wrong.

IamtheWalrus

I'm thinking about getting a telescope. I live in London and am rarely outside of it. Does anyone think I'd be wasting my time with the poor visibility in such a large city?

Calibos

osnola ivax wrote: »

Yes, I saw this alright. Definitely gonna get a flex tube now for extra portability. Do you think it might be advisable to also go for this auto track version or even the goto version. Think ill just get the manual one and then get some extras. Any advice here. Would hate for electrics to go wrong.

If you can afford it get the Goto. Tracking/Goto isn't something you could fit afterwards. Even if the electrics went wrong you can still use the scope manually (unlike the Goto on SCT scopes for instance) You don't overly worry about the electrics in your new PC for instance so why would you worry any more about the electrics in your new scope. At least with this scope you can still use it manually. should the electrics fail....can't do that with a dud PC!

Its great that depending on ones desires and needs, one can get a manual scope and not have to pay the extra for tracking/goto but IMHO, if you have the money its better to have something and not need it then need it and not have it. I reckon you'll quickly regret not going for the tracking/goto model assuming you can afford it right now.

peterako

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

I'm thinking about getting a telescope. I live in London and am rarely outside of it. Does anyone think I'd be wasting my time with the poor visibility in such a large city?

For Planets and bright objects like the Moon you should be fine.

For Deep Sky it may be challenging!

Maybe a decent pair of binoculars might be a good start, and in London you'll have a very enviable chioce of 'scope providers

Clear skies,
Peter

Plug

peterako wrote: »

For Planets and bright objects like the Moon you should be fine.

For Deep Sky it may be challenging!

Maybe a decent pair of binoculars might be a good start, and in London you'll have a very enviable chioce of 'scope providers

Clear skies,
Peter

Peterako, your using an 8 inch right? If so what is the difference between that and a 5 inch in light gathering power% ???

osnola ibax

Plug wrote: »

Peterako, your using an 8 inch right? If so what is the difference between that and a 5 inch in light gathering power% ???

I know an 8" 200p has 77 % more than its 6" equivalent

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-200p-dobsonian.html

osnola ibax

Calibos wrote: »

If you can afford it get the Goto. Tracking/Goto isn't something you could fit afterwards. Even if the electrics went wrong you can still use the scope manually (unlike the Goto on SCT scopes for instance) You don't overly worry about the electrics in your new PC for instance so why would you worry any more about the electrics in your new scope. At least with this scope you can still use it manually. should the electrics fail....can't do that with a dud PC!

Its great that depending on ones desires and needs, one can get a manual scope and not have to pay the extra for tracking/goto but IMHO, if you have the money its better to have something and not need it then need it and not have it. I reckon you'll quickly regret not going for the tracking/goto model assuming you can afford it right now.

Even if I went with the tracking, I know it can be easily upgraded to goto so maybe that is the correct choice. I want to save some of the budget for accessories. Then at the same time, I want to be able to grab the scope and go to dark places without having to worry about power supply, thats why I think a classic might be better.

It has been stated that there is some extra friction with the tracking version when using it manually, its not nearly as smooth apparently.

Then there is the romantic in me that wants to emulate the great astronomers of the past that had to do everything manually. Also plenty of videos on YouTube of poor tracking with this particular scope, though the owners did find a way to remedy it.

IamtheWalrus

peterako wrote: »

For Planets and bright objects like the Moon you should be fine.

For Deep Sky it may be challenging!

Maybe a decent pair of binoculars might be a good start, and in London you'll have a very enviable chioce of 'scope providers

Clear skies,
Peter

Can you recommend a good pair of binoculars for such a purpose?

peterako

Plug wrote: »

Peterako, your using an 8 inch right? If so what is the difference between that and a 5 inch in light gathering power% ???

Big, like osnola ivax says an 8" is 77% more than a 6".

Compared to a 5".....156% more!!

I can only really compare to my old Celestron Astromater 130 EQ. (just over 5").

The main thing I noticed was resolution ability. In that I could use higher mag and still get very good resolution.

I now have an Orion Optics F4 8" Newt and it has so far (with the limited use I have been able to put it to) been amazing on Deep Sky.

Even in not so great seeing a few nights ago The Ring Nebula in Lyra was very nice indeed. Slippting doubles...a walk in the park

Excellent pointed at the Moon too.

Have yet to use it properly with planets. But Jupiter will be back at a reasonable time soon

(Got a quick look at Jupiter with handheld binoculars this morning. Seeing must have been excellent as I made out four moons very clearly.
LAST night I coudl see the Milky way as clearly as I can ever remember seeing it. Pity I was too tired to drag the scope out )

Clear skies Plug!

Peter

Plug

I started with the astromaster 130eq tool. Then I moved to a goto version of it. I purchased a skywatcher skyliner 200p the other day. It is 1200mm long and has a f6 ratio. 156% more sounds great are you sure thats right? Hope so:pac: Considering I could make a nice bit of detail on Jupiter and see Saturn and big DSO like Orion with the 130mm this new scope should be a massive jump:)


What eye pieces would you recommend for DSO? A 10mm and 25mm come with it.

Gearheart

I'm new to telescopes and would like to buy one...but I don't know where to start, can any of you guys help? I'm not looking to spend too much money either.

peterako

Welcome GearHeart,

Big question!

Have a read of this: Boards.ie Astronomy FAQ

It's a very good start and will put some focus on your question.

Plug:

I think it's a simple Area comparison:

130EQ = (65x65)xPi
200 (actually you'll be 203(?) is (101.5x101.5)xPi

DIvide one by the other: (Pi cancels out)

(101.5x101.5)

---

= 2.43 which is 2.43 times or 143% more.....
(65x65)

Only you will be able to judge if it's such a big difference in practice

But the 200p should be a big step in the right direction!

What eyepieces do you have?

I'm reconsidering my range after getting the OO.

I have:

4mm (hardly ever used) Celestron
6.4mm Meade 4000
9mm Meade 5000
26mm Meade 4000

The last three I use all the time, every night out!

2x Celestron Barlow
2.5x Revelation (GSO) Barlow

Think I need a better Barlow with higher mag.
Also maybe another wider field, lower mag eyepiece like a 30mm or 40mm....

Clear skies (looks like it may be tonight!!)

Peter

osnola ibax

Plug wrote: »

I started with the astromaster 130eq tool. Then I moved to a goto version of it. I purchased a skywatcher skyliner 200p the other day. It is 1200mm long and has a f6 ratio. 156% more sounds great are you sure thats right? Hope so:pac: Considering I could make a nice bit of detail on Jupiter and see Saturn and big DSO like Orion with the 130mm this new scope should be a massive jump:)


What eye pieces would you recommend for DSO? A 10mm and 25mm come with it.

Hi Plug, where did you buy it from in the end, shes a real beaut.

Plug

First light optics. Got it there 15 minutes ago. Very fast delivery. It came in two heavy boxes.

*edit* its assembled now and Im very happy but if you have a bad back or are not very strong dont get it. The thing weights a tonne:eek:

Calibos

Plug wrote: »

First light optics. Got it there 15 minutes ago. Very fast delivery. It came in two heavy boxes.

*edit* its assembled now and Im very happy but if you have a bad back or are not very strong dont get it. The thing weights a tonne:eek:

I take it you are trying to lift the thing fully assembled. Much much easier carrying the OTA separately from the Rockerbox. Doing it that way means most peoples backs can easily handle up to the 12" with ease.

Have pity on the owner of the 16" version in the following link. Thats a 200mm OTA(same size as your tube) beside it in the picture.

http://stargazerslounge.com/equipment-help/152017-16-dobsonian.html

peterako

Plug wrote: »

First light optics. Got it there 15 minutes ago. Very fast delivery. It came in two heavy boxes.

*edit* its assembled now and Im very happy but if you have a bad back or are not very strong dont get it. The thing weights a tonne:eek:

Congrats Plug!

Can't wait to hear your first viewing report!!

And of your entry into the 2012 Olympic Lifting competition

Clear skies,
Peter

peterako

:eek:

Calibos wrote: »

......

Have pity on the owner of the 16" version in the following link. Thats a 200mm OTA(same size as your tube) beside it in the picture.

http://stargazerslounge.com/equipment-help/152017-16-dobsonian.html

DarkDusk

Hi,
Sorry for interrupting and all but I just have one question and thought this would be a good place to ask.. I have an Astromaster 130eq without any tracking or goto tools/accessories. Can a goto accessory be added onto the scope? I'm 90% positive that you can't but I'm just making sure..

Thanks,
James.

Plug

DarkDusk wrote: »

Hi,
Sorry for interrupting and all but I just have one question and thought this would be a good place to ask.. I have an Astromaster 130eq without any tracking or goto tools/accessories. Can a goto accessory be added onto the scope? I'm 90% positive that you can't but I'm just making sure..

Thanks,
James.

There is a tracking motor available for it. Its fairly basic though.

osnola ibax

Plug wrote: »

First light optics. Got it there 15 minutes ago. Very fast delivery. It came in two heavy boxes.

*edit* its assembled now and Im very happy but if you have a bad back or are not very strong dont get it. The thing weights a tonne:eek:

Hi Plug, would you mind me asking how much you paid in Euros for the scope and how much shipping was? The best value I can see is from Teleskop Express but I might be wrong.

Plug

€592 including shipping. Shipping is £27 so what ever that is in euro's. They are the cheapest around and will ship it by Fedex, they will keep you emailed on the shipping and ring you when it arrives. I'd recommend First light optics and so would hundreds others.

osnola ibax

Plug wrote: »

€592 including shipping. Shipping is £27 so what ever that is in euro's. They are the cheapest around and will ship it by Fedex, they will keep you emailed on the shipping and ring you when it arrives. I'd recommend First light optics and so would hundreds others.

Crikey, that is good. Well done on your purchase and I hope it gives you years of pleasure. Thanks for the info.

Plug

For maybe a few quid cheaper you can get a 250mm scope but its manual.

osnola ibax

Plug wrote: »

For maybe a few quid cheaper you can get a 250mm scope but its manual.

I just think that might be a bit too big, im seriously giving thought to the auto one now, particularly as I think it can be upgraded to goto easily.

Let me know how you get on with the scope when you take it out for the first time.

Plug

osnola ivax wrote: »

I just think that might be a bit too big, im seriously giving thought to the auto one now, particularly as I think it can be upgraded to goto easily.

Let me know how you get on with the scope when you take it out for the first time.

Typically what happens when you buy a new scope is it stays cloudy for 3 weeks.

peterako

3 weeks :eek:

If you're lucky :mad:

Just spotted this....for a further 3 months clouds....

Nothing to do with me but looks a fine deal....

Peter

osnola ibax

Decision made and order put through.

Ive gone for the 200px flextube and also ordered a telrad. Went with teleskop express, thought they looked the best value. Delighted with decision. I dont have.the time at the moment to be messing about with motors or cameras so this is exactly what I need.

Plug

When assembling it ignore the two reinforced pieces on the sides. They are only for 300mm and up. The instructions show this on all the flextube instructions. It was a bit confusing I thought I was missing two pieces but it was ok.

osnola ibax

Plug wrote: »

When assembling it ignore the two reinforced pieces on the sides. They are only for 300mm and up. The instructions show this on all the flextube instructions. It was a bit confusing I thought I was missing two pieces but it was ok.

Thats great, thanks
Have you been out with yours yet?

Plug

I have it since Monday and its been too cloudy since. Considering I have to be up at around 7 in the morning I can't stay out till all hours:(

Calibos

Thats why I love the Winter so much. Lost to see in the Winter skies and its dark a heck of a lot earlier so you can get your observing in after your evening meal, stay out for hours and still be in bed by 12 Also paradoxically there seems to be a lot more clearer nights in Winter

osnola ibax

Anyone any suggestions for making a shroud for said flextube telescopes

osnola ibax

There are so many scopes out there atm, particularly in the skywatcher range, that it is really hard to know if you are making the correct decision.

Having ordered my scope, ive been looking for threads in relation to it and for the most part people have ordered the auto version. I cant find anyone who has ordered the manual version but I have seen some providers dont even stock the manual version because there is no demand for it, basically the solid tube is small enough. I feel like I have missed a trick.

I could have saved myself 100 quid by going for the solid tube version. The only thing is, my house is tight enough for space and I need every inch. The other factor in my decision is I would like to transport it and I figured the flextube would be ideal and it probably is, but then there are reports that there is no problem transporting the solid tube version.

By and large, people but the 8" flextube (from my scouring of astronomy forums) for the auto and goto facilities. Maybe I should have gone auto but I just didnt want the hassle of having to plug it in, find a power source everytime I used it, and as it was for viewing rather than photography, I figured I would enjoy the interaction of nudging, and I still do.

The other minor issues I have come across with truss (flextube) scopes is that a shroud is recommended across the forum for this type of scope because the open area can contribute to light pollution. Also, there is the possibility of increased chance of dew on the mirrors.

I dont have any regrets about my purchase. I am posting the above because they are factors / minor issues that I missed when selecting a first scope. I want anyone reading this to factor these issues into their decision.

peterako

Auto/Goto

Pros:

- Once set up you don't have to 'find' anything. Just put in coordinates....
- It will follow an object....track
- Therefore good for astro-photography

Cons: (for me )

- You don't have to find anything....so may not know where they are in the sky
- Set up

If you're not interested in photography, then you're probably not missing much.

I am (into astro-photgraphy) but only RA tracking is needed when using a GEM (Equatorial Mount) so that's what I have.

I really enjoy the buzz of finding an object and learning the sky, so an RA motor is all I have on my mount which I engage when a object is found.

In a Dob mount 'goto' type functionality is a must for tracking as you have to follow on both RA and Dec axis.

Where you might miss out with the lack of tracking for visuals is for higher magnifications, but not too much.

Also, your money went into the optics rather than the electronics. Always a good thing!

Clear skies!
Peter

osnola ibax

Well scope arrived today. Looks fantastic. Have a couple of quibbles about its condition though. There are three plastic seperators between the bottom disc and the upper disc on the DOB mount, one was completely coming of the base. The are held in by staples and the staple was half way out and twisted badly. Not a major problem.

Unfortunately though, the OTA was also dented. Its a very noticable dent and I have emailed them about it. Dont suppose it will hinder any viewing though.