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One of my observing buddies as a 25" Obsession and while I enjoy going over to his house to observe, you truly could not give it to me for free. It is way too big and complex for my comfort level - loads of wires etc., and the ladder is a killer. Now that doesn't mean it's not right for him, it's just that I am very content and delighted with my scope. I've finally finished tinkering with it and I think it's perfect (unless of course the accident a helpful relative caused last night has done more damage than I realize!)
Maureen

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I personally prefer SITTING, on an observers char like a denver. Owning a large dob, how can you sit and observe? Are there any special ladders with seats attached to them at the top?

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Actually there are!! They're not at the top but attach to the rungs.

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Brooklyn, I haven't heard any reaction from you on the suggestions that you take a good look at the used market. There are some real deals out there on some cherry scopes, often at serious fire sale discounts. If you're not familiar with Astromart, you could start tormenting yourself by watching the "reflectors" ads on a regular basis to get a feel for the market. For example, just posted today, 15" Obsession w/ Argo Navis, $5000. Or yesterday, 11" Starmaster (Zambuto), $2000. Within the last couple of weeks I noticed, IIRC, a 15" Obsession with Argo Navis & Servocat for $4,000. Discovery scopes turn up from time to time. Patience can save you thousands. There are a lot of sellers within a few hour's drive of, what do you call that place? Brooklyn? so you could examine the scopes up close and personal before you buy.

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I have taken a look at astromart, but i dont see anything that makes me feel WOW i gotta have that. But hey, ill keep checking periodically if i see something i like.

You never really know what someones telescope had been through. They could clean it really well before selling it, and the thing will look like its in pristine condition. Little do you know the coatings are almost gone, and mirror almost naked

Seriously though that is only probably a worst case scenario. I'm sure there are quite a few great perfect condition telescopes floating around there.

You know, sometimes a brand new scope can have just as many problems as a used one.

I guess in that respect, a used scope at least shows you that the scope itself stood the test of time and has survived many observing sessions.

When it comes to buying a used Dob...hmm i dont know. Open air mirror systems are really subject to coating wear and tear. If i was buying a used SCT like the telescope i have now, I really wouldnt worry since most SCTs have never had their mirrors even touch fresh air! Closed system telescopes are all pretty much the same inside the tube as they were on day one from the factor.

Older dobs aren't the same in that respect.

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I guess in that respect, a used scope at least shows you that the scope itself stood the test of time and has survived many observing sessions.

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I guess in that respect, a used scope at least shows you that the scope itself stood the test of time and has survived many observing sessions.

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Or it was an impulse purchase and used twice before it was boxed up and put back in the garage. Lots of those out there, too.

I honestly can't see myself buying a new scope with so many pristine used scopes on the market at huge discount.

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I am with you on this one but with one disclaimer.
I bought my first scope (XT10i) new because I didn't want a used first scope, I will upgrade and I am wanting to get a good used scope but I don't think that I would buy a used one that wasn't local. If I am going to spend a big $ on something used, I want to see it first. I hope there is one when I am ready

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I'm sure there are quite a few great perfect condition telescopes floating around there.

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My 15" 'Starsplitter' was just such a used scope... doing as described previously, i shopped, watched, & waited for a few months--> 'til this one came up a reasonable drive's distance. I drove, met the guy, saw the scope, we assembled the scope (daytime), i inspected the optics (as much as one could )... and we proceeded to my bank branch for a MO!
It was used. Decent condition, but used. I'm lovin' it! Its a nicely made wood box. I've since drilled holes in it, added additional hardware, touched up interior blackening, repaird this, jimmied that... it was a great scope, and is now even MORE to my personal liking. The optics are stunning! That's a Dob for ya

For reference, a 'Starsplitter' is a (no longer being made) 'Obsession' type rig, mine with an OMI mirror like many Ob's have. Its made of wood, aluminum tubes covered with black foam pipe-insulation, the UTA is wood & Kydex... & it supports some hot-rod optics. There's no rocket science in its mechanicals, just some decent craftsmenship, TLC, & time invested.

Not sure what "perfect condition" means... many NEW "custom" Dob's get tweaked & personalized by their owners- so i guess they weren't "perfect" when NEW?

Unless you're ready to walk into ABC Astro & plunk down green for a 16" Lightbridge-- if yer wanting "custom", i'd strongly urge you to consider "used", watching for one that fits your own definition of "local" where you can see & transport it yourself. If i was selling mine (which i AIN'T! ), i'd have absotively NO problem with meeting a buyer in late afternoon, in order to let them see it in daylite, plus view with it that eve! Most Dob owners are very proud of their rigs, so i'd imagine most would be willing to do likewise.

In the meantime, get thyself out to some public scopin' events, where you can get some "hands-on" with these things- watch 'em get off-loaded & set-up... see what they're about, and what can reasonably be expected with one, both optically, mechanically, & logistically.

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Patience can save you thousands...

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As a data-point in that regard, i'll mention that the "new" Dobs i was at first drooling over, outfitted to my liking, were in the high-$5k to low $6k range; This 'Splitter', similarly equipped, was $3k.

I am THRILLED with the investment! And its getting a LOT of use!
mike b

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You know, sometimes a brand new scope can have just as many problems as a used one.

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Mr. Bill-

Yes... a very nice scope!

And say- ain't that "Meade Blue"?

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Yeah...kind of nostalgic Coulter Dob blue.

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I LOVE your paintjob, very nice indeed.

But what is even nicer is your observing site!! Is that your backyard? Here on the east coast we have densely populated suburban areas....so i dont have an open field to see the entire sky, instead i have high tree forests blocking most of my north and east skys

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Yup...my backyard and everything you see is in conservation easement so it can't be developed.

That is the old Lassen ranch (2100 acres) that has been in continuous family ownership for 150 years.

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I LOVE your paintjob, very nice indeed.

But what is even nicer is your observing site!! Is that your backyard? Here on the east coast we have densely populated suburban areas....so i dont have an open field to see the entire sky, instead i have high tree forests blocking most of my north and east skys

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Yup...my backyard and everything you see is in conservation easement so it can't be developed.

That is the old Lassen ranch (2100 acres) that has been in continuous family ownership for 160 years.

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Do you have a room for rent

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Well, my split tube 15 inch f/5 Discovery is a first class scope....the mirror is as good as the "ultra premiums."

I like the solid tube because it maximizes contrast...second most important factor after well corrected optics.....

Oh Yeah, custom paint job.

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Hey Bill...that's the kind of scope you want in your driveway when the local constaple drives by. Ya' must admit, there's a lot of WOW factor when it comes to big aperture split tubed dobs.

David

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You know, sometimes a brand new scope can have just as many problems as a used one.

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Or more, as I'm sure many in this forum will attest to.

As far as coatings, you can tell with a close look what the condition of the coatings are.
I don't know if you have ever priced having a mirror recoated, but even the very best coatings from the best shops are down right cheap in my opinion. It's really pretty insignificant in terms of the price of a scope new or used.

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How much would it cost to take off the old coat and put a new one on say a 12 or 16" mirror?

I have only owned SCT telescopes so far, no reflectors just yet...but my next scope is 100% large aperture reflector.

I dont know much about the process involved in refiguring or recoating a mirror.

I have seen some people say that they DIY take off the coatings, and THEN send it in for just a recoating. Any idea why they do this instead of letting the company do the entire thing for them ?

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I had been living out West for 30 years when I ordered my 17.5". When I finally received it, I had gotten a new job...in MA! Kinda sux for astro with few clear nights and dense high trees everywhere. Mr. Bills location looks great, but I gotta say, I lived in Reno for 14 years (~80 south of Mr Bill's) and the seeing was attrocious. Even planets would twinkle.

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Generally seeing is fair to poor in my location with the occasional very good-good night, but what's outstanding is the transparency (when we aren't smoked in from wildfires.)

Since my interests are large scale structure (dark and light nebulae, open clusters) in the Milky Way arms, I generally observe at low powers so seeing is not the issue that it would be for say planetary observing.

The Milky Way can be spectacular with NELMs 6+ (SQM typically 21.5.)on a regular basis.

When I want really dark skies, I opt out for central Nevada where NELMs are typically 7+ and SQMs of 21.8-22.0.

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