ArkansasMaverick
member
Reged: 05/26/07
Posts: 78
Loc: Eureka Springs AR
|
|
---Yes I know that we get a million of these topics. The good news is I have seriously narrowed my choice of scopes.
---First off I am probably one of the very few people on this forum that have benefited greatly from Hurricane Gustav. Most people have had to sit inside and wait for the clouds to clear. I on the other hand have had 20 hours of OT at work this week manning the phones at a Emergency Operation's Center for people displaced by Gustav. I have had the humbling and wonderful opportunity of helping people displaced by Gustav. It does bring a filling of doing good when you can bring a little hope to those that desperately need it.
---With the extra funds I got working for Gustav and also next week for Ike, I am bumping up the money I will be spending on a new scope. What I am slightly worried about is that I will get frustrated with my scope and/or viewing experience and end up storing it more than using it. So I want to make sure I get the best quality I can, and make the experience as enjoyable as I can.
---For the perfect combination of portability and view, I am leaning towards a 10” Dob. I would like to keep my purchase to an $850 limit. I understand that I can’t get many if any accessories at that price range, but I can always have a wish list that I can fill over time. Seems to me that getting the most aperture up front is more important. So here are the questions…
---If you take in both quality and customer service, should I go with the Orion Xti or Zhumell or Meade 10” Dob? Or let me rephrase that, In what order would you buy them?
---Is the “push to” worth it for a noobie?
--- The first accessories I am leaning towards is a Cheshire tool and a Telrad, what else would you nab first?
---In addition I plan on building a viewing chair next weekend and making a concrete pad for my scope. Thanks for spending the time replying to yet another “first scope” thread…
--------------------
Eureka Springs AR.
N 36° 29.777 W 093° 43.800
|
David E
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/25/06
Posts: 1758
Loc: North Carolina
|
|
I own a Zhummel and really like it. I've looked several times through Orion and Meade that my fellow club members own and was equally impressed. Others may have other opinions but as far as image quality I wouldn't turn around for the difference. I'd look instead at price, accessories, and availability. Don't know much about Orion's push-to but havn't heard anything bad about it.
David E
--------------------
David E
So when at times the mob is swayed
To carry praise or blame too far,
We may choose something like a star
To stay our minds on and be staid.
-Robert Frost
|
Protheus
Vaguely offended
Reged: 09/01/07
Posts: 4659
Loc: Illinois, US
|
|
From what I've heard -- and others who have more experience will need to confirm this -- Orion's customer service is remarkable. The others have at least some mixed reports, but I've never heard anything bad about Orion...
As far as accessories, a Barlow would probably be nice if you don't have one. Maybe one 2" wide field eyepiece, if the scope doesn't come with it. The rest can probably wait until you decide what's important...
Chris
--------------------
"To tread the sharp edge of a sword;
to run on smooth-frozen ice,
one needs no footsteps to follow..."
"Well, people sometimes ask me 'how did you get involved in astronomy?' I said 'I got born, what's your problem?'" -- John Dobson
"In discussing the large-scale structure of the cosmos, astronomers sometimes say that space is curved, or that the universe is finite but unbounded. Whatever are they talking about?" -- Carl Sagan
|
rocco13
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 1550
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
|
|
Get the Telrad first. I put the Telrad on my dob(s) and never bothered with the visual finder.
If you go for the Orion with the Computerized Object Locator, the push-to system is great. I much prefer it over motorized GoTo, but that also is a personal opinion. If you choose one of the other non-computerized scopes, then I'd highly recommend the Pocket Sky Atlas. I use the PSA and the Telrad and can usually find most things relatively quickly with just those two tools.
And as Chris mentioned, a 2" eyepiece in the 32-38mm range works well in these scopes.
--------------------
Rocco
Super C8 (1984 vintage)
Celestron 102 f/5
and a cheap pair of binoculars
|
Skip
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/23/08
Posts: 820
Loc: Austin, Texas, USA
|
|
Order: Orion XT10i, Zhumell 10", Meade.
Accessories: Telrad, Barlow
COL: YES!! The good thing here is that if you want to try finding things on your own - you can. If you want help - you've got it!
My 
--------------------
Skip
Celestron NexStar 6SE (Small Caliber)
Orion SkyQuest XT10i Intelliscope (Howitzer)
2 25mm Plossls; 24mm & 13mm Hyperions; 10mm Plossl; 6mm BO/TMB; 2X Barlow
Telrad + 4" Riser
7Ah PowerTank
Starbound Observing Chair
“It’s impossible to make things foolproof because fools are so ingenious.” (Unknown)
|
Crusader
sage
Reged: 08/14/05
Posts: 402
Loc: Karoo, South Africa
|
|
I have an Orion XT10 Classic and I'm more than happy with the scope. Can't fault it on quality at all. The XTi is the improved version so if you go that route I'm sure you will be pleased as well.
One word of caution though. A dob, and more importantly the 10" is huge - the pictures just do it justice. So just be aware that setting up will take some work so the scope will not fall into the grab-and-go category.
That being said, it's very easy to handle the scope by yourself (more hands does help though) and it's not too heavy to handle once you get the hang of carrying the OTA comfortably. It basically takes 2 trips, one for the base and one for the OTA. Once that's done (takes about 5 minutes at most) you just need to wait for it to cool down (40 or so minutes) and you are set to go.
If you think lugging such a large scope around might become too much of a hassle you might want to consider something a bit more portable... otherwise go for the 10" dob (regardless of vendor) it will be well worth it!
--------------------
Orion Skyquest XT10 10" dob.
Skywatcher Evostar 90mm F/10 Refractor on AZ3 mount.
25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces, Skywatcher 8-24mm Zoom EP. Orion O-III filter & Shorty Plus Barlow.
Spacewallpapers.net - The Ultimate Free Space wallpapers
|
Skip
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/23/08
Posts: 820
Loc: Austin, Texas, USA
|
|
I agree with Crusader that the XT10i is not a grab'n'go. That said, I'm 68 and I have no trouble hauling it up and down my apartment stairs, transporting it to a dark site, and setting it up by myself. I do intend to get some kind of a device (a scope bag or handles) to use with the OTA. As Crusader said, it takes a little practice to figure out the best way to carry the OTA. But if I can do it, I'm sure you will be able to as well.
--------------------
Skip
Celestron NexStar 6SE (Small Caliber)
Orion SkyQuest XT10i Intelliscope (Howitzer)
2 25mm Plossls; 24mm & 13mm Hyperions; 10mm Plossl; 6mm BO/TMB; 2X Barlow
Telrad + 4" Riser
7Ah PowerTank
Starbound Observing Chair
“It’s impossible to make things foolproof because fools are so ingenious.” (Unknown)
|
Crusader
sage
Reged: 08/14/05
Posts: 402
Loc: Karoo, South Africa
|
|
Yes, it's definitely not a case of not being able to carry the scope, but more a case of it feeling like a quite daunting prospect sometimes, especially if you know you'll only be getting in a short viewing session.
Of course for us dedicated astro addicts it shouldn't be a problem - any viewing session is worth it! 
--------------------
Orion Skyquest XT10 10" dob.
Skywatcher Evostar 90mm F/10 Refractor on AZ3 mount.
25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces, Skywatcher 8-24mm Zoom EP. Orion O-III filter & Shorty Plus Barlow.
Spacewallpapers.net - The Ultimate Free Space wallpapers
|
Skip
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/23/08
Posts: 820
Loc: Austin, Texas, USA
|
|
Agreed and peace, friend. 
And amen to your last statement!
--------------------
Skip
Celestron NexStar 6SE (Small Caliber)
Orion SkyQuest XT10i Intelliscope (Howitzer)
2 25mm Plossls; 24mm & 13mm Hyperions; 10mm Plossl; 6mm BO/TMB; 2X Barlow
Telrad + 4" Riser
7Ah PowerTank
Starbound Observing Chair
“It’s impossible to make things foolproof because fools are so ingenious.” (Unknown)
|
bobmcg
member
Reged: 09/18/07
Posts: 31
|
|
It looks like one of your "accessories" for the future might be a real grab-and-go scope like a small refractor for when you want to do a short viewing session but don't feel like lugging the big dob out to the site. 
|
KWB
Postmaster
Reged: 09/30/06
Posts: 7635
Loc: Westminster,Co Elev.1646Meters
|
|
I own a 10 inch Dob. I wouldn't term it the perfect combo for viewing and portability but it works for me. This size scope is the largest I care to deal with on a regular basis,as in usually 3 nights a week about 8 months of the year. If purchasing one branded Orion,the next accessory after the collimation tool I purchased would be to get a cooling fan. IME it's essential.
--------------------
Kenny
"When dealing with a mystery,choose the most unlikely of the likely possibilities"-Sherlock Holmes
|
proud uncle
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/22/07
Posts: 1336
Loc: Central Texas
|
|
Quote:
If you take in both quality and customer service, should I go with the Orion Xti or Zhumell or Meade 10” Dob? Or let me rephrase that, In what order would you buy them?
For quality, any of the above.
For customer service, the Orion XTi. But, it's the only one with computer/electronics. The other two are simple optical systems on a simple Dob mount. Unless something is damaged in shipment, there should be minimal need for customer service, at least with the Zhumell. In case of damage in shipping, I think they are OK to work with.
The Meade is a truss tube scope. IMHO, there is little advantage to that design in an 8" or 10" scope. It would have increased set-up time. Last I checked, the Zhumell was significantly less expensive than the Meade.
The COL of the Orion is a nice tool for anyone. Is it necessary? IMHO, no. But, others disagree; it is a matter of personal opinion. Personally, I enjoy the star hopping. To save a few dollars now, you can get the XT10i without the COL, then get the COL at a later date.
The Zhumell is an excellent value for the money. It would allow you more money for accessories. Mine came with a 2" 32mm eyepiece which works well for me.
I use both the Telrad and the RACI for star hopping. I agree with the recommendation for S&T's Pocket Sky Atlas. I've been using mine constantly for nearly two years now, with both binocular and scope. In addition, do you have a hand-holdable binocular (no larger than 10x50)? It is an excellent tool for learning your way around the night sky and practicing star hops.
Whatever you decide, we will look forward to first light.
--------------------
Kenneth
Zhumell 10" Dobsonian (f/4.9)
2" 32mm WA eyepiece
9mm, 12.5mm, and 20mm Plossls
6mm TMB/BO Planetary
2" 2x ED Barlow
Nikon 10x50 binocular (6.5 deg FOV)
|
armchairal
sage
Reged: 01/05/08
Posts: 254
|
|
I have the Zhumell 12"er and love it. It is also a nice grab and go. Quicker to set up than my 127 Mak, or the 100ed refractor. But I have a small truck to hall the 12"er. I would go for the Zhumell with a dual speed focuser a big plus imo,,, more for the money and some money left over. If your going to be doing wide field views I would get a Paracorr or something of the like. As for finding your way around the skies there are plenty of free programs and charts to download from the internet. I wouldn't spend the money for the Object Locator,,,, just my two cents.
--------------------
Al
12"er some EPs and filters
|
Lard Greystoke
sage
Reged: 07/27/08
Posts: 202
Loc: Ohio
|
|
I have an antique 10" solid-tube which I'm sure is heavier than anything out today. Although it's a bit awkward to lug around, the set-up is minimal and quick. I don't have electronics. My necessities:
1) aperture
2) star chart (Skalnate-Pleso, out of print, = Sky Atlas 2000)
3) eyepiece (in order of priority): low power (28-32 mm, or a shorter wide-field), medium, and either high or a Barlow
4) finder or Telrad
--------------------
Lard Greystoke
10" Odyssey Compact
"With Tantor, the elephant, he made friends. How? Ask me not."
|
rocco13
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 1550
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
|
|
LG, regarding the Odyssey Compact...I had one of those blue mini-monsters, too. And it's bulkiness is one of the things that made me leave the hobby for almost 20 years. I'd drag it out of the garage maybe once every two or three years, but overall it seemed to be more effort than it was worth after a while.
The other reason I abandoned the hobby was I could never find anything, partly due to a lack of resources (charts/guides), and also due to living in the middle of the city. I kind of wish I still had it, just to see what it would show me now that I know the night sky a lot better, and also now live on the edge of suburbia, where I can still see a fair amount of stars.
--------------------
Rocco
Super C8 (1984 vintage)
Celestron 102 f/5
and a cheap pair of binoculars
|
X-Lurker
Underpaid Slacker
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 620
Loc: N.W. Ark.
|
|
I cant say much about dobs, but I just received my 10" Newt and mount 2 weeks ago from Orion and I LOVE IT! It is my second scope I've purchased from them and I must say they are top shelf! Customer service, quality and price...it was a no brainer IMO. BTW, I was in your neck of the woods yesterday. Good Luck!
Clear Skies,
Larry
--------------------
Clear Skies,
Larry
I wasn't sick...I just called in uninterested
Glob
AOAS Member
Atlas 10 EQ-G (Cloud Magnet)
DSIc
SPC 900NC
12X50 Bino's
|
Shawn H
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/16/07
Posts: 1134
Loc: Southern France 43°56'N-4°50'E
|
|
YES!
The push to is great! I think the 10" intelliscope is the BEST beginner scope!! First off because a 10" mirror will show you soo much, you might just keep it the rest of your life! Second, with the COL it showed me right away all that great stuff up there to keep me hooked on this hobby! Even though now I like to plan my observing sessions & starhop, the COL is still nice when I have friends over, and even with a few beers in ya you just push to all the great sights for that month! I think its a great choice. Shawn
--------------------
18" David Lukehurst truss Dobson (being built)
xt10i with Telrad on 4" risers & feather touch focuser & huge Boston Red Sox decal
Starblast
15x70 Celestron Skymasters
35Stratus
27Pan
13 Ethos
8 Ethos
Orion ultrablock
Astronomik OIII
Tele Vue 2x barlow
Antares 1.6x barlow (2")
CATSEYE collimation tools
|
Lard Greystoke
sage
Reged: 07/27/08
Posts: 202
Loc: Ohio
|
|
Quote:
LG, regarding the Odyssey Compact...I had one of those blue mini-monsters, too. And it's bulkiness is one of the things that made me leave the hobby for almost 20 years. I'd drag it out of the garage maybe once every two or three years, but overall it seemed to be more effort than it was worth after a while.
The other reason I abandoned the hobby was I could never find anything, partly due to a lack of resources (charts/guides), and also due to living in the middle of the city. I kind of wish I still had it, just to see what it would show me now that I know the night sky a lot better, and also now live on the edge of suburbia, where I can still see a fair amount of stars.
I quit the hobby myself for 20 years, not for the size of the scope...sold my car among other things, hard to drag an Odyssey 50 miles on foot.
As for what you would see today, I don't think I would trade a modern 15" for it. I don't know what quality of mirror you had, but mine doesn't give a pinpoint focus at higher power. I just cleaned my eyepieces (after 20+ years) and got nice views of the big globulars, resolves M13 into many dozens of stars. Finds faint galaxies okay. Planets, miserable. That big obstruction bounces around too much light. Rugged, though - hasn't been collimated in 25 years.
I live in the city now - downtown. I have no problem dragging the thing out for an expedition to dark sky. Setting it up to look at the moon for twenty minutes...no.
--------------------
Lard Greystoke
10" Odyssey Compact
"With Tantor, the elephant, he made friends. How? Ask me not."
|
ArkansasMaverick
member
Reged: 05/26/07
Posts: 78
Loc: Eureka Springs AR
|
|
Well I just made a deal with a neighbor that is moving to Louisiana to buy his "dolly". Now not only do I have a 10" Dob in my future but an easy was to wheel it from point A to B without breaking it down. Now I just need to build a chair and decide on an EP or two and I'm set...
--------------------
Eureka Springs AR.
N 36° 29.777 W 093° 43.800
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
[Re: 