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Astrophotography and Sketching >> Sketching

Pages: 1

Urban Observer
member

Reged: 04/06/08

I want to be an Astro Sketcher : )
#5494163 - 10/29/12 07:12 AM

Hi All,

I'm new to sketching...
I'm just getting back into Astronomy, after a 3 year hiatus. I've decided to stay away from any form of photography this time; and to stick with astro-sketching only.
I live in a fairly urban area, with heavy light pollution.
My current optics are a Bushnell 5" Dob and a pair of Barska 15x70's with appropriate tripod, and an OIII filter (Zhumell brand-poor performance).
After several weeks of (the usual) studying & researching what my next instrument will be: I've narrowed it down (generally) to either:
A.) 25x100 binocs w/ proper tripod -or- B.)An 8 or 10" Dobsonian w/ some additional Nebula filters.

The Binocs I'm considering all have threaded EPs, so I do plan to (eventually) add light pollution filters to the kit (in the future)
I'd appreciate any opinions, from you experienced Sketchers...

Thanks very much!
Clear skies,
-Al

Post Extras:

Jef De Wit
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/06/09

Loc: Hove, Belgium

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Urban Observer]
#5494206 - 10/29/12 08:21 AM

Good idea to get back into astronomy and sketching. My advise: you don't need a new scope for sketching. Start to observe all the bright (and big) objects with your Bushnell or Barska.

Post Extras:

frank5817
Postmaster

Reged: 06/13/06

Loc: Illinois

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Jef De Wit]
#5494489 - 10/29/12 11:37 AM

Jef is correct of course. You can also sketch without any optical aide at all. Star patterns, Moon, planets at night make for good targets.

Frank

Post Extras:

Carol L

Reged: 07/05/04

Loc: Tomahawk, WI 45N//89W

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Urban Observer]
#5494911 - 10/29/12 04:15 PM

Hi, Al !

Between the two choices you've given, i'd definitely go for the 8" or 10" Dob. With it, you can always change the eyepiece and increase the magnification - not so with 25x100 binos. Come to think of it, i don't think i ever made any sketches at all while using my own big binos (22x100's). But i'm always sketching while using my 16" Lightbridge.

Best of luck to you, no matter what you decide to get.

Post Extras:

Urban Observer
member

Reged: 04/06/08

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Carol L]
#5495245 - 10/29/12 08:09 PM

Thanks to All - It had just recently occurred to me, that I actually already have the optics to begin sketching. Which is great.
I've recently re-located the scope, binocs/tripod, etc. to my Sister-in-law's (rental) home - Which has a decent backyard, all to myself (the reason for me getting back into the Hobby).
And a special thanks to Carol, for encouraging me to get a new instrument! Yay! LOL
BTW, this is the scope that I've been looking at:
http://www.opticsmart.com/featured/apertura-ad10-dobsonia... --- It comes with so many goodies, that it's hard for me to resist

Clear skies,
-Al

Post Extras:

Asbytec
Guy in a furry hat

Reged: 08/08/07

Loc: La Union, PI

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Urban Observer]
#5495417 - 10/29/12 10:13 PM

Well, do you have a specific target you might like to sketch? I do planets using a longer FL CAT, some folks have enough talent and patients to sketch the moon, others enjoy deep sky sketching. Your 25x100 Binos would be great for wide field sketching. A Dob might be good all around scope. Some aperture would be nice for deep sky, too. So, I'd recommend kind of knowing your preferred subject and maybe tailoring your scope purchase to your interests and observing conditions.

Post Extras:

Urban Observer
member

Reged: 04/06/08

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Asbytec]
#5495612 - 10/30/12 12:34 AM

Oh yes, sorry - I should've mentioned: I am really only interested in DSO's and perhaps some open clusters.
But again, mostly Galaxies and Nebulas. I'm glad I asked, I can see things more clearly now (no pun intended) - I realize that the large Dob would be the best choice; In terms of what would work best for me.

Post Extras:

Asbytec
Guy in a furry hat

Reged: 08/08/07

Loc: La Union, PI

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Urban Observer]
#5495651 - 10/30/12 01:03 AM

Post Extras:

azure1961p
Postmaster

Reged: 01/17/09

Loc: USA

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Asbytec]
#5496023 - 10/30/12 10:57 AM

I think OPT makes an 8" f/9 truss dob. Thats where I go.

Pete

Post Extras:

Carol L

Reged: 07/05/04

Loc: Tomahawk, WI 45N//89W

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Urban Observer]
#5497221 - 10/31/12 01:55 AM

Quote:

And a special thanks to Carol, for encouraging me to get a new instrument! Yay! LOL

No problem, Al - if there's one thing i've learned at CN,
it's how to help others spend their money.

Have fun with your new scope!

Post Extras:

Undermidnight
BEOTS "Tweener Cup" winner

Reged: 05/25/04

Loc: Hilliard, Ohio

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Carol L]
#5497436 - 10/31/12 08:52 AM

Al,

Welcome to Cloudy Nights and welcome back to this awesome hobby. Please post your sketches here. We would love to see them.

Jason

Post Extras:

Urban Observer
member

Reged: 04/06/08

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Undermidnight]
#5499780 - 11/01/12 07:29 PM

Thanks again, All! I ordered the (Apertura)8" Dobsonian
(The deluxe / Tweaker's Dream Package). I would've got the 10", but it wouldn't fit in the space I have planned for it. Well, I have owned an 8" Dob (many years ago); but I have a feeling that this will be a nice one. And, hopefully with really good optics. My old one was an Orion.
Yes, I will be sure to post my first (decent) sketches!
I've successfully resisted the temptation to fool around with Astrophotography again

And, I know that I've made the best choice. Scope should be here next week.

Post Extras:

Asbytec
Guy in a furry hat

Reged: 08/08/07

Loc: La Union, PI

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Urban Observer]
#5500114 - 11/01/12 10:51 PM

Now get some paper and pencil, you're set.

Post Extras:

Undermidnight
BEOTS "Tweener Cup" winner

Reged: 05/25/04

Loc: Hilliard, Ohio

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Asbytec]
#5500163 - 11/01/12 11:24 PM

If it would make you feel better, I can sell you some paper and pencil for what a CCD camera would be.... just kidding!!!

Sounds like you are well on your way... 8" is plenty! My favorite scope is the 8" I built (and ground and polished the mirror). *Plenty* to sketch with an 8".

Enjoy!

Jason

Post Extras:

Carol L

Reged: 07/05/04

Loc: Tomahawk, WI 45N//89W

Re: I want to be an Astro Sketcher : ) new

[Re: Urban Observer]
#5500262 - 11/02/12 12:39 AM

That's great news!

Here's hoping you'll have clear skies when it gets there.

Post Extras:

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