35 replies to this topic

[Spacefreak1974]

8SE and 6SE's show up quite a bit on dealers "used" sections. Some are demo units and some are returns where the return policy allowed for no questions asked returns or such..

 

You may check B&H, Optcorp, Highpoint and others frequently as you can still get free shipping and dealer support on it. Most are tested and good to go and usually quite a bit of savings

 

Jon

[GOLGO13]

Sure, it's more grab and go than putting the same 6" SCT on an EQ, but that's mainly because such a scope requires heavier counterweights.

 

While something like a 130mm Newtonian on an EQ is a bit bulky to carry out the door, it's light enough that you can get the whole thing out to the yard in one trip, maybe two for accessories like eyepieces.  You could counterbalance it with half the weight required by a 6SE OTA.

 

Remember, the best scope is the one you use...

 

My opinion is that a 130mm Newt would require pretty much the same EQ mounting as a 6 inch SCT. Most of the 130mm EQ mounts which are light are not too good. The minimum EQ mount I'd want is the Celestron CG4 (sold with the Omni scopes). The CG4 weights 21 pounds (same as the 6SE mounted).

 

The 6 SE tube is around 9 pounds and most 130mm newts are also 9 pounds.

 

The 6SE with batteries is only 21 pounds. Very lightweight in my opinion. A little awkward if you have the legs extended.

 

For me, a shaky mount is no fun. So I'd rather use an alt/az mount if I want grab and go lightweight than a low end EQ mount with a larger scope. The low end EQ mounts may work with a 90mm Mak or an 80mm Refractor.

[Ml fly]

I have the 6se and I like it just fine. The only mandatories are a chair and a dew shield. I also consider the JMI moto focuser a must have. All of those will also fit an 8", which would be my recommendation. A better 24 and 10 eyepiece are in the really nice to have category. To me, tracking is a much bigger deal than goto. Learn auto two star and then have fun. It will all work out.

[BigC]

You can easily avoid the "start over because the power cord  got pulled out blues" by just keeping good alkaline batteries in the built-in battery compartment. Remove batteries if not using scope for weeks.Remove batteries and check for leaks or corrosion often.

[Augustus]

You can easily avoid the "start over because the power cord  got pulled out blues" by just keeping good alkaline batteries in the built-in battery compartment. Remove batteries if not using scope for weeks.Remove batteries and check for leaks or corrosion often.

I use Duracell Quantums to avoid corrosion. Since the battery power is rarely used, I don't worry about the price.

[JohnMurphyRN]

I've had a 6SE and liked it just fine. As a first scope I would consider it an excellent choice. 

 

It would also make a nice compliment to a large Dob down the road....

[Scuderia]

So after further consideration, I may, MAY just save a while longer and get the 8SE. We'll see. The way I'm seeing it now, that'll just save me from maybe wanting something larger, sooner. Especially if the views are better.

Edited by Scuderia, 18 September 2016 - 07:37 PM.

[kfiscus]

6SE? You betcha...
I hope to pick up a used 6SE some day and not look through it other than for aligning. I would put a green laser pointer (with momentary switch) on it and make it the guide for my 12" and 16" scopes.

I know there are cheaper ways to get push-to abilities, but I doubt quicker. I almost always stargaze with a buddy. The 2 of us are a great team.

Edited by kfiscus, 18 September 2016 - 08:16 PM.

[Mitrovarr]

So after further consideration, I may, MAY just save a while longer and get the 8SE. We'll see. The way I'm seeing it now, that'll just save me from maybe wanting something larger, sooner. Especially if the views are better.

 

The tricky thing with an 8SE is that the SE mount isn't really up for that kind of weight. I have the 6SE and it's great, but with heavy eyepieces and accessories it's already starting to chug a bit. I wouldn't want to try to add 2 more inches of SCT into the mix. It might be ok if you don't replace the red dot with a better finder, you stick to 1.25" eyepieces, and don't go crazy with big heavy eyepieces, but you'll probably want to do all of those things eventually.

[GOLGO13]

I have heard this a few times (but I have no experience with it personally) about the 8SE maybe being a bit much for the SE mount. If you still want this type of setup the 8 Evolution could be worth looking at.

 

Of course you could get an 8 inch SCT on the Celestron VX equatorial mount. However, that will be a much heavier setup and you lose the low weight and simplicity of the SE mount. Such as, the SE mount would be pretty easy to move around the yard if you needed to (like I do with all my trees).

 

The Evolution looks like a pretty slick setup. Kind of like an upgraded SE mount.

[paul hart]

So after further consideration, I may, MAY just save a while longer and get the 8SE. We'll see. The way I'm seeing it now, that'll just save me from maybe wanting something larger, sooner. Especially if the views are better.

There is quite a bit of difference regarding how much deeper you can see between a 6 and an 8 inch. I live in a red zone and I saw quit a bit more when I compared the two sizes.