Jump to content

  •  

CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.

Photo

I'm 5"3. Can I use 12 inch dobsonian without tip-toeing?

  • Please log in to reply
16 replies to this topic

#1 betelgeuse91

betelgeuse91

    Viking 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 691
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2018
  • Loc: Ontario, Canada

Posted 30 October 2024 - 11:57 PM

For Dobsonians like Apertura AD12, will I have height problem? Assuming I will be using Paracorr, and big long eyepieces.

Thanks!


  • Jon Isaacs likes this

#2 SoCalPaul

SoCalPaul

    Viking 1

  • *****
  • Posts: 727
  • Joined: 16 Sep 2005
  • Loc: SoCal

Posted 31 October 2024 - 12:15 AM

According to the High Point Scientific website, the OTA is 57.38" long.

 

The rocker box will add some height, but on the other hand, the eyepiece holder is not at the very end of the tube.

 

Those two values might even each other out, but assuming the worst, I would guess (yes, just a guess) that the net added height would be about 4" max.

 

That puts the eyepiece at about 5'2" at the zenith, which by the way is where you will never look with a Dob, LOL.

 

On the other hand, your eyes are not at the top of your head, either, so your effective eye height may be as much as 8" shorter than your overall height, at 4'7". So yes, the eyepiece is likely to be above your eye height for objects closer to your zenith.

 

I'm also height-challenged. My 16" Dob's eyepiece is often above my eye height. My solution? A kitchen/RV step: https://a.co/d/iWd6FUQ

 

I find the handle helps me keep my head steady while observing.

 

It's kinda pricey but it is adjustable, folds up, is quite sturdy and most importantly, it has a wide base so that it will not flip if you stand off-center.

 

Here's another sturdy-looking one at a lower price: https://a.co/d/iq2L12w

 

There are less expensive options but some look unstable to me, like they would flip over if you accidentally stepped on them off-center.

 

Hope this is helpful.

 

Clear skies,

Paul


  • therealdmt likes this

#3 SoCalPaul

SoCalPaul

    Viking 1

  • *****
  • Posts: 727
  • Joined: 16 Sep 2005
  • Loc: SoCal

Posted 31 October 2024 - 12:19 AM

Also, attempting to observe on your tiptoes is an unsatisfying endeavor. Don't underestimate the importance of comfort and stability, so you can fully concentrate on the object in your eyepiece.


  • Rick-T137 and therealdmt like this

#4 betelgeuse91

betelgeuse91

    Viking 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 691
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2018
  • Loc: Ontario, Canada

Posted 31 October 2024 - 12:34 AM

According to the High Point Scientific website, the OTA is 57.38" long.

 

The rocker box will add some height, but on the other hand, the eyepiece holder is not at the very end of the tube.

 

Those two values might even each other out, but assuming the worst, I would guess (yes, just a guess) that the net added height would be about 4" max.

 

That puts the eyepiece at about 5'2" at the zenith, which by the way is where you will never look with a Dob, LOL.

 

On the other hand, your eyes are not at the top of your head, either, so your effective eye height may be as much as 8" shorter than your overall height, at 4'7". So yes, the eyepiece is likely to be above your eye height for objects closer to your zenith.

 

I'm also height-challenged. My 16" Dob's eyepiece is often above my eye height. My solution? A kitchen/RV step: https://a.co/d/iWd6FUQ

 

I find the handle helps me keep my head steady while observing.

 

It's kinda pricey but it is adjustable, folds up, is quite sturdy and most importantly, it has a wide base so that it will not flip if you stand off-center.

 

Here's another sturdy-looking one at a lower price: https://a.co/d/iq2L12w

 

There are less expensive options but some look unstable to me, like they would flip over if you accidentally stepped on them off-center.

 

Hope this is helpful.

 

Clear skies,

Paul

Silly me, I totally forgot that my eyes are not on top of my head grin.gif Those step stools look really handy. Thank you!


  • SoCalPaul, Rick-T137, therealdmt and 1 other like this

#5 therealdmt

therealdmt

    Soyuz

  • *****
  • Moderators
  • Posts: 3,594
  • Joined: 05 Mar 2015
  • Loc: 33° N

Posted 31 October 2024 - 02:06 AM

My wife is about 5’ 2" and she isn’t even close to not being able to observe standing flat footed through my GSO 10" Dob at zenith.

 

I don’t have a 12" Dob to check against, but that brings up that you might want to consider a 10" as they are not only shorter but are easier overall to handle, especially if you aren’t exactly Hercules.

 

If you could store the 12" such that you could typically just roll it in and out to observe though, then it’s size and weight would be much less of an issue. Anyway, just something to think about.

 

Oh yeah, an f/4.7 Dob like a Skywatcher will be shorter than an f/5 like a GSO (ex. Apertura), so consider focal ratio in getting a rough gauge on height (not all 12" Dobs are the same size/length).

 

Best of luck with your upcoming new telescope smile.gif



#6 Mike Q

Mike Q

    Vanguard

  • -----
  • Posts: 2,029
  • Joined: 15 Dec 2021
  • Loc: Monnett Ohio

Posted 31 October 2024 - 04:46 AM

A small two or three step stool will take care of the problem nicely. Just find one that is nice and wide for stability.  

 

https://www.littlegi...=34982127698085

 

Yes it is pricy but they are rock solid.  I use the 4 step model with my 16 inch and love it


Edited by Mike Q, 31 October 2024 - 04:48 AM.


#7 Jon Isaacs

Jon Isaacs

    ISS

  • *****
  • Posts: 116,428
  • Joined: 16 Jun 2004
  • Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Posted 31 October 2024 - 07:08 AM

That puts the eyepiece at about 5'2" at the zenith, which by the way is where you will never look with a Dob, LOL.

 

 

It is true that one does not observe at the zenith.  On the other hand, focuser/eyepiece height varies very little between 60 degrees and 90 degrees because the scope is at the top of the arc.

 

With an angled focuser, a Paracorr and long eyepieces, the eyepiece can actually increase in height a few inches as one moves away from the zenith.

 

I am pretty sure someone 5' 2" would be fine with my 12.5 inch F/4.06.  On the other hand, I am 6 ft and my 13.1 inch F/5.5 is a few inches too tall.  I sometimes use a short step ladder but what works better is a platform made of a large piece of 3/4" plywood with some 2x4 risers nailed edge on to provide a height of about 4 inches.  

 

This is my neighbor with both scopes, he is about 5' 10".

 

6362240-Rollie and the Dobs CN.jpg
 
jon
 
 

 

 


  • Rick-T137 and therealdmt like this

#8 zoso916

zoso916

    Messenger

  • -----
  • Posts: 415
  • Joined: 05 Jan 2016
  • Loc: Las Cruces NM

Posted 31 October 2024 - 07:09 AM

My wife is about 5’ 2" and she isn’t even close to not being able to observe standing flat footed through my GSO 10" Dob at zenith.

 

I don’t have a 12" Dob to check against, but that brings up that you might want to consider a 10" as they are not only shorter but are easier overall to handle, especially if you aren’t exactly Hercules.

 

If you could store the 12" such that you could typically just roll it in and out to observe though, then it’s size and weight would be much less of an issue. Anyway, just something to think about.

 

Oh yeah, an f/4.7 Dob like a Skywatcher will be shorter than an f/5 like a GSO (ex. Apertura), so consider focal ratio in getting a rough gauge on height (not all 12" Dobs are the same size/length).

 

Best of luck with your upcoming new telescope smile.gif

+1 on the consideration of a 10 inch vs 12 inch. I'm 5'7" and found myself bending over a lot to view through my 12 inch dob, so height really isn't an issue. The real issue IMO is the bulk of a 12 vs a 10. I found I wasn't using my 12 inch dob because it was just too bulky and heavy to use easily. Aperture increases light gathering exponentially but size and weight increases as well. I eventually sold the 12 and bought a 10. I use the 10 way more than I ever did the 12, with minimal decrease in capability. It's been said many many times on here, the best telescope is the one you use the most.


  • therealdmt, 25585 and Neanderthal like this

#9 MeridianStarGazer

MeridianStarGazer

    James Webb Space Telescope

  • *****
  • Posts: 15,556
  • Joined: 01 Dec 2013
  • Loc: USA

Posted 31 October 2024 - 10:10 AM

In theory, yes. Whether a mass produced dob is efficient with height, who knows. Their 8" is not.

The 8" eyepiece is about 45", I think I recall. The 12" is likely 10" higher. So 55". Your eyes are 4" below the top of your head, so 59". That is 4" of leeway.
Should be fine.

Edited by MeridianStarGazer, 31 October 2024 - 10:15 AM.


#10 betelgeuse91

betelgeuse91

    Viking 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 691
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2018
  • Loc: Ontario, Canada

Posted 31 October 2024 - 10:27 AM

Although the step stools can be handy, it'd be the best if I could use the dob without them... I should consider a 10" perhaps.

 

 

+1 on the consideration of a 10 inch vs 12 inch. I'm 5'7" and found myself bending over a lot to view through my 12 inch dob, so height really isn't an issue. The real issue IMO is the bulk of a 12 vs a 10. I found I wasn't using my 12 inch dob because it was just too bulky and heavy to use easily. Aperture increases light gathering exponentially but size and weight increases as well. I eventually sold the 12 and bought a 10. I use the 10 way more than I ever did the 12, with minimal decrease in capability. It's been said many many times on here, the best telescope is the one you use the most.

Zoso, how would you feel about a 12" f/4 Dobsonian? It'll have girth of your 12" but height of your 10". Would you still find that to be too bulky for you personally? They sell 12" f/4 GSO mirrors and maybe I could consider building one...

Although then the project could become much bigger than I could handle..


Edited by betelgeuse91, 31 October 2024 - 10:43 AM.


#11 betelgeuse91

betelgeuse91

    Viking 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 691
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2018
  • Loc: Ontario, Canada

Posted 31 October 2024 - 10:28 AM

In theory, yes. Whether a mass produced dob is efficient with height, who knows. Their 8" is not.

The 8" eyepiece is about 45", I think I recall. The 12" is likely 10" higher. So 55". Your eyes are 4" below the top of your head, so 59". That is 4" of leeway.
Should be fine.

I believe those 8" dobs are f/6, making them the same height as their 10" f/5 dobs.



#12 betelgeuse91

betelgeuse91

    Viking 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 691
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2018
  • Loc: Ontario, Canada

Posted 31 October 2024 - 10:31 AM

 

It is true that one does not observe at the zenith.  On the other hand, focuser/eyepiece height varies very little between 60 degrees and 90 degrees because the scope is at the top of the arc.

 

With an angled focuser, a Paracorr and long eyepieces, the eyepiece can actually increase in height a few inches as one moves away from the zenith.

 

I am pretty sure someone 5' 2" would be fine with my 12.5 inch F/4.06.  On the other hand, I am 6 ft and my 13.1 inch F/5.5 is a few inches too tall.  I sometimes use a short step ladder but what works better is a platform made of a large piece of 3/4" plywood with some 2x4 risers nailed edge on to provide a height of about 4 inches.  

 

This is my neighbor with both scopes, he is about 5' 10".

 

 
 
jon

 

It seems to me that those dobs I find have angled focusers. It feels like 10" f/5 or 12" f/4 would be the most comfortable height for me... Thanks for your input!


Edited by betelgeuse91, 31 October 2024 - 10:32 AM.


#13 MeridianStarGazer

MeridianStarGazer

    James Webb Space Telescope

  • *****
  • Posts: 15,556
  • Joined: 01 Dec 2013
  • Loc: USA

Posted 31 October 2024 - 10:46 AM

I believe those 8" dobs are f/6, making them the same height as their 10" f/5 dobs.

I believe their focal length is 1200mm, 47", f5.93.

And the 10" f5 has a 50" focal length, so 2" taller. The f4.7 is 1" shorter than the 8".


...

I also kneeled in the grass next to an Orion 8 and 10. I could view all angles with the 10" f4.7, but the 8" f5.9 was too tall for kneeling. I'm 5'7" on a good day. Used to be 5'7.5", but shrinking closer to 5'6.5".

Edited by MeridianStarGazer, 31 October 2024 - 10:49 AM.


#14 sevenofnine  Happy Birthday!

sevenofnine

    Fly Me to the Moon

  • *****
  • Posts: 7,479
  • Joined: 16 Apr 2016
  • Loc: Santa Rosa, California 38*N., 122*W.

Posted 31 October 2024 - 03:48 PM

The difference in an adults height is mostly in the length of their legs. Besides comfortable viewing, it's another reason to invest in a good astronomy chair. The Starbound and Vestil are the most recommended. I like the TeleVue Air Chair. The best economy models are simple drummer's thrones/stools available on Amazon. Best of luck to you! borg.gif



#15 betelgeuse91

betelgeuse91

    Viking 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 691
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2018
  • Loc: Ontario, Canada

Posted 01 November 2024 - 01:35 PM

The difference in an adults height is mostly in the length of their legs. Besides comfortable viewing, it's another reason to invest in a good astronomy chair. The Starbound and Vestil are the most recommended. I like the TeleVue Air Chair. The best economy models are simple drummer's thrones/stools available on Amazon. Best of luck to you! borg.gif

Those chairs are pricey! laugh.gif Will probably need to start with an Amazon one haha. Thanks



#16 zoso916

zoso916

    Messenger

  • -----
  • Posts: 415
  • Joined: 05 Jan 2016
  • Loc: Las Cruces NM

Posted 01 November 2024 - 09:33 PM

Although the step stools can be handy, it'd be the best if I could use the dob without them... I should consider a 10" perhaps.

 

 

Zoso, how would you feel about a 12" f/4 Dobsonian? It'll have girth of your 12" but height of your 10". Would you still find that to be too bulky for you personally? They sell 12" f/4 GSO mirrors and maybe I could consider building one...

Although then the project could become much bigger than I could handle..

My 12" was an F4 (Skywatcher goto). Granted the SW was a much better, beefier build than my current Celestron 10" dob, but the base increases in size as well. Make no mistake I have no regrets with the purchase/performance of the 12, for me personally I just use the 10" more for simple ease of use. Your experience may be different than mine. I would strongly suggest you check out your local astronomy club. They will have many different scopes of varying sizes that you can see for yourself in person and the members will be more than happy to share their knowledge. Looking at specifications online and seeing it for yourself in person is a very different experience. I can honestly say that I did not appreciate the actual size of a 12 vs a 10 until I learned the hard way. Make it easier (and perhaps less expensive) on yourself and check out your local astronomy club.



#17 betelgeuse91

betelgeuse91

    Viking 1

  • *****
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 691
  • Joined: 28 Mar 2018
  • Loc: Ontario, Canada

Posted 01 November 2024 - 11:58 PM

My 12" was an F4 (Skywatcher goto). Granted the SW was a much better, beefier build than my current Celestron 10" dob, but the base increases in size as well. Make no mistake I have no regrets with the purchase/performance of the 12, for me personally I just use the 10" more for simple ease of use. Your experience may be different than mine. I would strongly suggest you check out your local astronomy club. They will have many different scopes of varying sizes that you can see for yourself in person and the members will be more than happy to share their knowledge. Looking at specifications online and seeing it for yourself in person is a very different experience. I can honestly say that I did not appreciate the actual size of a 12 vs a 10 until I learned the hard way. Make it easier (and perhaps less expensive) on yourself and check out your local astronomy club.

That's a really good call. I should visit a club and see one for myself if there is a chance..




CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.


Recent Topics






Cloudy Nights LLC
Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics