Telescope people: I'm looking at a couple models, opinions please!!!

[KDOG]

First , this oneits obviously the most powerful of the ones I'm looking at, but I'm also looking at this one, its not as powerful but it doesn't have the inverted image quirk, its far more portable and you can hook up a camera to it.

I am also looking atthis one, for value reasons.

I'm leaning toward my first choice - the 10" Skyquest Dobsonian. Whaddya think?

 

[vegetation]

The 10" dobsonian would give you the best deep space imagery by a huge margin. But it's far from being portable. If portability is an issue with you, then you shouldn't consider this model. A telescope that sits around being unused because it's too troublesome to take outdoors with you doesn't make for great value, so consider that. Also keep in mind you can buy image correcting eyepieces, but it's totally unnecessary for space observation and in fact becomes a liability.

 

[KDOG]

The 10" isn't that bad on portability, I mean it has a handle and only weighs 58lbs complete. Its just bulky. I'm going to have to use the van to tote it out to good stargazing locations!!! I also thought about building an "observatory" behind my house for it so I wouldn't have to tote it anywhere any how....

 

[de8212]

Sorry I can't be of much help. I just bought my dad a Meade LX90 with the UHTC. It was more than the ones you asked about but I did alot of research and it seemed to be popular.

de

 

[IBuyUFO]

If you're really serious you should build your own. What better than to have pride in what you've made. I don't know about the price though. I was seriously considering this route but never got around to it.

 

[rockyct]

I wouldn't recommend a huge telescope if this is your first one. Start with a telescope no more than 5" in diameter and learn how to use it. Then, if you love the hobby and want to see more deep sky objects, a larger telescope would make sense. I love my Nexstar 5 because it has decent size, auto tracking and goto, and is very portable.