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I have a 8 inch Dobsonian and also a Televue Oracle 3 apo on an equatorial 5 mount and steel tripod.
Slowly working my way back into observing and appreciate some advice.
I find the eq5 mount and steel tripod heavy and cumbersome and it takes the joy out observing with the Oracle. Similarly, the Dobsonian is heavy to cart in and out all the time.
Do I put them up for sale and buy one of the new e-telescopes that I can image with (is there even a market for these older scopes anymore) or, is there a better solution for the Televue scope that is lighter than the current set up that is reasonably priced, (eg. Wooden tripod)?
Perhaps I am just getting older and heaving heavy tripods and scopes is no longer my idea of fun and everything cost wise just seems astronomical (if you’ll excuse the poor pun).Gordon.
Hi Gordon,
I know what you mean, lugging a heavy telescope outside can put me off observing.
Assuming you are using your Televue for visual observing, I wonder if an altazimuth mount would be lighter? You can get manual or ones that track sufficiently for visual observing. Some of the tripods themselves can still be a little heavy, though the whole package should be lighter than an equatorial mount.
The latest smart telescopes look very interesting. I am contemplating buying one of the lighter models. Of course the observing experience will be different. They specialise in Deep Sky targets and none are good for planets. Most can observe the Moon and Sun, though only the full disc.
Best wishes,
AndyMany thanks Andy for replying.
Yes, an altazimuth mount that is light is a great is idea. I’ve also been thinking of siting the Dobsonian outside as it is so easy to use and get one of the 365 all weather covers that are in some of the telescope retailers websites.
Looking forward to getting back observing after quite a few years away from it.Gordon.
Hi Gordon,
Have a look at lockable garden storage boxes to see if one would be suitable.
Good luck,
Alex.
Hi Gordon,
In terms of the 8″, moving it would likely be easier if it had wheels. Try an internet search on “Dobsonian wheelbarrow handles”. In particular check out the images. They look fairly straightforward to construct, just two pieces of wood each with a wheel on the end. Some examples are used on Skywatcher scopes albeit larger than yours.
David.
Once again I am grateful for all these helpful suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Gordon.
Hi Gordon, have you thought about an equatorial tracking platform? I use mine with my 8in and 12in Dobs, set up is easy. Tracking not really good enough for deep sky imaging but fine for lunar and planetary.
Steve
Hello Gordon
As an ageing amateur astronomer, I found myself in a situation similar to yours. I invested in a Unistellar eQuinox which I have found great for deep sky observing. Have a look at my member page. I also wrote an article about my experiences, which you should be able to find somewhere in the Equipment and Techniques section.
Best of luck.
AlanI am very seriously considering buying a Seestar S50.
Very impressive results have come out over the last year. Not only “pretty pictures” but also hard science. As far as I can tell, they can do precision photometry (my principal interest) down to at least 13th magnitude.
The only thing holding me back is a rumour that at 80mm version may be released Real Soon Now.
Many thanks again for all who took the time to respond. I’m going to site the Dobsonian on wheels with an all weather cover and see how it goes. If that goes well great, I’ll maybe look at a more portable mount for the Televue Oracle 3. But if not, I’ll sell the latter and maybe go for the Seestar S50. Many thanks again.
Gordon.
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