Thank you so much. I've just bought a Starsense Explorter 8" Dob that has the phone app to help you allign to objects. I've assembled the scope but not been able to use it yet due to rain all this week. Can't wait to start observing.
Could you kindly advise : 1. The make of the ADAPTER (telescope to finderscope/ laser-red dot finder). 2.The make of the green laser finder. Regards from Montreal Canada 🇨🇦
@@mr.coffee540 So far it has been amazing. A little cumbersome which was to be expected. The views have been amazing, at least they were once the clouds had cleared up. We had a solid week of bad skies, typical it seems with a new purchase. I have purchased 2 new eye pieces. One 9mm 68 degree ultra wide and a cheaper zoom eye piece, which is good but 'not that good'. The svbony 9mm however is amazing. Crystal clear and frames whatever you're looking at beautifully. I am absolutely hooked and have been out every clear night I've had over the past week. I'm contemplating purchasing an astrocam to help the kiddo see through the eyepiece. Highlight over the last week is showing the neighbors Jupiter, a few star clusters and my favorite planet right now, Saturn. They were completely blown away. It's so awesome being able to share this hobby. Everyone's reaction is the same. That alone makes it all worth it.
@@mr.coffee540I’ve got this same one bought it about 2 months ago only used it 3 times from the weather. The lenses which come with the scope aren’t the best so advise to get some better ones all round good scope though
Bought my wife one almost a year ago for her birthday and couldnt find any videos detailing how to use this. We couldnt find anything in the finders scope. This is both our first telescope but she said she always wanted one since she was a kid. I appreciate the links to the laser!! Just bought one lol hopefully now we can actually enjoy it!
The finder is basically useless for finding stuff. Get also a 2" 40mm eyepiece from AliExpress. Once you find something, then you can switch for an eyepiece with better magnification (for example the 25mm that came with the telescope) www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003065417669.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.19fa1802bPLsuU
I appreciate it so much! I was just going to ask you what lenses would you recommend and where I could get them from. Last night we were able to actually find the moon just by look and readjust but it so so out of focus. We went out at around 10 o clock. There was some light still in the sky but not much. I tried adjusting those knobs by the lenses but wasn't seeming to get better focus. We also only have the two lenses that come with the telescope. I appreciate your reply and of you have any advice I'd appreciate it immensely!
@@Mamaslayin Hi, make sure you are using the right 1.25" adapter and only one of them, not both at the same time (the other one is for 2" eyepieces). Then you should be able to focus just fine. Spend some time with those two eyepieces first, maybe get the 2" 40mm I mentioned for finding things.
Thank you so much man!! We are going out tonight and got some company over so we all appreciate you!! And I will!! We eventually want to get lenses that's able to see Saturn and Jupiter but that's a little further down the road! Thank you again!
Where can you get that tripod thing for your attachments? I don't believe one came with the telescope and I'm not sure the laser would fit without one.
Just bought a stellalyra 8inch dob(gso) it’s fantastic.was thinking of getting a good quality 5mm eyepiece.can’t wait to see what the planets look like without a barlow!
If you have an acceptable quality Barlow like the Celestron 2x OMNI, you may find that there is very little difference, if any between using a 10mm + 2x Barlow or a 5mm (when using same quality eyepieces). Generally I see no difference when using an eyepiece, let's say 15mm with a Barlow , or a smaller one , like my Zoom without one. Barlows get a lot of bad rep because of many bad ones out there, like the ones people get with department store telescopes. In fact, a lot of the higher power eyepieces *include* a Barlow like element inside the barrel.. so a lot of people are using Barlows without even knowing it. Also a lot of people confuse the loss of brightness and details is due to the Barlow, while it is actually normal for a 2x magnification to lose 2x resolution and 4x brightness.
I have the same scope. I'm planning to replace the Dobsonian mount with an computerized equatorial. The upgrade I recommend is a low profile focuser so that you can use an imaging sensor and filter wheel. The secondary focus is too shallow by design and it is geared toward eypieces. I'm planning flocking, light baffles, dew heater for the primary. The very first modification / upgrade I recommend is replacing the guidescope with a right angle guidescope. Your back will thank you.
No need to replace the focuser. I am using an astro cam just fine. See my other video.Also I prefer the rdf and laser. I removed the optical finder. The primary has never dewed for me even in extreme humidity.
@@astralfields1696 Where I live we have high 80's humidity during the summer. But water condensates below dew point. If you go up to the mountains dew point can be reached even with 20% humidity. The heater increases temperature by 1 or 2 degrees max from the dew point
@@astralfields1696with filter wheel / Flip mirror / and imager you can't focus anymore. Until I fix mine (I have the old version of the telescope) by replacing the focuser, my flip mirror will be collecting dust.
I bought a few small telescopes and wasn't to happy with them so I bought a 10 inch dobsonian Skywatcher scope and for starting out I'm very happy with it, I did buy some better quality lenses and Barlow that definitely helped out. It's been about 3 years now and I'm thinking about upgrading to a more advanced telescope but before I do I would like to get a camera first and learn more about taking pictures. Dobsonian Skywatcher telescope is a great starter telescope I think.
Yes it is great I agree. GSO Deluxe or Stellalyra is a little bit better because they have a better focuser and better adapters, plus it comes with a 30mm Erfle 2" eyepiece.
This is incredibly comprehensive thank you. I’m still looking at first dobsonian to buy in the 8”. Are the accessories you show and eyepieces you demonstrate in your uploads compatible? I’m in between 3 telescopes. This one, Stellalyra 8 and Orion Sky Quest Xt8. I’m hoping to pass this to my daughter when she’s older. Advice would be most welcome.
Yes, all 3 have a 2" focuser and the same aperture. So whatever you see on my channel can be used by all three. The Stellalyra is the best of the three because it has better accessories (I think a double speed focuser, bundles 2" eyepiece 30mm and possibly a better finder) and it tends to be a bit cheaper. So I would go with that one. But if the other two are considerably cheaper then go with that, it is basically the same telescope and can be easily upgraded later on. Even the focuser can be changed, although for an 8" f/6 I find the single speed more than enough. The 8" is the perfect beginner scope and the perfect hand down to children. I also am planning on involving my kids more when they are older. They have enjoyed so far with me the views of the Moon and Jupiter 🙂
Thanks for the review. Exactly the scope I'm going to buy for my introduction to Astronomy. Too bad you didn't include links for the accessories you mentioned. Thanks
Hi, all of them can be found on Ali Express. Look for SVBony 68 FOV red lines.. and the 2" eyepieces are Angel Eyes 2" 26 , 32 and 40 mm. Same with the UHC filters (SVBony). I don't put links as AliExpress often changes the links to the products.
@@astralfields1696Hi mate which barlows and eye pieces do you recommend to buy to get the 400x zoom maximum of the telescope? I am new in this world of astronomy and wanna get the skywatcher 200p as a first scope. Also can a smartphone finderscope be attached on it?. I was thinking on using stellarium app to find planets and objets. Thank you.
Great video very informative. Im looking for my first telescope and have seen a 2nd hand version of this one but the seller says it needs colminating. Is that something i can do as a beginner?
There are several things that I don't quite like about SCTs. Price, Dew, no DOB mount, not as big of a TFOV etc. I will definitely look through some 12" before making the jump to see if it is worth the effort.
Hello friend, I want to buy a similar one, whether 8" or 10", only I have not been able to find out what material the base of the telescope is made of, that is, where it sits, what material is the cube made of?
Hello , the material of the base is a wood laminate. Be careful about the 10". It is f/4.7 (or f/5 for GSO) , instead of the f/6 of the 8" and considerably more heavy. The faster focal ratio means you will need to invest more money into higher quality eyepieces to achieve the same optical quality like with the 8", it will also be more sensitive to collimation and focus depth. I always recommend the 8". Ed Ting recommends it as well. For a beginner it is simply a lot better.. and if the hobby sticks then I recommend getting a 12" (or 16") to compliment the 8".
@@astralfields1696 Thank you for your support, and what eyepieces do you recommend I purchase for an 8"? I'm looking at H&B but there is only Sky-Watcher Dobson Classic 6" and 10", I can't find the 8"
Hello , you can find it on AliExpress here. The very last option. www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004212214119.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.73c11802LJOhBV You will also need to somehow mount it (I had a wing from my previous RDF)
@@astralfields1696 thank you very much! One more question: you mentioned you ordered a nee camera which is already 4K. Can you link it? I am using iphone and macbook, are these compatible with these?
can you link me the red tot finder / with green lazer please also the inclinometer ? I cant find this model, great review btw, i have a 12 inch dob but i also want an 8 inch to take to other places
@@astralfields1696if you install wheels on the base and get straps for the tube then it's doable if you want to use it only close by front yard or back yard and I also bought magnetic weight bags for balance with eye pieces and Barlow weights
Look up any 200/1200 8" Dobsonian in your area. It should be good. GSO or Stellalyra .. of course Sky-Watcher as well. The local market and buying used is also always a great idea.
Hello, that was about 200x. For 400x you would need a 6mm and 2X Barlow. More than 400x on a Dobson 200p doesn't make much sense as you are hitting the optical limit of the telescope but in very rare cases with very good seeing I just use a Barlow 3x with a 6-7mm to get 500-600x
My friend, this is the most comprehensive video about astronomy equipment I have ever seen in under 15 minutes! You've covered everything ! Thank you!
Thank you. I tried hard to make it as short but also as value packed as possible. I appreciate :)
@@astralfields1696What brands of eyepieces do you recommend? And barlow x2? Or if there is a kit that includes, the SVBONY ones are good
Is there any difference between 200P dobsonian and 200P clasic dobsonian?
@@alexandrustan5450its probably the color ! I don’t think there is anything different, but if you see a big jump on price then look.
@@alexandrustan5450 Nope, totally the same.
This was a really good, short overview! Looking forward to more dob related videos.
Thank you for doing this.
Thank you so much. I've just bought a Starsense Explorter 8" Dob that has the phone app to help you allign to objects. I've assembled the scope but not been able to use it yet due to rain all this week. Can't wait to start observing.
Thank you very much! We have a dobson at the high school and didn´t know what to do. NOW WE KNOW :)
Thank you so much for explaining things for us. it's so hard to find easy to understand videos for beginners :)
Fantastic presentation, you helped a lot! Thank you.
Very comprehensive video. Thank you for sharing!
I have just ordered this scope and its coming in a few days, I am so excited and your video is so informative, thank you!
Make sure to check the other videos for some more tips that will be very useful for this specific telescope :)
Thank you for posting this video! Really informative.
Fantastic presentation and very informative! Clear skies🔭🔭 🔭
Could you kindly advise :
1. The make of the ADAPTER (telescope to finderscope/ laser-red dot finder).
2.The make of the green laser finder.
Regards from Montreal Canada 🇨🇦
Actually I found the details in the previous comments/replies. Many thanks 🎉
thanks for the video, great presentation
Excellent, thank you
I have just purchased one of these tubes and I cannot wait to pick it up tomorrow. You really helped me choose the right one :)
Howd u make out with ur new scope
@@mr.coffee540 So far it has been amazing. A little cumbersome which was to be expected. The views have been amazing, at least they were once the clouds had cleared up. We had a solid week of bad skies, typical it seems with a new purchase.
I have purchased 2 new eye pieces. One 9mm 68 degree ultra wide and a cheaper zoom eye piece, which is good but 'not that good'. The svbony 9mm however is amazing. Crystal clear and frames whatever you're looking at beautifully.
I am absolutely hooked and have been out every clear night I've had over the past week. I'm contemplating purchasing an astrocam to help the kiddo see through the eyepiece.
Highlight over the last week is showing the neighbors Jupiter, a few star clusters and my favorite planet right now, Saturn. They were completely blown away. It's so awesome being able to share this hobby. Everyone's reaction is the same. That alone makes it all worth it.
@@mr.coffee540I’ve got this same one bought it about 2 months ago only used it 3 times from the weather. The lenses which come with the scope aren’t the best so advise to get some better ones all round good scope though
Thank U so much 👍👍👍💓💓💓
Bought my wife one almost a year ago for her birthday and couldnt find any videos detailing how to use this. We couldnt find anything in the finders scope. This is both our first telescope but she said she always wanted one since she was a kid. I appreciate the links to the laser!! Just bought one lol hopefully now we can actually enjoy it!
The finder is basically useless for finding stuff. Get also a 2" 40mm eyepiece from AliExpress. Once you find something, then you can switch for an eyepiece with better magnification (for example the 25mm that came with the telescope)
www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003065417669.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.19fa1802bPLsuU
I appreciate it so much! I was just going to ask you what lenses would you recommend and where I could get them from. Last night we were able to actually find the moon just by look and readjust but it so so out of focus. We went out at around 10 o clock. There was some light still in the sky but not much. I tried adjusting those knobs by the lenses but wasn't seeming to get better focus. We also only have the two lenses that come with the telescope. I appreciate your reply and of you have any advice I'd appreciate it immensely!
@@Mamaslayin Hi, make sure you are using the right 1.25" adapter and only one of them, not both at the same time (the other one is for 2" eyepieces). Then you should be able to focus just fine. Spend some time with those two eyepieces first, maybe get the 2" 40mm I mentioned for finding things.
Thank you so much man!! We are going out tonight and got some company over so we all appreciate you!! And I will!! We eventually want to get lenses that's able to see Saturn and Jupiter but that's a little further down the road! Thank you again!
Where can you get that tripod thing for your attachments? I don't believe one came with the telescope and I'm not sure the laser would fit without one.
Just bought a stellalyra 8inch dob(gso) it’s fantastic.was thinking of getting a good quality 5mm eyepiece.can’t wait to see what the planets look like without a barlow!
If you have an acceptable quality Barlow like the Celestron 2x OMNI, you may find that there is very little difference, if any between using a 10mm + 2x Barlow or a 5mm (when using same quality eyepieces). Generally I see no difference when using an eyepiece, let's say 15mm with a Barlow , or a smaller one , like my Zoom without one. Barlows get a lot of bad rep because of many bad ones out there, like the ones people get with department store telescopes. In fact, a lot of the higher power eyepieces *include* a Barlow like element inside the barrel.. so a lot of people are using Barlows without even knowing it. Also a lot of people confuse the loss of brightness and details is due to the Barlow, while it is actually normal for a 2x magnification to lose 2x resolution and 4x brightness.
I have the same scope. I'm planning to replace the Dobsonian mount with an computerized equatorial. The upgrade I recommend is a low profile focuser so that you can use an imaging sensor and filter wheel. The secondary focus is too shallow by design and it is geared toward eypieces. I'm planning flocking, light baffles, dew heater for the primary. The very first modification / upgrade I recommend is replacing the guidescope with a right angle guidescope. Your back will thank you.
No need to replace the focuser. I am using an astro cam just fine. See my other video.Also I prefer the rdf and laser. I removed the optical finder. The primary has never dewed for me even in extreme humidity.
@@astralfields1696 Where I live we have high 80's humidity during the summer. But water condensates below dew point. If you go up to the mountains dew point can be reached even with 20% humidity. The heater increases temperature by 1 or 2 degrees max from the dew point
@@asicdathens I mean give it a try. In my experience dew can be a problem with the secondary.
@@astralfields1696with filter wheel / Flip mirror / and imager you can't focus anymore. Until I fix mine (I have the old version of the telescope) by replacing the focuser, my flip mirror will be collecting dust.
Ok for viewing through. I had the 10” one with the motors. Managed to capture a few dso’s but the rotation killed it. Any scope is better than none.
yes, this is not ideal for DSO astrophoto
I bought a few small telescopes and wasn't to happy with them so I bought a 10 inch dobsonian Skywatcher scope and for starting out I'm very happy with it, I did buy some better quality lenses and Barlow that definitely helped out. It's been about 3 years now and I'm thinking about upgrading to a more advanced telescope but before I do I would like to get a camera first and learn more about taking pictures. Dobsonian Skywatcher telescope is a great starter telescope I think.
Yes it is great I agree. GSO Deluxe or Stellalyra is a little bit better because they have a better focuser and better adapters, plus it comes with a 30mm Erfle 2" eyepiece.
This is incredibly comprehensive thank you. I’m still looking at first dobsonian to buy in the 8”. Are the accessories you show and eyepieces you demonstrate in your uploads compatible? I’m in between 3 telescopes. This one, Stellalyra 8 and Orion Sky Quest Xt8. I’m hoping to pass this to my daughter when she’s older. Advice would be most welcome.
Yes, all 3 have a 2" focuser and the same aperture. So whatever you see on my channel can be used by all three.
The Stellalyra is the best of the three because it has better accessories (I think a double speed focuser, bundles 2" eyepiece 30mm and possibly a better finder) and it tends to be a bit cheaper. So I would go with that one. But if the other two are considerably cheaper then go with that, it is basically the same telescope and can be easily upgraded later on. Even the focuser can be changed, although for an 8" f/6 I find the single speed more than enough.
The 8" is the perfect beginner scope and the perfect hand down to children. I also am planning on involving my kids more when they are older. They have enjoyed so far with me the views of the Moon and Jupiter 🙂
Thanks for the review. Exactly the scope I'm going to buy for my introduction to Astronomy. Too bad you didn't include links for the accessories you mentioned. Thanks
Hi, all of them can be found on Ali Express. Look for SVBony 68 FOV red lines.. and the 2" eyepieces are Angel Eyes 2" 26 , 32 and 40 mm.
Same with the UHC filters (SVBony). I don't put links as AliExpress often changes the links to the products.
@@astralfields1696Hi mate which barlows and eye pieces do you recommend to buy to get the 400x zoom maximum of the telescope? I am new in this world of astronomy and wanna get the skywatcher 200p as a first scope. Also can a smartphone finderscope be attached on it?. I was thinking on using stellarium app to find planets and objets. Thank you.
Great video very informative. Im looking for my first telescope and have seen a 2nd hand version of this one but the seller says it needs colminating. Is that something i can do as a beginner?
Yes of course. Even a brand new telescope will need collimation. You will need a cheshire tool to do so.. get it from AliExpress for few bucks.
I use this telescope with Celestron xls eyepieces the result is outstanding visual or with zwo178
i subbed :)
Consider going for a Smith-Cassegrain instead of a bigger Dobsonian. A 12" Dobsonian won't be as much of an upgrade as you'd imagine.
There are several things that I don't quite like about SCTs. Price, Dew, no DOB mount, not as big of a TFOV etc. I will definitely look through some 12" before making the jump to see if it is worth the effort.
Hello friend, I want to buy a similar one, whether 8" or 10", only I have not been able to find out what material the base of the telescope is made of, that is, where it sits, what material is the cube made of?
Hello , the material of the base is a wood laminate.
Be careful about the 10". It is f/4.7 (or f/5 for GSO) , instead of the f/6 of the 8" and considerably more heavy. The faster focal ratio means you will need to invest more money into higher quality eyepieces to achieve the same optical quality like with the 8", it will also be more sensitive to collimation and focus depth.
I always recommend the 8". Ed Ting recommends it as well. For a beginner it is simply a lot better.. and if the hobby sticks then I recommend getting a 12" (or 16") to compliment the 8".
@@astralfields1696 Thank you for your support, and what eyepieces do you recommend I purchase for an 8"? I'm looking at H&B but there is only Sky-Watcher Dobson Classic 6" and 10", I can't find the 8"
Hi there! Thank you for the very detailed video. :) Can you help me how can I buy such laser finder? Thank you! :)
Hello , you can find it on AliExpress here. The very last option.
www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004212214119.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.73c11802LJOhBV
You will also need to somehow mount it (I had a wing from my previous RDF)
@@astralfields1696 thank you very much! One more question: you mentioned you ordered a nee camera which is already 4K. Can you link it? I am using iphone and macbook, are these compatible with these?
hello, if I want to observe the moon with this telescope what accessories would you recommend? thanks in advance
Nothing special, just use the eyepieces that you get with the telescope. Other than that a Zoom eyepiece is really nice for the Moon.
Hi. Is the solar filter made with baader film?
Yes.
@@astralfields1696 great! Can you please send me the link of the site where you purchased it?
Everybody has the same sheets of solar filters. I made mine for the Mercury transit
I wanted a review on this telescope, not all the extra equipment I'd need to add on.
Feel free to watch only the first half of the video then ;)
My take:
Cost double with just the add-on's necesassary to function as a refractory would out the box.
How much does a 200mm refractor cost? 😉
Also for all refractors you need to buy the same equipment.. except collimation tool .. which is like 10$.
Thank you;) I am junior astrophotographer, I have sky watcher 200p and eq 6 pro..go;))
can you link me the red tot finder / with green lazer please also the inclinometer ? I cant find this model, great review btw, i have a 12 inch dob but i also want an 8 inch to take to other places
www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004212214119.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.399e18026CRrnc
www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003500599693.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.25.399e18026CRrnc
And I want a 12" DOB sometime in the future ;). Not sure if I will keep or sell my 8" after that. Is the 12" too big to handle? Even the truss tube?
@@astralfields1696if you install wheels on the base and get straps for the tube then it's doable if you want to use it only close by front yard or back yard and I also bought magnetic weight bags for balance with eye pieces and Barlow weights
@@astralfields1696i should not sell the 8 inch if I where you because you can take that to places easyaly
Where can I get this stuff
Look up any 200/1200 8" Dobsonian in your area. It should be good. GSO or Stellalyra .. of course Sky-Watcher as well. The local market and buying used is also always a great idea.
The images of Saturn and Jupiter, was that at 200x or 400x?
If 400x what would you suggest if I want to look closer?
Hello, that was about 200x. For 400x you would need a 6mm and 2X Barlow. More than 400x on a Dobson 200p doesn't make much sense as you are hitting the optical limit of the telescope but in very rare cases with very good seeing I just use a Barlow 3x with a 6-7mm to get 500-600x