Hello Mr. Ting! I am a 73 year old Retired Detective Captain, 30 years on the job, 18 years retired. I have followed your reviews for years! I have owned mamy of the scopes you have reviewed and recommended. You always do great and informative reviews. A person can't go wrong following your advice. I have enjoyed astronomy with a telescope since I was 10 years old. first using a Gilbert 40-80 power reflector. I used it to observe Sputnik!! Presently I have a 10 inch Orion Dob with push to computer. A wonderful scope. You keep me enthused with your intelligent reviews that are presented so professionally. You are an awesome asset to all amateur astronomers! I often tell people that ask what scope they should get to go to your reviews of so many scopes before buying and have never had one of them disappointed. Please continue your reviews, I love them!!! You are the best.
Boy I wish that were true. But I get the point. I came here Because I decided that the technology was good enough now that I could become an amateur astrologist. Now is my time to start saving and figure out I'll probably get the one that he called the Toyota Corolla.
Ed is a legend. Back in the days we were reading his telescope reviews not because they were the only ones, but because of the relevance, sanity and wisdom coming from them. They're still relevant, the ultimate test of the time is not to be overlooked. Listen and understand what Ed talks.
I've been on the waiting list. Astro Physic's waiting list is legendary, and I love Ed, but 19 years is bit of an exaggeration.. I'll say this, today's market, expect to pay 3x - 4x the original price. I have an AP 155..my 2nd one.
Yeah.....I was on waiting lists for two AP mounts that were also in short supply...got both pretty quickly....2-3 months. At same time I got on waiting list for an AP 6" refractor...that was around 2005. I am still waiting but have intention of getting one if I were offered one. In that time I got 2 superior refractors....and both were in just a couple of months. Having used AP refractors, Officina Stellare (which I now have), TEC, Stellar Vue, Tele Vue, alnd various Takahashi's, D&G, there are plenty of very good refractors out there that are as good as or better than AP. AP doesnt even make 6" aperture range any more.
@@RobertKarlBerta TEC is a great scope but depends on usage. I use my 155 Starfire for Solar. TEC flourite and solar don't exactly go hand in hand. However, flourite glass scope has 1 less element thus shorter cool down / ambient temp acclimation time.
My wife got me a used XT8 for my birthday in July. She knew nothing about backyard astronomy except that I was interested, and had no equipment. She either did amazing research, or got really lucky! I'm excited to see this as the "desert island" scope on your list! I only knew I wanted a reflector, since more bang for the buck, and more compact. Had some scopes 30 years ago, and hadn't really kept up, doing mostly naked eye and binocular observing.
You are absolutely correct. I have owned a number of telescopes in my time including a Questar. I always used my 8” Orion the most….sitting on a rolling stool on my patio simply observing and getting wet from the dew.
I’ve been fond of the views in the 41mm Panoptic for years. The Tele Vue Panoptic line of eyepieces is excellent. I do notice a slight distortion at the edge of the field but it’s tolerable.
Couldn’t agree more with the last comment. My 8” dob gets so much attention when I’m viewing in public. It’s a wonderful way to meet and connect with new people.
I called an 8'' Dob' 5 seconds in to the video ! I don't have one anymore but being able to pick it up, plonk it outside and get amazing views is heaven compared to the Franken-blob of usb cables and electronics i have now.
I bought a Dobsonian based on your recommendations. However, I decided to upscale it a tiny bit to the 10 inch flextube Skywatcher. I could not be happier with it.
Ed, you are very inspiring. I love your videos, and your stories… I've been through burnout myself, and I do appreciate your life experience and incredible expertise. “It’s not about the equipment, it’s more about the experiences we have with it and the people that we meet.” I agree 100%…
Wow I can't believe I found you on RUclips. Your scopereviews web page got me into astronomy around 20 years ago. I read every inch of that page multiple times. Thanks!
@13:27 I have a 0 scope collection by necessity. But really enjoy watching you share your knowledge, and love seeing all these beautiful scopes. The XT8 is in my dreams, i love how "simple" it is, and how "clean" it looks. Best regards from the Azores.
I would say 6" Dob. I'm very satisfied with the vision of it. It's not too heavy nor bulky, when I'm in a good condition. I usually use 50mm refracter, because I'm usually drunk at night.
Ed. Just to say you are my hero. I have read your articles for many years I’ve never seen or heard you in person. You deserve to drive this hobby forward, as you are a great ambassador and very considered with your views. I wish your RUclips channel every success. Needless to say I have subscribed.
Oh by the way my favourite scope and I have many telescopes Is an Orion optics (this is a UK company) 6 inch wide angle Dobsonian on their aluminium upgraded/fancy Dobsonian base. I can sit in my chair with 2” inch eyepieces and scan the stars and my favourite star clusters. 😎
I’ve been searching and searching for my first REAL telescope. I was looking at the XT8. Thank you for helping me make my decision. 👍🏻 I’ve been binge watching your videos and a few others. Yours feel much more like an actual teaching video than a sales video...that’s very important to me...education of an item that I’m looking to purchase. Keep up the great work.
I LOVED my Sky-Watcher collapsing 8” Dob! I had it when I lived in the barracks and was always funny when the officers would come in and ask a million questions about it! Proposed to my wife while we were out night sky watching! Many great memories with that scope!! Loved the simplicity of it, and the fact that it was compact enough to just keep on the mount and set in the back seat of my little baby Hyundai!!
Because of your recommendation, i just purchased a sky watcher 8" dob. I built my own 20 years ago, and I didnt want to spend all the time and money on building one again but did want to get into the hobby again. Ive had several different scopes over the years. My first was a 114mm newtonian, not the best. My best was a bausch & lomb criterion 4000, used. The tiny eyepieces sucked, but it taught me the night sky, showed me the ring nebula, amdroneda galaxy, star clusters, gloulars, etc. The dobsonian will do exactly what i need. Its too eady to get caught up with all the bells and whistles, aperture, etc. I just want to go out, see some old celestial friends and have some fun, thanks for your sugestion!
Back in June I saw an offer online I couldn't refuse for what I believed was a good telescope. The powerseeker 127, a telescope so meaningless to the knowledgeable that it doesnt even make it to your reviews. I was amazed the first time I was able to focus a planet, and even more once I spotted a few dim deep space objects. After following you for a while I can't imagine what awaits me once I upgrade to a good quality setup, and I thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone.
My only scope is a 76mm Firstscope, but you know what? For someone just looking for something to share with kids and show them the planets and stars, its still great. On a good night I can still see the bands on jupiter, and the rings of Saturn, including the Cassini Division. Sometimes the budget is what the budget is, and with patience you can still make magical memories. The best thing I did was invest in some quality eyepieces. Some nearly as much as the scope itself! Worth every penny though, the Plossl’s provide such a better experience than the basic Kellners that came with the scope.
Ed, I attended one of your lectures at the Nashua Public Library, highly inspirational. Please accept my humble opinion, your video communication style, humor, intellectual clarity and human warmth, in a sport that will take the player way off the comfort zone- captivate me, inspire me. Thank you, Sir.
This channel has been so helpful to me. Also, I'm very happy to see him recommend an 8 inch Dobby in more than one video, because that's what I own (Celestron 8 inch Starsense). I have gotten some great looks at Jupiter, Saturn, the Pleiades, Betelgeuse, the M42 Nebula in Orion's sword, as well as just having a great time pointing it at a "blank" spot and seeing how much is actually there that I can't see with the naked eye. I live in a city with a population around 60k and so viewing conditions aren't optimal at my home, but you only need to drive about 10-15 minutes out of town to get to much better Bortle skies. I'm also honing my astrophotography with it; contrary to popular belief it is very possible to get great photos with a Dobsonian. My photo of M42 was created by taking a video of it drifting through the field of view, then using PIPP to take frames from it and then stacking them with either AutoStakert or Registax. Naturally, I will use something like Photoshop as well. Great channel, I definitely will recommend it to my fellow amateur astronomers.
I host a buy-and-sell show on the local radio station in Owen Sound, Ontario. In the middle of Covid, when everything was shut down (at least here in Ontario everything was shut down) and nothing was happening - both my bands were inactive, I couldn't play rec hockey - a guy called my show with a 12" Meade Lightbridge. He wanted $300. I didn't know a great deal about telescopes, but I knew that was a pretty big newt for not much money, and I figured if the thing worked at all it was easily worth it. Notwithstanding that it' was a little beaten up, it was fine. I called a guy from the local astronomy club (which I have since joined) and he told me the mirrors looked good, and he watched me do a collimation and he gave me an A (retired physics teacher and dob owner). It came with the stock 26mm, and I've since added an Antares 10mm, a Speers Waller 9mm, and a Bresser 35mm, which is the one I use most. Not having graduated from Hogwarts, I found levitating on my back four feet off the ground difficult, so I ditched the finder scope and on the advice of someone, added a Telrad, which may be the best $50 I ever spent. A year and half on, I love it. It's my only scope, both from financial necessity and storage necessity. I can see myself acquiring another scope at some point in addition to the dob, but I can't see parting with this one.
8 inch Dob is such a great scope, right in the sweet spot of not too heavy and large enough to gather good amount of light. I just placed an order on Apertura AD8 because of the accessories that come with it, along with easy to collimate.
Your choice of the 8" Dob is not a surprise. It's a great balance of price, performance and portability. In the coming months I intend to build a Dob base for my 6" reflector because its OTA weighs 20% of my 12" reflector OTA weighs, making it a viable scope for short viewing sessions. If I didn't have the 6" Cave and the 12" Intelliscope an 8" Dob would be on my Christmas list.
Great video. As an older Senior my Orion 8” DOB was handed down to my Grandchildren. Most of my observing is through binoculars now. Easy to carry and great for searching the sky as well as terrestrial pursuits. I do miss my dob. I used to aim it as an 18th century gunner would have done. Just sight down the tube.
I'm a small dobsonian guy myself, but I'm not such a purist that I don't use a Telrad and a cooling fan. I do use star atlases and starhop manually, though, and won't touch goto and DSCs. To h*ck with computers and phones in the field. I love SkySafari for planning my sessions, but prefer charts and books when I'm actually observing. I need to unplug and be alone with the sky.
I agree Ed! I've got an Orion XT8i and love it! It's big enough to fight through the light pollution of the DFW area, but not so big, bulky and heavy that I can't carry it to my backyard without disassembly. I also have a Celestron C-5 spotting scope, that's an F10 on an Altazimuth mount for quick grab and go views of the planets and moon, and a 3.5 inch Orion F6.7 Refractor on a manual German EQ mount, which was my most used scope prior to getting the Dob. I also have a pair of 20x80 Celestron skymasters on an Altazimuth mount for wide angle grab and go views of star clusters, nebula and the like. I'd love to see you do a segment (or a part of one) on light pollution, and how the size and F ratio as well as various filters can make a difference, etc
I've been an amateur astronomer since I borrowed a friend's 60mm refractor when I was 9 or 10 years old. I've had a number of scopes over the years since but now that I'm retired I've downsized to the one scope I've liked the most: my Zhumell 8" f/6 dob. What a great telescope!
I agree with you about the Questar. I got mine about 20 years ago and I think I've used it maybe 15 or 20 times. I usually take it out of its case to show someone how nicely it's made and that's about it. I've got to sell it someday.
Yeah they're more like a work of art that also functions as a telescope. I wouldn't mind having one as a conversation piece in the living room, but a dob is a more utilitarian tool for observing the heavens.
Great video Ed. I guessed the winner correctly! Makes perfect sense to me, those 8” dobs are magic. 🙂 I have a number of scopes including 2.5” & 4” refractors, 5” & 6” Newts and an 8” SCT. If had to have just one scope it would probably be an 8” Newt, but my ultimate goal is to have two main scopes - a 4” refractor complemented by a 10-12” Newtonian. 👍
Thank you Ed. I really enjoy this channel. I bought my first scope right before I discovered it. I have an Explore Scientific 10-inch Hybrid Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope - DOB1045C. I've only had it out once and I learned 2 things. 1. I need to upgrade my finder. 2. long pants, long shirt, and lots of mosquito repellent are the most important accessories to the hobby.
I had an Orion 8" Dobsonian and I loved it as well. I had it shipped when I moved and my father in law packed it mirror up. Whelp it fell during shipping and cracked. UPS paid for it but I never replaced it--I wound up with a Meade 8" SCT but you have me interested in getting one again. I used it a lot and loved it. Great choice.
Not surprised at all, based on having watched many of your previous videos. You have always spoken very highly of the 8" Dobsonian. I have recently acquired a SkyWatcher 8" Dobsionian largely due to your reasoned analysis of various types and sizes of different telescopes. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of the hobby and especially for the thoughtful manner in which you present the information. It is much appreciated.
Loved it! I think I wasn't surprised... I think I saw a previous video of you explaining the 8" dob that you have..So, it was an obvious choice for me... thanks Ed!
You're absolutely right, when you talked about your client, and how you went to his farm, then showed them the sky through the scope. I just got a new scope, only 130mm reflector, but I was on a road bridge, stargazing, and a cop car stopped next to me, I invited them to look at Saturn and it was both the cops first time looking through a decent scope. They were pretty impressed. It does give you a boost, especially of you normally sky watch alone, when some strangers take an interest, and they end up pretty happy.
Thanks for the great review Ed. I started my love for Amateur Astronomy, when I was 7 years old. In fact my first scope was a 40mm refractor on a small tripod. I have had various refractors and reflectors throughout my life. My 2 scopes that I have now is a C8 ( with a few modifications, electric focuser, dec motor etc). I also have Skywatcher 12 inch Goto. In saying that I do miss my 6 inch Dobby. It was easy to setup, carry it around and the views were great. Setting up big heavy scopes is a pain.
I have owned or still own or use everything from 80mm to 152mm APO refractors, 8"-14" SCTs, a couple of dobs including 4 1/2" table top models to 22" giants. I find my most used scope is a 80mm APO refractor because it is light, gives fantastic views and photos beyond its aperture size....and serves double duty with a Ha filter Daystar Quark. My next favorite is my 152mm APO refractor.....can't beat that for consistently great astrophotos. I also like the views through a SCT and it is perhaps the most versatile BUT it is not as handy to transport or quick to setup like a small refractor. That being said, my 11" SCT is hard to beat for visual use and in HD versions is very well corrected. While I do use DOBS, those are my least favorie since I need a scope that can do more than be used for visual. While I also use a 14" SCT HD Celestron, I much prefer the 11" and 8" HD versions I have I am lucky in that my various scopes can share an Astro Physics mount in my backyard observatory....but I also keep a simple Ioptron cube type mount setup with the 80mm refractor that sits in a corner of my kitchen. I can pick the whole thing up and carry it out to my patio in seconds and be observing nearly immediately The small aperture doesn't have the very long cool down time of a big aperture. This last point wasn't discussed in the RUclips video and I consider that very important. Very fast setup time is a blesing but also a scope that can stabilize thermally very fast is important. I remember trying to use some big aperture scopes that took an hour or more to stabilize.....that really cuts into your observing time. Where I live a clear night is a delight but also often you won't know if it is going to be a good night until that night. Waiting for cool down, to me, is a bothersome PITA....I hate that wasted time.
What about collimating? I'm an absolute noob, and I have yet to buy my 1st scope, but to me that feels like the most intimidating aspect of a Dobs. How often do you have to do it? Do you need extra equipment (lasers, etc)? Do you do it in the field? Can you get away with not doing it? I'd appreciate an experienced opinion. Thanks!
I was a one telescope owner till a few weeks ago. Orion Astroview 6 inch with an equatorial mount. I just picked a 10 inch truss tube dob after watching you go on about your 8 inch dob in other videos. I wanted a little more light gathering than an 8. With the truss system it’s still super portable.
I'm going to buck the trend here. MY fav is the Meade LX200 Classic, which I still own and use after 20 years. This scope can take me through the night and show me EVERYTHING that you can see below mag 12 with just a push of a button. I've lost count of all the all-nighters I've done with it! But I did give in to the Dob craze by getting an Orion 12 inch Truss-Tube Intelliscope. Push-to and not as accurate as the Classic but gets the job done. Weight of it has become something of a problem now, though. So there you have it. Electronic scopes rule! YOMV....
Absolutely love my Orion XT10g. The dobsonian is a winner, through and through. Simple, effective, and fun to use again and again. Thx Ed for another great discussion. Love the channel.
I got a XT8 a few years ago. My first big “real” telescope after getting some small refractors growing up. Despite the size and moving it around, it really is a great scope. Easy to use and a just a light bucket. Its able to pick up small objects, doesn’t need a fancy mount. With good eyepieces, it’s a blast.
I started out with the XT8 and really enjoyed it for my first scope. I sold it and used the money to upgrade to an XT10i with no regrets. I have really enjoyed the XT10i.
Great video Ed. It made me reconsider my current obsession with getting something "bigger and better" and spending more time enjoying what I already have. Jupiter and Saturn have been amazing with all the "Wows!" from my wife and kids I didn't need anything more expensive than I already have. Well, I could use a few more Delos eyepieces ...
I had a meade etx 90 for some years but my location was lousy, particularly for that scope, so I traded it for woodworking equipment. 15-20 years later I have now moved to a much better location and have purchased a Celestron NexStar 8SE, wedge, etc. and hoping I did not make a mistake . My main interest is in astrophotography of galaxies and planets. If the wedge doesn't work out I will upgrade to an equatorial mount, but trying to save my money for imaging needs if possible (camera, etc.). Really enjoying your videos! Cheers!
Yep, another excellent video. I gave my XT8 to a buddy because his son was really nuts about it. I miss it but I was tired to lugging it upstairs. For the money it's the best bang for the buck. Many thanks!!
Well this was a nice video to stumble across considering I just ordered the Orion Skyline 8" after much contemplation. I'm pretty excited and dusting off my desert camping gear very soon. You've only added to the excitement.
your absolutely right about the memories you make with a scope my XT8 is my GO to I love the thing I'll never forget the first time showing my wife Saturn and it's rings and the amazement she had when she saw it and realized that tiny yellow point of light in the sky is a acutal world I'll never forget . whenever I have guest over my house they always ask what the hell the big black thing is sitting in my living room and I explain it's a telescope and then show them the planets it's always a great ice breaker ! highly recommend orion's line of Dobs !! my neighbor bought the XT6 after showing him my XT8 and it's great as well!
I own a 8" Sky-Watcher dobsonian and I love it. It is a lot more fun (to me) than my previous 8" SC ! I am a minimalist by heart and the less technical it is, the more pleasure I get! ;-)
I have a 12" version of the same scope. I love it, but I find I don't use it nearly as much as my 8SE. Even with having added wheels to the dob, I just get tired of lugging it around lol.
Back in the 80s I went to my library and found a book on Telescope building. Richard Barry (?} how to build a Dobson. Bought a 6 inch mirror from Edmund Scientific , subsequently tested at 1/10 wave I believe. Bought the secondary from Kenneth Novak , tested 1/20th wave. It has been a fun scope and have wonderful memories. Anyone getting started should start an observation log book. It's a great way to relive those memories,years, decades later. Ironically, the reason I decided to build my scope was because a scope I ordered from QVC was back ordered, after a month I was to impatient to wait. I'm sure the scope I have is far superior to what I had ordered:) Thankyou for the reviews!
If I had to pick a #1 recommendation for most people it would in fact be a six to ten inch Newt depending on budget and how much space you have in the car. It's what I tell people to get. But it's not for me. I'm hooked on tracking and ultra-stability. But the other side of this "one scope" issue is that the SCT marries quite well to a refractor. One of my preferred viewing configurations these days is a c8+92mm apo on a G11. The combo provides a dose of aperture and a wide field. It is absolutely true that the set up time is a pain. But what can I say. I'm a gear head, and working with precision gear is enjoyable. And I have an above average budget. But if you're looking for ultra quick set up times or are a parent on a limited budget and don't know if the kid will take to astronomy or not, I would get a Skywatcher dob. For fast set-up I use a refractor on an alt-az mount, no polar alignment, no tech. But be warned: I was observing with two friends using 10 and 12 inch Newtonians from Skywatcher and they were vastly outperforming my 130mm Astro-physics, which they gleefully pointed out cost more than their two scopes combined (by a long shot). When you use a refractor, it's because you like refractors! For solar h-alpha, it's best to have a refractor handy (Quark combo for the etalon).
I have a 8" dob and it's my first telescope. It is awesome. I have about 75 acres out of town and it is the best time. The kids and the wife love the time we spend together.
I love your conclusion! I had an Apertura AD10 last year that I bought for cheap and sold for just a little more. I was on a rampage to clear out large objects. Now I'm really missing it and looking to get another one or a 12" Dob.
I have been into astronomy for years and have watched hundreds of videos so I don't know how I missed your channel Ed. Thanks for a great and interesting video. Having both the C6 and the 9.25 Celestron SCTs I was happy to see they rated so well with you. All the best and I look forward to catching up with your videos.
Thank you Ed. Your videos really have helped me a lot. I've been in the hobby for 3 years, after wanting to get into it 48 years ago after seeing Saturn and Jupiter for the first time as a 14 year old. My Orion XT8 PLUS is my number one. Followed by my Celestron 6SE. I do have a 130mm F/5 Reflector on an A/Z mount for my "Quick Look Scope" and a 114mm Tabletop Reflector as my travel scope. I have all of the scopes I need. Anything bigger than those is too much for me. Upgrading to Televue eyepieces really made observing much more enjoyable. Naglers, Delos, and even the Delite eyepieces are a great step up from the standard Plossl eyepieces. BTW, on Halloween I set up my 130 mm F/5 and let the Trick or Treaters look at Saturn. Imagine the joy I get when they say, "I don't see it. I don't see it. I don't...WHOA!!!"
Ed Ting Sir What a fantastic way to explain feelings and science at the same time Sir Love you and respect you sir for your explanation You made me change my decision about what to purchase sir Thank you very much for your very mature opinions God bless you Sir and be happy with your hobby
Just got my first scope. Celestron 8 inch star sense explorer dob. I was out for three hours and had a blast. I found the star sense worked almost perfectly. But I hardly used it as using a telrad and finderscope was so much more enjoyable. Would be interesting to see you review a star sence!
Wow great video on scopes I have been into scopes for many years I have written many articals on Optics and how to collimate SCT. I have Meade 90mm achromat Orion 120mm achromat Celestron 150mm Achromat and my favorite a Black CGE with star bright coatings 9.25 SCT with very good optics and a host of 2 " and some 1.25 inch eyepiece's. and a grab and GO 80mm PanAm scope from a Runway inspection platform. Great optics 25X but Modified to take 1.25 eyepieces. Bak 4 prism no mirror.
thank you.. I just got a cheap Refractor, just to see if I get hooked.. All going well, I'll be looking at an 8" Dobsonian thanks to your recommendations. thanks
Definitely my TeleVue NP101. This is the best all around scope. Visually great, for imaging too. And also useable with Herschel prism on the Sun. With TV Powermate a view for the gods.
As a musician getting into amateur astronomy I appreciate your final thoughts. I enjoy my old student guitar just as much as my expensive custom shop guitar. It's nice to know where to spend my money.
I agree completely...almost. My #1, if I could have only one, would be the Apertura AD 12. I keep mine in the garage and built a rolling platform to move it around. Light enough, relatively cheap, easy to load in my truck, and 12 inches. Great on the moon, planets, and deep sky objects. It does it all, except astrophotography, which I'm not into anyway.
Thank you Ed! I bought my first telescope based on this video. I have an Apertura 8 dob. Finding objects in the sky has been a challenge but I find that makes it more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge!
New subscriber. Thank you for your videos! I’ve had an XT-10 for 20 something years and I love it. I remade the base and added wheels, and can have it ready to observe in minutes. Hundreds of people have really enjoyed looking through it..none more than me.🙂 I used it last night as moon passed .001* of Saturn and got a couple good pictures with iPhone. Tonight I’m going to hand track the Space Station, it’s a challenge that I love doing. Best wishes from central Texas. Good viewing to you. 🌓 🪐 🔭 👍👌
Over the years, I've owned 8 different scopes (not all at once, of course). I still have 3, but the one I use 90% of the time is my Stellarvue 90mm refractor. Light weight, easy to store, takes 5 minutes to set up or tear down, diamond sharp optics, and beautiful views. The real question ought to be, "What eyepieces should I have?"
Thanks for the great review. I too have a refractor, a William Optics FLT 98 f/6.3 that delivers beautiful wide fields and pin point stars. I am also the proud owner of a 1986 black tube Super C8 Plus with a Edward R. Byers drive which works perfectly to this day and the C8 delivers excellent images of planets and DSO's within its capabilities. My favorite telescope is my 1976 RV-6 f/8 Newtonian that has outstanding optics. All the telescopes are fun, and as you point out the best part of having them is sharing the views and engaging with people.
I knew it! I cannot get a XT8 shipped here. I am in Germany and Orion in the US said its too big. (BTW I am American working for the US Army over here) I ended up gettting the Mat-Cass 150 goto scope. I love it but still want that XT8! Keep the videos coming, extremely helpful to a beginner like me.
I have 4 scopes if you count an old Burris 15x-45x-60mm spotting scope I bought for $35, great little bench scope I used for years off and on. It actually is mounted with a scope ring which I found different. I wished it had a diagonal, so I bought a magnetic camera mount that screwed into its 1/4-20 tapped hole for camera mounts and would put it on the roof of my truck to look towards zenith. I get asked what causes it when the sky looks clear, but I increase power and it gets blurry? Either your scope hasn't cooled down yet or it is windy. "But it isn't windy". It is in the Stratosphere between here and there. I look at Jet Stream maps. I also noticed that hot weather also can change seeing conditions between warm air to cold air if they are mixing it can reduce the ability to increase magnification. Observatories are not built at high elevations to just get above the clouds and lights, they're built higher up to help reduce the temperature differential as well.
You asked for a “one scope collection” I can’t give you that but I will say this after a lot of debate with incredibly knowledgable people like yourself in this hobby I decided that I’m going to purchase an 8” Dob which should compliment my 60mm Royal Astro Tasco 152 well with a big diversity of views between the two this video made me laugh with huge price tags being passed over to go to the cheapest option I do understand however that the runners up if your into AP are far more useable in that arena but although I gaze at the pictures taken by very talented imagers I remind myself that on those nights of excellent seeing and transparency seeing the detail banding belts temperate regions and polar regions visually through my eyes is more enjoyable than looking at any photograph as you get a connection that no image can give you this hobby Isn’t a hobby it’s a revelation Thanks for all the content Ed really appreciate it
You seem like such a wonderful human. Thanks for your videos and the business trip story made my night. I'm very close to buying the 10" version of your winner.
Instant sub, sir. I sooo much enjoy the way you are talking and explaining your thoughts to the YT audience. Wonderful, a treat. Thank you for sharing 🙂
No surprise whatsoever. Largely thanks to Ed, I got myself on a waiting list for a 10" Starfield Dobsonian. (Apparently, Starfield is a new Canadian brand, and their dob is a GSO rebrand.)
8" (200mm/F5) Sky Watcher Newtonian on Eq5 mount. At the sea level magnification limit, at the limit of portability, and options for motors, goto, and astrophotography. Excellent value, most bang for the buck. Moving it is a great core muscle workout. Some issues with varying quality due to mass production, but better quality comes at much steeper price.
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Saw the title, knew it was the 8" dob.
I also
The most user friendly with any aperture.
Hello Mr. Ting! I am a 73 year old Retired Detective Captain, 30 years on the job, 18 years retired. I have followed your reviews for years! I have owned mamy of the scopes you have reviewed and recommended. You always do great and informative reviews. A person can't go wrong following your advice. I have enjoyed astronomy with a telescope since I was 10 years old. first using a Gilbert 40-80 power reflector. I used it to observe Sputnik!! Presently I have a 10 inch Orion Dob with push to computer. A wonderful scope. You keep me enthused with your intelligent reviews that are presented so professionally. You are an awesome asset to all amateur astronomers! I often tell people that ask what scope they should get to go to your reviews of so many scopes before buying and have never had one of them disappointed. Please continue your reviews, I love them!!! You are the best.
Thanks for the nice comments!
The best scope is always the one you use the most.
The one you have with you
I agree with both of you :)
Boy I wish that were true. But I get the point. I came here Because I decided that the technology was good enough now that I could become an amateur astrologist. Now is my time to start saving and figure out I'll probably get the one that he called the Toyota Corolla.
@@johnpadilla4661 Astrologist you say? I'm an Aries!
@@derpasaurusrex2993 I wonder if he ever became an astroloGist?
Ed is a legend. Back in the days we were reading his telescope reviews not because they were the only ones, but because of the relevance, sanity and wisdom coming from them. They're still relevant, the ultimate test of the time is not to be overlooked. Listen and understand what Ed talks.
Holy moly, a 19 year waiting list for a telescope? That's insane!
Yeah… not me. I have been on waiting lists for knives before but 19 years? That is actually pretty bonkers!
I've been on the waiting list.
Astro Physic's waiting list is legendary, and I love Ed, but 19 years is bit of an exaggeration..
I'll say this, today's market, expect to pay 3x - 4x the original price.
I have an AP 155..my 2nd one.
I'm waiting for the clouds to go away
Yeah.....I was on waiting lists for two AP mounts that were also in short supply...got both pretty quickly....2-3 months. At same time I got on waiting list for an AP 6" refractor...that was around 2005. I am still waiting but have intention of getting one if I were offered one. In that time I got 2 superior refractors....and both were in just a couple of months. Having used AP refractors, Officina Stellare (which I now have), TEC, Stellar Vue, Tele Vue, alnd various Takahashi's, D&G, there are plenty of very good refractors out there that are as good as or better than AP. AP doesnt even make 6" aperture range any more.
@@RobertKarlBerta
TEC is a great scope but depends on usage.
I use my 155 Starfire for Solar.
TEC flourite and solar don't exactly go hand in hand.
However, flourite glass scope has 1 less element thus shorter cool down / ambient temp acclimation time.
My wife got me a used XT8 for my birthday in July. She knew nothing about backyard astronomy except that I was interested, and had no equipment. She either did amazing research, or got really lucky! I'm excited to see this as the "desert island" scope on your list! I only knew I wanted a reflector, since more bang for the buck, and more compact. Had some scopes 30 years ago, and hadn't really kept up, doing mostly naked eye and binocular observing.
That is an excellent scope!
The XT-8 remains my mainstay scope as well. It was my first scope in 2008 and will be with me for as long as it holds up. ☮️
I got my xt8 orion dobsonian just by dumb luck. Fantastic scope.
Marry her again. That scope is a beautiful balance between cost and aperture size.
Sitting in a chair and scanning the skies with my 10" Dob and 2" Televue Panoptic 35mm is absolutely magical
Do you have to use a field corrector/ Paracorr with the 35mm or is it corrected pretty well, I've been thinking of getting that Panoptic for my 10".
You are absolutely correct. I have owned a number of telescopes in my time including a Questar. I always used my 8” Orion the most….sitting on a rolling stool on my patio simply observing and getting wet from the dew.
I’ve been fond of the views in the 41mm Panoptic for years. The Tele Vue Panoptic line of eyepieces is excellent. I do notice a slight distortion at the edge of the field but it’s tolerable.
A 31mm nager or even a 20mm ultra-wide would make more sense with an f5 or an f6 scope due to exit pupil diameter.
Which dob did you get im looking at xt10 plus
Couldn’t agree more with the last comment. My 8” dob gets so much attention when I’m viewing in public. It’s a wonderful way to meet and connect with new people.
"It’s not about the equipment , it’s more the experiences that we have with it and the people we meet.” Well said man.
I called an 8'' Dob' 5 seconds in to the video ! I don't have one anymore but being able to pick it up, plonk it outside and get amazing views is heaven compared to the Franken-blob of usb cables and electronics i have now.
I bought a Dobsonian based on your recommendations. However, I decided to upscale it a tiny bit to the 10 inch flextube Skywatcher. I could not be happier with it.
@ still using it. Still happy with it. I was eyeballing Saturn last week
Ed, you are very inspiring. I love your videos, and your stories… I've been through burnout myself, and I do appreciate your life experience and incredible expertise.
“It’s not about the equipment, it’s more about the experiences we have with it and the people that we meet.” I agree 100%…
Wow I can't believe I found you on RUclips. Your scopereviews web page got me into astronomy around 20 years ago. I read every inch of that page multiple times. Thanks!
Currently own a 10" Orion dob and a 9.25 SCT and agree with you. Using the dob to find stuff is also more rewarding without the GOTO of my SCT :)
@13:27 I have a 0 scope collection by necessity.
But really enjoy watching you share your knowledge, and love seeing all these beautiful scopes.
The XT8 is in my dreams, i love how "simple" it is, and how "clean" it looks.
Best regards from the Azores.
I would say 6" Dob. I'm very satisfied with the vision of it. It's not too heavy nor bulky, when I'm in a good condition.
I usually use 50mm refracter, because I'm usually drunk at night.
😂😂
lol
😂😂😂🍿
Ed. Just to say you are my hero. I have read your articles for many years I’ve never seen or heard you in person. You deserve to drive this hobby forward, as you are a great ambassador and very considered with your views. I wish your RUclips channel every success. Needless to say I have subscribed.
Oh by the way my favourite scope and I have many telescopes Is an Orion optics (this is a UK company) 6 inch wide angle Dobsonian on their aluminium upgraded/fancy Dobsonian base. I can sit in my chair with 2” inch eyepieces and scan the stars and my favourite star clusters. 😎
I’ve been searching and searching for my first REAL telescope. I was looking at the XT8. Thank you for helping me make my decision. 👍🏻 I’ve been binge watching your videos and a few others. Yours feel much more like an actual teaching video than a sales video...that’s very important to me...education of an item that I’m looking to purchase. Keep up the great work.
Can't go wrong with a dobsonian. It was my first scope. Still my only scope.
How is it that the cheapest is the best!?
I LOVED my Sky-Watcher collapsing 8” Dob! I had it when I lived in the barracks and was always funny when the officers would come in and ask a million questions about it! Proposed to my wife while we were out night sky watching! Many great memories with that scope!! Loved the simplicity of it, and the fact that it was compact enough to just keep on the mount and set in the back seat of my little baby Hyundai!!
I was rooting for the Dobsonian the whole time! They are simple, anyone can figure that out, Affordable, and provide great views! Awesome choice!
Because of your recommendation, i just purchased a sky watcher 8" dob. I built my own 20 years ago, and I didnt want to spend all the time and money on building one again but did want to get into the hobby again. Ive had several different scopes over the years. My first was a 114mm newtonian, not the best. My best was a bausch & lomb criterion 4000, used. The tiny eyepieces sucked, but it taught me the night sky, showed me the ring nebula, amdroneda galaxy, star clusters, gloulars, etc. The dobsonian will do exactly what i need. Its too eady to get caught up with all the bells and whistles, aperture, etc. I just want to go out, see some old celestial friends and have some fun, thanks for your sugestion!
Back in June I saw an offer online I couldn't refuse for what I believed was a good telescope. The powerseeker 127, a telescope so meaningless to the knowledgeable that it doesnt even make it to your reviews. I was amazed the first time I was able to focus a planet, and even more once I spotted a few dim deep space objects. After following you for a while I can't imagine what awaits me once I upgrade to a good quality setup, and I thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone.
My only scope is a 76mm Firstscope, but you know what? For someone just looking for something to share with kids and show them the planets and stars, its still great. On a good night I can still see the bands on jupiter, and the rings of Saturn, including the Cassini Division.
Sometimes the budget is what the budget is, and with patience you can still make magical memories.
The best thing I did was invest in some quality eyepieces. Some nearly as much as the scope itself! Worth every penny though, the Plossl’s provide such a better experience than the basic Kellners that came with the scope.
Ed, I attended one of your lectures at the Nashua Public Library, highly inspirational. Please accept my humble opinion, your video communication style, humor, intellectual clarity and human warmth, in a sport that will take the player way off the comfort zone- captivate me, inspire me. Thank you, Sir.
This channel has been so helpful to me. Also, I'm very happy to see him recommend an 8 inch Dobby in more than one video, because that's what I own (Celestron 8 inch Starsense). I have gotten some great looks at Jupiter, Saturn, the Pleiades, Betelgeuse, the M42 Nebula in Orion's sword, as well as just having a great time pointing it at a "blank" spot and seeing how much is actually there that I can't see with the naked eye. I live in a city with a population around 60k and so viewing conditions aren't optimal at my home, but you only need to drive about 10-15 minutes out of town to get to much better Bortle skies. I'm also honing my astrophotography with it; contrary to popular belief it is very possible to get great photos with a Dobsonian. My photo of M42 was created by taking a video of it drifting through the field of view, then using PIPP to take frames from it and then stacking them with either AutoStakert or Registax. Naturally, I will use something like Photoshop as well. Great channel, I definitely will recommend it to my fellow amateur astronomers.
I host a buy-and-sell show on the local radio station in Owen Sound, Ontario. In the middle of Covid, when everything was shut down (at least here in Ontario everything was shut down) and nothing was happening - both my bands were inactive, I couldn't play rec hockey - a guy called my show with a 12" Meade Lightbridge. He wanted $300. I didn't know a great deal about telescopes, but I knew that was a pretty big newt for not much money, and I figured if the thing worked at all it was easily worth it.
Notwithstanding that it' was a little beaten up, it was fine. I called a guy from the local astronomy club (which I have since joined) and he told me the mirrors looked good, and he watched me do a collimation and he gave me an A (retired physics teacher and dob owner).
It came with the stock 26mm, and I've since added an Antares 10mm, a Speers Waller 9mm, and a Bresser 35mm, which is the one I use most.
Not having graduated from Hogwarts, I found levitating on my back four feet off the ground difficult, so I ditched the finder scope and on the advice of someone, added a Telrad, which may be the best $50 I ever spent.
A year and half on, I love it. It's my only scope, both from financial necessity and storage necessity. I can see myself acquiring another scope at some point in addition to the dob, but I can't see parting with this one.
8 inch Dob is such a great scope, right in the sweet spot of not too heavy and large enough to gather good amount of light. I just placed an order on Apertura AD8 because of the accessories that come with it, along with easy to collimate.
Same here, Rahil. I hope you're handling the delay better than I am!
Your choice of the 8" Dob is not a surprise. It's a great balance of price, performance and portability. In the coming months I intend to build a Dob base for my 6" reflector because its OTA weighs 20% of my 12" reflector OTA weighs, making it a viable scope for short viewing sessions. If I didn't have the 6" Cave and the 12" Intelliscope an 8" Dob would be on my Christmas list.
Thanks Ed. Just bought the XT8i as my first scope with your guidance. Cant wait. Great vids, keep up the good work.
Great video. As an older Senior my Orion 8” DOB was handed down to my Grandchildren. Most of my observing is through binoculars now. Easy to carry and great for searching the sky as well as terrestrial pursuits. I do miss my dob. I used to aim it as an 18th century gunner would have done. Just sight down the tube.
Hahaha I used to do that as well, I got sick of crinking my neck and eventually got a telrad, best addition to the Dob ever 👌🏼
Can never go wrong with a good Dob Light Bucket!
I'm a small dobsonian guy myself, but I'm not such a purist that I don't use a Telrad and a cooling fan.
I do use star atlases and starhop manually, though, and won't touch goto and DSCs. To h*ck with computers and phones in the field. I love SkySafari for planning my sessions, but prefer charts and books when I'm actually observing. I need to unplug and be alone with the sky.
I agree Ed! I've got an Orion XT8i and love it! It's big enough to fight through the light pollution of the DFW area, but not so big, bulky and heavy that I can't carry it to my backyard without disassembly. I also have a Celestron C-5 spotting scope, that's an F10 on an Altazimuth mount for quick grab and go views of the planets and moon, and a 3.5 inch Orion F6.7 Refractor on a manual German EQ mount, which was my most used scope prior to getting the Dob. I also have a pair of 20x80 Celestron skymasters on an Altazimuth mount for wide angle grab and go views of star clusters, nebula and the like. I'd love to see you do a segment (or a part of one) on light pollution, and how the size and F ratio as well as various filters can make a difference, etc
I think your videos are super helpful, down to earth, and even up-lifting. Thank you very much for sharing your passion and talents!
I've been an amateur astronomer since I borrowed a friend's 60mm refractor when I was 9 or 10 years old. I've had a number of scopes over the years since but now that I'm retired I've downsized to the one scope I've liked the most: my Zhumell 8" f/6 dob. What a great telescope!
I agree with you about the Questar. I got mine about 20 years ago and I think I've used it maybe 15 or 20 times. I usually take it out of its case to show someone how nicely it's made and that's about it. I've got to sell it someday.
Yeah they're more like a work of art that also functions as a telescope. I wouldn't mind having one as a conversation piece in the living room, but a dob is a more utilitarian tool for observing the heavens.
I love the honesty of the reviews and the helpfulness. Puts back the interest in my hobby of Astronomy! Thank You!
Great video Ed. I guessed the winner correctly! Makes perfect sense to me, those 8” dobs are magic. 🙂 I have a number of scopes including 2.5” & 4” refractors, 5” & 6” Newts and an 8” SCT. If had to have just one scope it would probably be an 8” Newt, but my ultimate goal is to have two main scopes - a 4” refractor complemented by a 10-12” Newtonian. 👍
Thank you Ed. I really enjoy this channel. I bought my first scope right before I discovered it. I have an Explore Scientific 10-inch Hybrid Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope - DOB1045C. I've only had it out once and I learned 2 things. 1. I need to upgrade my finder. 2. long pants, long shirt, and lots of mosquito repellent are the most important accessories to the hobby.
Ah yes - done in by mosquitoes! We've all been there.
I had an Orion 8" Dobsonian and I loved it as well. I had it shipped when I moved and my father in law packed it mirror up. Whelp it fell during shipping and cracked. UPS paid for it but I never replaced it--I wound up with a Meade 8" SCT but you have me interested in getting one again. I used it a lot and loved it. Great choice.
Not surprised at all, based on having watched many of your previous videos. You have always spoken very highly of the 8" Dobsonian. I have recently acquired a SkyWatcher 8" Dobsionian largely due to your reasoned analysis of various types and sizes of different telescopes.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge of the hobby and especially for the thoughtful manner in which you present the information. It is much appreciated.
Loved it! I think I wasn't surprised... I think I saw a previous video of you explaining the 8" dob that you have..So, it was an obvious choice for me... thanks Ed!
You're absolutely right, when you talked about your client, and how you went to his farm, then showed them the sky through the scope. I just got a new scope, only 130mm reflector, but I was on a road bridge, stargazing, and a cop car stopped next to me, I invited them to look at Saturn and it was both the cops first time looking through a decent scope. They were pretty impressed. It does give you a boost, especially of you normally sky watch alone, when some strangers take an interest, and they end up pretty happy.
Thanks for the great review Ed. I started my love for Amateur Astronomy, when I was 7 years old. In fact my first scope was a 40mm refractor on a small tripod. I have had various refractors and reflectors throughout my life. My 2 scopes that I have now is a C8 ( with a few modifications, electric focuser, dec motor etc). I also have Skywatcher 12 inch Goto. In saying that I do miss my 6 inch Dobby. It was easy to setup, carry it around and the views were great. Setting up big heavy scopes is a pain.
I have owned or still own or use everything from 80mm to 152mm APO refractors, 8"-14" SCTs, a couple of dobs including 4 1/2" table top models to 22" giants. I find my most used scope is a 80mm APO refractor because it is light, gives fantastic views and photos beyond its aperture size....and serves double duty with a Ha filter Daystar Quark. My next favorite is my 152mm APO refractor.....can't beat that for consistently great astrophotos. I also like the views through a SCT and it is perhaps the most versatile BUT it is not as handy to transport or quick to setup like a small refractor. That being said, my 11" SCT is hard to beat for visual use and in HD versions is very well corrected. While I do use DOBS, those are my least favorie since I need a scope that can do more than be used for visual. While I also use a 14" SCT HD Celestron, I much prefer the 11" and 8" HD versions I have
I am lucky in that my various scopes can share an Astro Physics mount in my backyard observatory....but I also keep a simple Ioptron cube type mount setup with the 80mm refractor that sits in a corner of my kitchen. I can pick the whole thing up and carry it out to my patio in seconds and be observing nearly immediately The small aperture doesn't have the very long cool down time of a big aperture. This last point wasn't discussed in the RUclips video and I consider that very important. Very fast setup time is a blesing but also a scope that can stabilize thermally very fast is important. I remember trying to use some big aperture scopes that took an hour or more to stabilize.....that really cuts into your observing time. Where I live a clear night is a delight but also often you won't know if it is going to be a good night until that night. Waiting for cool down, to me, is a bothersome PITA....I hate that wasted time.
I have had an XT-8 for more than 15 years now, and I love it as well! Easy to use, easy to set up, easy to take with me. Just perfect!
What about collimating? I'm an absolute noob, and I have yet to buy my 1st scope, but to me that feels like the most intimidating aspect of a Dobs. How often do you have to do it? Do you need extra equipment (lasers, etc)? Do you do it in the field? Can you get away with not doing it? I'd appreciate an experienced opinion. Thanks!
I was a one telescope owner till a few weeks ago. Orion Astroview 6 inch with an equatorial mount. I just picked a 10 inch truss tube dob after watching you go on about your 8 inch dob in other videos. I wanted a little more light gathering than an 8. With the truss system it’s still super portable.
I love your reviews. Very informative and honest. Thank you!
The classic. Good old XT8. Fantastic choice. Simple and powerful. I love mine. Everyone else seems to also.
I'm going to buck the trend here. MY fav is the Meade LX200 Classic, which I still own and use after 20 years. This scope can take me through the night and show me EVERYTHING that you can see below mag 12 with just a push of a button. I've lost count of all the all-nighters I've done with it! But I did give in to the Dob craze by getting an Orion 12 inch Truss-Tube Intelliscope. Push-to and not as accurate as the Classic but gets the job done. Weight of it has become something of a problem now, though. So there you have it. Electronic scopes rule! YOMV....
I am so glad you chose the Orion!. Well into my budget.
Absolutely love my Orion XT10g. The dobsonian is a winner, through and through. Simple, effective, and fun to use again and again. Thx Ed for another great discussion. Love the channel.
My #1 is the Tak FS-102, that's why I own one myself! I have a Tak Teegul mount and an Ioptron AZ Mount Pro. My backup scope is a TeleVue Genesis sdf.
I got a XT8 a few years ago. My first big “real” telescope after getting some small refractors growing up. Despite the size and moving it around, it really is a great scope. Easy to use and a just a light bucket. Its able to pick up small objects, doesn’t need a fancy mount. With good eyepieces, it’s a blast.
I started out with the XT8 and really enjoyed it for my first scope. I sold it and used the money to upgrade to an XT10i with no regrets. I have really enjoyed the XT10i.
I need to do the same
Thank you !!! For this as well as your many other thoughtful presentations!
Great video Ed. It made me reconsider my current obsession with getting something "bigger and better" and spending more time enjoying what I already have. Jupiter and Saturn have been amazing with all the "Wows!" from my wife and kids I didn't need anything more expensive than I already have. Well, I could use a few more Delos eyepieces ...
I had a meade etx 90 for some years but my location was lousy, particularly for that scope, so I traded it for woodworking equipment. 15-20 years later I have now moved to a much better location and have purchased a Celestron NexStar 8SE, wedge, etc. and hoping I did not make a mistake . My main interest is in astrophotography of galaxies and planets. If the wedge doesn't work out I will upgrade to an equatorial mount, but trying to save my money for imaging needs if possible (camera, etc.). Really enjoying your videos! Cheers!
Yep, another excellent video. I gave my XT8 to a buddy because his son was really nuts about it. I miss it but I was tired to lugging it upstairs. For the money it's the best bang for the buck. Many thanks!!
Well this was a nice video to stumble across considering I just ordered the Orion Skyline 8" after much contemplation. I'm pretty excited and dusting off my desert camping gear very soon. You've only added to the excitement.
your absolutely right about the memories you make with a scope my XT8 is my GO to I love the thing I'll never forget the first time showing my wife Saturn and it's rings and the amazement she had when she saw it and realized that tiny yellow point of light in the sky is a acutal world I'll never forget . whenever I have guest over my house they always ask what the hell the big black thing is sitting in my living room and I explain it's a telescope and then show them the planets it's always a great ice breaker ! highly recommend orion's line of Dobs !! my neighbor bought the XT6 after showing him my XT8 and it's great as well!
I own a 8" Sky-Watcher dobsonian and I love it. It is a lot more fun (to me) than my previous 8" SC ! I am a minimalist by heart and the less technical it is, the more pleasure I get! ;-)
I have a 12" version of the same scope. I love it, but I find I don't use it nearly as much as my 8SE. Even with having added wheels to the dob, I just get tired of lugging it around lol.
Thank you for helping me choose
I got a dobsonian 10inch
So happy
Back in the 80s I went to my library and found a book on Telescope building. Richard Barry (?} how to build a Dobson. Bought a 6 inch mirror from Edmund Scientific , subsequently tested at 1/10 wave I believe. Bought the secondary from Kenneth Novak , tested 1/20th wave. It has been a fun scope and have wonderful memories. Anyone getting started should start an observation log book. It's a great way to relive those memories,years, decades later. Ironically, the reason I decided to build my scope was because a scope I ordered from QVC was back ordered, after a month I was to impatient to wait. I'm sure the scope I have is far superior to what I had ordered:)
Thankyou for the reviews!
So glad I found your channel. Good stuff!
Totally agree with the assessment of the 8-inch Dob being the best all-rounder: a most versatile scope that is a delight to use and share with others.
If I had to pick a #1 recommendation for most people it would in fact be a six to ten inch Newt depending on budget and how much space you have in the car. It's what I tell people to get. But it's not for me. I'm hooked on tracking and ultra-stability. But the other side of this "one scope" issue is that the SCT marries quite well to a refractor. One of my preferred viewing configurations these days is a c8+92mm apo on a G11. The combo provides a dose of aperture and a wide field. It is absolutely true that the set up time is a pain. But what can I say. I'm a gear head, and working with precision gear is enjoyable. And I have an above average budget. But if you're looking for ultra quick set up times or are a parent on a limited budget and don't know if the kid will take to astronomy or not, I would get a Skywatcher dob. For fast set-up I use a refractor on an alt-az mount, no polar alignment, no tech. But be warned: I was observing with two friends using 10 and 12 inch Newtonians from Skywatcher and they were vastly outperforming my 130mm Astro-physics, which they gleefully pointed out cost more than their two scopes combined (by a long shot). When you use a refractor, it's because you like refractors! For solar h-alpha, it's best to have a refractor handy (Quark combo for the etalon).
I have a 8" dob and it's my first telescope. It is awesome. I have about 75 acres out of town and it is the best time. The kids and the wife love the time we spend together.
Your channel has been more then just a little help. You sir are awesome, and very helpful
I love your conclusion! I had an Apertura AD10 last year that I bought for cheap and sold for just a little more. I was on a rampage to clear out large objects. Now I'm really missing it and looking to get another one or a 12" Dob.
I have been into astronomy for years and have watched hundreds of videos so I don't know how I missed your channel Ed. Thanks for a great and interesting video.
Having both the C6 and the 9.25 Celestron SCTs I was happy to see they rated so well with you.
All the best and I look forward to catching up with your videos.
Superb! I have an 8" Orion Dob and an ETX90. Love them both. My 90mm is The Moon Killer.
Thank you Ed. Your videos really have helped me a lot. I've been in the hobby for 3 years, after wanting to get into it 48 years ago after seeing Saturn and Jupiter for the first time as a 14 year old. My Orion XT8 PLUS is my number one. Followed by my Celestron 6SE. I do have a 130mm F/5 Reflector on an A/Z mount for my "Quick Look Scope" and a 114mm Tabletop Reflector as my travel scope. I have all of the scopes I need. Anything bigger than those is too much for me. Upgrading to Televue eyepieces really made observing much more enjoyable. Naglers, Delos, and even the Delite eyepieces are a great step up from the standard Plossl eyepieces. BTW, on Halloween I set up my 130 mm F/5 and let the Trick or Treaters look at Saturn. Imagine the joy I get when they say, "I don't see it. I don't see it. I don't...WHOA!!!"
Ed Ting Sir
What a fantastic way to explain feelings and science at the same time Sir
Love you and respect you sir for your explanation
You made me change my decision about what to purchase sir
Thank you very much for your very mature opinions
God bless you Sir and be happy with your hobby
Good choices. Portable, easy to set up and easy to take down, gather good amount of light and stable.
Just got my first scope. Celestron 8 inch star sense explorer dob. I was out for three hours and had a blast. I found the star sense worked almost perfectly. But I hardly used it as using a telrad and finderscope was so much more enjoyable. Would be interesting to see you review a star sence!
I have a review of the 10” Star Sense elsewhere on the channel.
Wow great video on scopes I have been into scopes for many years I have written many articals on Optics and how to collimate SCT. I have Meade 90mm achromat Orion 120mm achromat Celestron 150mm Achromat and my favorite a Black CGE with star bright coatings 9.25 SCT with very good optics and a host of 2 " and some 1.25 inch eyepiece's. and a grab and GO 80mm PanAm scope from a Runway inspection platform. Great optics 25X but Modified to take 1.25 eyepieces. Bak 4 prism no mirror.
Currently own a Celestron Omni XLT 150 a 6” Newtonian on a Celestron CG4 mount.
Great video! I liked your insights about what you most value - the experiences sharing with others ! Great job 👏
thank you.. I just got a cheap Refractor, just to see if I get hooked.. All going well, I'll be looking at an 8" Dobsonian thanks to your recommendations. thanks
Definitely my TeleVue NP101. This is the best all around scope. Visually great, for imaging too. And also useable with Herschel prism on the Sun. With TV Powermate a view for the gods.
As a musician getting into amateur astronomy I appreciate your final thoughts. I enjoy my old student guitar just as much as my expensive custom shop guitar. It's nice to know where to spend my money.
I agree completely...almost. My #1, if I could have only one, would be the Apertura AD 12. I keep mine in the garage and built a rolling platform to move it around. Light enough, relatively cheap, easy to load in my truck, and 12 inches. Great on the moon, planets, and deep sky objects. It does it all, except astrophotography, which I'm not into anyway.
Thanks, really appreciate the overview and advice.
Thank you Ed!
I bought my first telescope based on this video. I have an Apertura 8 dob. Finding objects in the sky has been a challenge but I find that makes it more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge!
Really glad to see the C6 get recognition. Thanks Ed!
New subscriber. Thank you for your videos! I’ve had an XT-10 for 20 something years and I love it. I remade the base and added wheels, and can have it ready to observe in minutes. Hundreds of people have really enjoyed looking through it..none more than me.🙂 I used it last night as moon passed .001* of Saturn and got a couple good pictures with iPhone. Tonight I’m going to hand track the Space Station, it’s a challenge that I love doing. Best wishes from central Texas. Good viewing to you. 🌓 🪐 🔭 👍👌
Over the years, I've owned 8 different scopes (not all at once, of course). I still have 3, but the one I use 90% of the time is my Stellarvue 90mm refractor. Light weight, easy to store, takes 5 minutes to set up or tear down, diamond sharp optics, and beautiful views. The real question ought to be, "What eyepieces should I have?"
Fantastic review-and-recommendation video, Ed! Thank you very much. ✨
this was really wholesome, thanks for the content
I have my own refractor and LOVE IT. I use it all the time and see many stars and galaxies with it.
Ed, you're fantastic! Thanks for this review!
Thanks for the great review. I too have a refractor, a William Optics FLT 98 f/6.3 that delivers beautiful wide fields and pin point stars. I am also the proud owner of a 1986 black tube Super C8 Plus with a Edward R. Byers drive which works perfectly to this day and the C8 delivers excellent images of planets and DSO's within its capabilities.
My favorite telescope is my 1976 RV-6 f/8 Newtonian that has outstanding optics.
All the telescopes are fun, and as you point out the best part of having them is sharing the views and engaging with people.
I knew it! I cannot get a XT8 shipped here. I am in Germany and Orion in the US said its too big. (BTW I am American working for the US Army over here) I ended up gettting the Mat-Cass 150 goto scope. I love it but still want that XT8! Keep the videos coming, extremely helpful to a beginner like me.
I have 4 scopes if you count an old Burris 15x-45x-60mm spotting scope I bought for $35, great little bench scope I used for years off and on. It actually is mounted with a scope ring which I found different. I wished it had a diagonal, so I bought a magnetic camera mount that screwed into its 1/4-20 tapped hole for camera mounts and would put it on the roof of my truck to look towards zenith.
I get asked what causes it when the sky looks clear, but I increase power and it gets blurry? Either your scope hasn't cooled down yet or it is windy. "But it isn't windy". It is in the Stratosphere between here and there. I look at Jet Stream maps. I also noticed that hot weather also can change seeing conditions between warm air to cold air if they are mixing it can reduce the ability to increase magnification. Observatories are not built at high elevations to just get above the clouds and lights, they're built higher up to help reduce the temperature differential as well.
You asked for a “one scope collection” I can’t give you that but I will say this after a lot of debate with incredibly knowledgable people like yourself in this hobby I decided that I’m going to purchase an 8” Dob which should compliment my 60mm Royal Astro Tasco 152 well with a big diversity of views between the two this video made me laugh with huge price tags being passed over to go to the cheapest option I do understand however that the runners up if your into AP are far more useable in that arena but although I gaze at the pictures taken by very talented imagers I remind myself that on those nights of excellent seeing and transparency seeing the detail banding belts temperate regions and polar regions visually through my eyes is more enjoyable than looking at any photograph as you get a connection that no image can give you this hobby Isn’t a hobby it’s a revelation
Thanks for all the content Ed really appreciate it
You seem like such a wonderful human. Thanks for your videos and the business trip story made my night. I'm very close to buying the 10" version of your winner.
Instant sub, sir. I sooo much enjoy the way you are talking and explaining your thoughts to the YT audience. Wonderful, a treat. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I have this fantasy of pouring, grinding, polishing & plating a mirror
If you have that desire, go for it! Just beware, when I did this, it consumed the next 6 months of my life.
Loved this! I’ve been wanting to upgrade my telescope and it was pleasing to note that you also love a good Dobsonian!
No surprise whatsoever.
Largely thanks to Ed, I got myself on a waiting list for a 10" Starfield Dobsonian. (Apparently, Starfield is a new Canadian brand, and their dob is a GSO rebrand.)
Ron, do you have a link to the sellers web page?
8" (200mm/F5) Sky Watcher Newtonian on Eq5 mount. At the sea level magnification limit, at the limit of portability, and options for motors, goto, and astrophotography. Excellent value, most bang for the buck. Moving it is a great core muscle workout. Some issues with varying quality due to mass production, but better quality comes at much steeper price.