Apertura AD10 Dobsonian Telescope Sky Tour
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Take a look at what we can see with our Apertura 10" Dobsonian while using a ZWO ASI 120 MC - S Planetary Imaging Camera!
You can buy this telescope here: bit.ly/3OCj58J
Tracked by hand, this was a quick tour of some of the brightest objects in our sky during the night of September the 6th, 2020.
The song is called "Somewhere Out Near Lyra" and we wrote it for our cat, Lyra.
If you wish to support our outreach program, we accept donations here:
www.spacetimew...
Or if this video made you consider buying a telescope, we will receive a commission on anything you purchase through these links:
High Point Scientific: www.highpoints...
Orion Telescopes: www.pntra.com/...
All donations/commission earnings go towards purchasing/refurbishing telescopes for local education programs in our county (Whatcom).
Thank you again to everyone that has donated!!
I’m gonna crap myself from excitement. I just ordered mine and I cannot wait
Oh i'm gonna crap myself as well! There's going to be crap every.... CONGRATULATIONS! Is what I am trying to say. If you want any help feel free to email me or comment here and let me know if you post any photos! Clear skies!!!
Cant wait to get the Ad10
I hope you get it soon and if you have any questions I’ll be here!
Stumbled upon this while searching for reviews or images from this exact telescope, as I was debating getting one for my husband's birthday to "upgrade" from his 6" Dob (Orion Skyview). Needless to say, it's been ordered. :-) It won't be here until mid/late Feb, but I'm incredibly excited! I hope he is, too!
Heck yeah that's like a 176% increase in light gathering power! The Orion does not seem to have a 10:1 micro focuser, which should also be a great surplus in his planetary observations. A wonderful choice! When it does arrive and he tries out the supplied 2" eyepiece, let me know if he can achieve focus with it inserted completely in the focuser. For me, I have to keep it slid out a few centimeters and secured with some of the silver barrel showing in order to achieve focus. I also could not bring my Canon Rebel SL2 to focus without a Barlow lens. If you have cats be sure to hide the battery pack or they might chew through it like mine did. Otherwise it's a killer telescope and certainly an awesome investment. I'd freak out if I were him! Clear skies to y'all!
Les images sont très propres. Un très belles vue. Merci pour le partage. Thank you very much Robert, from France.
Thank you!! There are slightly cleaner photos on our webpage www.spacetimewithrobert.space and instagram instagram.com/space_time_with_robert/ if you want a better look :) and we're currently working on a huge 40,000 pixel panorama of Mt St Helens. Thank you again!! Clear skies!
Love the song.
Thank you! ❤️ clear skies!
Awesome as always, Robert!
Thanks, Ben!!
Awesome video and editing. Thank you !
Thank you very much! Clear skies ❤️
Appreciate this and great work and visual as always
I Appreciate YOU Max!! Thank you and clear skies!!
excellent !!! De très belles images. Merci !
Merci beaucoup!! Clear skies! ❤️
Good job on the tune too
Thank you very much ❤️
Jupiter and Saturn have been great this summer, Mars too. The Moon is always just stunning.
I just missed Mercury this year, Venus is tough for me, I work strange hours.
Nice shot of Tycho through the clouds! Well done video :)
Book_ Davies Thank you very much! 1000% Agree! This year has been AWESOME for the planets, and we were lucky enough to capture some pretty shots. A 10” is certainly is a “planet killer” of a telescope and I’m really glad you enjoyed the video!
@@spacetimewithrobert4438
If your into it, Explore Scientific is live on RUclips and Facebook right now, star party, equipment chat, etc.
Check it out. :)
Nicely done!
Billy Earnest thank you!! ❤️
Do most 10” Dobs see planets like this?
I feel like, given the right sky conditions and positioning of the planets, most 10" Dobs see planets BETTER than this! This video was taken while Jupiter and Saturn were low on the horizon, degrading their quality. Typically when Saturn and Jupiter are high, your wonderful HDR eye could see the Moons, Rings and Cloud Belts at the same time in stunning detail. This camera had to adjust it's exposure to do both, and couldn't do it simultaneously. I believe Mars is always tricky to observe while it's not at opposition because the darn thing is so small! Hence why Percival Lowell had to build his Lowell observatory for his 24-inch Refractor. Mars is beautiful, so don't be surprised if you end up doing the same ;)
Really, a better representation of how the planets might look through a 10" Dob is on my Instagram IGTV feed. I'll try to get them on youtube, but the episodes titled: Carl vs Saturn 3 and Mars Lunar Conjunction were filmed with an Iphone8's camera through at the eyepiece and I am really pleased with how clear the videos turned out. Yet I would still say your eye will be far superior. The series is called "Space Time With Robert" and the episode are 14 and 15.
I hope this helps!
Question, Is there a way to get an AD8-10 that is motorized? It seems like the telescope is really nice, but I was just wondering.
I love your train of thought! Indeed, there are motorized Dobsonians but I've only found one manufacturer still producing them: Skywatcher. They make a Dobsonian tube with collapsible truss-design that has GoTo capabilities and I'm considering getting their 10" model for astrophotography. Of course, I'd have to reinforce the truss design with how much weight I'd put on the focuser, along with replacing or upgrading the focuser to a micro-focuser, but I think that's all worth the GoTo/Tracking capabilities.www.highpointscientific.com/sky-watcher-10inch-goto-collapsible-dobsonian-s11810
Orion has a 10" solid tube model that is discontinued, which is sad, because I'd rather buy that since I'm nervous about the truss design being sturdy enough.
www.telescope.com/Orion-SkyQuest-XT10g-Computerized-GoTo-Dobsonian-Telescope/p/102020.uts
However, everyone I know who has a Skywatcher GoTo Collapsible hasn't complained about the design and really likes how compact it gets for storage. I'm still expecting the worst if I get one, but I'll have fun innovating ways to improve the truss design if needed. So, it's definitely the next scope for me. Maybe for you as well?
Let me know if you find any other GoTo models out there!
Lastly, there are ways to motorize a dobsonian yourself and I've seen a few videos on here how to do it. I haven't considered this step yet because, well, I just plain suck at electronics hah. Ah, here is one: ruclips.net/video/NYCKvGiqonk/видео.html
I hope this helps and if you get your dob tracking I'd love to know which route you took! And feel free to ask as many questions as you like!
- Robert
nice video...just ordered the AP10, first dob too. I've seen some setups where they use a "dob knob" to help move the tube around. Do you use one? If so, where did you get it? If not, do you feel that would help improve the experience? clear skies!
Thank you and congratulations on your new scope!! I indeed use a dob knob on all of them now and have been making them for less than $20 in parts. Here is my cloudy nights post about it: www.cloudynights.com/topic/863725-navigation-knob-ring-mod-for-newtonians/
I felt it certainly improved the experience and can't look back. The tube can get wet in dewy conditions, or extremely cold to the touch, while the knob doesn't. More-over, we let people sign our telescope so I was often grappling signatures, wearing them down over time, now I just wear down the grip tape on the knob. The last benefit of the dob knob was heat from my hands no longer transferred to the tube, which may give me less turbulence and clearer images at high magnification, but we've yet to capture this in the field.
If you need help building yours or know of a better solution please let me know! Hope this helps!
@@spacetimewithrobert4438 thanks for the reply! I'll check out your post & will definitely reach out with any further questions. thanks again & clear skies!
What camera and stacking software are you using. Your pictures look great! 😎👍🏻
Thank you so much! The camera was a ZWO ASI 120 MC-S planetary imaging camera. The capture software was ASICAP, made by ZWO as well. I took one long 7 minute .avi video and sped up the parts where I was struggling with tracking in Animotica. To stack the planets, I figured out which frames had planets in them and isolated those frames in PIPP, exporting them as .AVI before stacking the planetary segments in Autostakkert!2. The final stacked image was then sharpened in Registax 6. Hope this helps! Clear skies!
I dont get it , the first view of jupiter u are showing , i get the same view with just my regular 250 dollar astro binoculars , but u are using a 10" dobson here ? that seems strange.... is it not ?
It is strange! Jupiter was no longer at opposition (so it appeared smaller and further away) and was low on the horizon (causing atmospheric distortion). It certainly wasn't ideal weather as well. I would say this was one of the worst possible times to record this video!
I have proof!
Here is the same camera and telescope but with different conditions: ruclips.net/video/YVuKtcx5M7Y/видео.html
Let me know if you think that view is any better :)
@@spacetimewithrobert4438 Yeah guess u are right , i can not see anything more then a white dot , not details with the binoculars , but yeah , those binocs are good anyways for the price compered to the price of the scope
Based on your videos it seems you own (or have owned) both an Explore Scientific 10" dob and this Apertura/GSO 10" dob. Which did you get first, and is there a model you prefer? I've heard that the Apertura/GSO model has the best accessories included stock (8x50 RACI, dual-speed focuser, etc.), but in your video showing the Explore Scientific those altitude bearings look a lot more substantial than what the AD10 has, so wondering if you notice smoother motion with the ES 10".
Any general pros/cons you've noticed that would help decide between these two scopes?
Hello Justin!
I have also been lucky enough to use a Skywatcher 10" Traditional Dobsonian for over a year as well and is actually the first model I used for our outreach show.
We've donated the AD10 recently and picked up a new ES10. I have to say its my favorite dob I've used to date but I feel like my reasons are personal.
ES10 Pros:
It comes with mounting rings, which look to be a $300 accessory on their own. I don't think ES sells them separately so I am comparing with what I see online.
Aside from them being included in the cost of the scope, they allow you to rotate the tube. While sitting at the telescope you may need an adjustable stool or chair to look into the eyepiece comfortably. If you don't, then while aiming low at the horizon, you may have to crouch down to look into the eyepiece. Then, when you aim high you may not even be sitting anymore by the time you extend your neck to look down into the eyepiece.
The tube rings allow you to rotate the tube so you can always have the eyepiece angled comfortably. It takes some muscle to rotate it due to it's size but it's very convenient for my situation. I do not use an adjustable chair. I know, I should. But I feel like I can adjust the angle of the scope quickly enough that I am not in a hurry to buy one.
You can also use these rings to attach a dovetail plate and mount this scope on an EQ Tracking system. I am currently using a Losmandy G11 to do this. This is a very rare thing for most people to do, since it's a very huge telescope and requires lots of balancing and a mount capable of supporting 33+ pounds. But it's not something you can do with the AD10 or the Skywatcher right out of the box!
The ES10's hex focuser is good. It's no 10:1 like the Apertura's focuser, but you can get really surprisingly small motions with it. We used it last night to fine-focus Mars at 280x Magnification. However, there is a 10:1 upgrade knob option. explorescientificusa.com/products/two-speed-10-1-focus-knob-mechanism-for-explore-scientific-and-bresser-2-5-inch-hex-focusers-625720
I had to order mine from the UK, as they never seem to be in stock any more here in USA. I haven't tested it yet but I'm hoping it will match the Apertura's super smooth fine-focus capability.
The focuser can also support a LOT of weight! I am planning to reinforce mine with a plate on the inside of the tube so I can hook even more up to it. I didn't notice any flexing on the AD10 or Skywatcher but I have no worries about putting big eyepieces on the ES10s focuser. Also, it can reach focus with a DSLR no problem. Same with the Skywatcher. The AD10 however has a focal length that is 20mm shorter and I can not get my DSLR to reach focus using it's focuser. But again, not everyone is trying to take DSLR images with their dobsonians lol. It's just one more trick it can do over the AD10, however.
The altitude bearings are very nice and I do not need to adjust my counterweights nearly as much as I do with the AD10 or Skywatcher. Having so much surface to support the scope was a great idea by ES.
The scope comes with two finder shoes in either side of the focuser. So if you rotate the tube so the focuser is on the other side, you can still use a viewfinder comfortably. This may be something left-handers enjoy but I haven't tested it yet. Still, you can have two finders if you wish.
The two finders might never get used simultaneously but it's nice to have them. I like to use two finders when I can. I use the ES's Reflex Finder, which is a lot like a Telrad Finder and a RACI in the other.
ES10 Cons:
The telescope's motion is a bit sticky compared to the AD10's but it's not terrible. If you make a knob for the scope like I did here: www.cloudynights.com/topic/863725-navigation-knob-ring-mod-for-newtonians/ it makes navigating much easier. The bearings are still grippy compared to the buttery-smooth bearings of the AD10.
The Skywatcher was the only one that came with a navigation knob. The AD10 did not. It's surprising how useful they are when it comes to fine-adjusting your aim!
Also, the ES10 doesn't come with a fan. But adding a fan to the ES10 only cost me $60 in supplies including a battery, and my fan mod has so far been more effective than the AD10's stock fan when it comes to clearing up heat within the tube. Although the AD10s fan isn't amazing, it's better than no fan in my opinion.
The ES10's stock eyepiece is not good. They only give you one eyepiece with this telescope and I've broken it before due to it's plastic interior. In comparison, the AD10 comes with two eyepieces. One is also a cheap plastic toy but the other is an excellent 2" Superview eyepiece for wide-angle. So if you do not have a good collection of eyepieces, the AD10 will start you off a little better.
Lastly, the ES10 doesn't come with a good finder. Instead it has a red-dot. It's still useful and better than nothing, but for a telescope that can see tiny nebulae, a better viewfinder would be very helpful.
So to get an ES10 to be equally capable of an AD10, you're looking at a few hundred dollars worth of upgrades. I'm thinking $75 for a nice viewfinder, $100 for the microfocuser and $60 for a fan kit.
If you do not plan to use a DSLR, have no desire to mount the scope on a tracking system and plan to use an adjustable chair, get the AD10.
If you want to use a DSLR or want to mount the scope on a tracking system and don't have an adjustable chair, get the ES10.
If you want a complete starter kit and only want to purchase maybe one eyepiece to call it good, get the AD10 bundle kit. If you don't mind purchasing some accessory upgrades and making modifications, get the ES10.
That's all I got for now but I could ramble about these scopes all day!! Let me know if you have any more questions and thanks for asking!!
- Robert
@@spacetimewithrobert4438 Thanks for the in-depth reply! Tons of great info, which unfortunately makes the decision even harder in some ways?! I currently don't even own a DSLR and have never been much into photography, so I'd like to say I wouldn't head down the astrophotography rabbit hole anytime soon. But I'd never say never!
I currently use an AWB Onesky which I added a 6x30 RACI to (about as large of a finder I could put on such a little scope). Since that only has a 1 1/4" focuser that's the limit of my eyepiece collection at the moment. For that reason, I would lean toward the AD10 and spending some extra cash getting an adjustable astronomy chair instead of needing to use that budget on a good wide-field eyepiece since the ES10 doesn't come with one. I also like that the AD10 comes with the 8x50 RACI standard, as I would likely be ADDING this 10" dob to my arsenal rather than just upgrading the Onesky (so I'd like to keep my new 6x30 RACI on the Onesky). One less upgrade I'd need to do compared with the ES10.
And realistically I really should get an adjustable chair sooner rather than later, and it seems that with the AD10 it may be the only upgrade I need to make right away, whereas the ES10 has a short list of semi-necessary improvements before it would perform the way I'd want it to.
I did see some people online saying their Apertura/GSO scopes had some weird play in the altitude bearings as the OTA had a bit of a loose fit in the felted seats on the side. Did you notice that sort of issue in yours at all? Seems like it would be an easy fix with some sort of shim, but wondered how widespread of an issue that was.
@@Murray710 Hello Justin,
There is a ton of information to gobble up in this hobby! I just received an email yesterday that will be keeping me busy for weeks with new things to learn about. The fun never ends!!
Not owning a DSLR, not being into photography (yet) and already having experience using a RACI, it immediately sounds like you have your pick! Also, I was incorrect about the pricing for the 10" Tube Rings. There are far more affordable ones such as these: agenaastro.com/gso-telescope-tube-mounting-rings-303mm-11-93.html
You would just need to find the right ring size but those are 1/3rd the price I mentioned earlier! So getting an AD10 up on a mount seems much more affordable than I previously thought.
A note about 2" eyepieces: for planetary viewing at high magnification, there will be no benefit in using a 2" over a 1.25", according to post #4 in this thread: www.cloudynights.com/topic/593085-high-power-eyepiece-advice/
I have also experienced this myself when using a 2" eyepiece at high-power compared to a 1.25". My Baader Hyperion Zoom is an 8-24mm and is technically an 1.25", although it comes with a removable 2" barrel for convenience. I'm not sure what the cut-off is for switching to 2" eyepieces but I would guess it's anything higher than 24mm due to the Hyperion Zoom's stopping at 24mm. So for low-power, wide-angle views using 24mm+ eyepieces, a 2" would be a benefit. I mention this in case you were planning to buy a high power 2" eyepiece to save you some money!
Using your Onesky alongside the 10" is the way to do it. With your Onesky you can hunt for object using wider-angle views, and then zoom in with your 10". It's also great if you have a visitor, this way no one is without a scope.
As for the AD10's altitude motions, I did not notice any wiggle-room in the felted cut-outs that the bearings rest in. The base was solid and worked great. However, I did notice the altitude bearings became looser over time, and I would have to tighten the clutches harder as the months went on. But this was likely due to me constantly over-tightening the clutches to compensate for bumps and nudges during outreach. For me, it's silky smooth motion turned out to be a slight disadvantage during public events but it was great during solo sessions. I could set the balance just right while keeping the tension knobs almost completely loose and have a very relaxed viewing session. The center bolt did not wiggle at all either!
I hope that helps you better to decide. And whichever telescope you get, I would love to hear about your first views and so would many others! If you haven't joined already, Cloudynights.com is a great community and has lots of helpful people that can assist you with any telescope questions.
Also, I am an affiliate with Highpoint Scientific! If you decide to purchase the AD10 telescope through them using this link: bit.ly/3OCj58J then I will get a commission at no extra cost to you that will go towards our telescope donation program.
I hope you saw the Jupiter/Venus Conjunction and if not, tonight they will be at their closest!!
- Robert
Great video. I have the same AD10. I'm struggling to track these planets. They quickly go out of view. I don't know if there's a way to fine tune the knob and the tilt? I used an equitorial mount before and it was much better. And any suggestions on how to hold it still when taking pics like you do, I'm assuming it's attached to the eyepiece after you find it. Thanks a lot!!
Yes the camera is attached to the telescope. It has an adapter that makes it fit as if it were an eyepiece. Removing your hands from the process will greatly reduce vibrations! Here are my tips for you:
The first might be obvious! If you have to hold the camera by hand, try to focus on breathing to reduce shaking. Keeping my elbows close also helps me reduce shaking as well.
Next, a magnetic flashlight or some other magnetic weight attached to the telescope can help with balance. Position it wherever needed so the telescope doesn't droop after aiming.
Lastly, try to aim ahead of the Planet's path in the sky so they cross your field of view from edge to edge, rather than aiming directly at it. This will give you the longest window to capture a video or photo.
EQ Mounts are way better at tracking and photography, but you can still do amazing stuff with a dob.
Check out spacestationguys.com/
Szabolcs uses a skywatcher 10" to get videos of the ISS and tracks it by hand.
Thank you very much, by the way! Let me know if there is anything else I can help with and clear skies!
@@spacetimewithrobert4438 Thanks!! Just a quick question. The knobs on either sides. I keep one tight and loosen the other to go to the area I want to view. Then tighten it though it doesn't seem to be so tight. Then hand adjustments to focus on centerline. Is this the correct way? Is there a way to fine tune the tilt. To loosen the knob and move is a big movement.
@@shaikafzalchem It sounds like your telescope may be out of balance while resting on the dobsonian mount! If you can find a magnetic flashlight or some other heavy-weighted magnet that you can stick to the telescope, it may help. The idea is to position the magnet so you can keep the knobs loose enough to move the telescope, but once you stop it will sit wherever you leave it.
The method you are using now is perfectly fine. It's how I use mine, even in this video! The worst you will do is over-tighten and maybe loosen some hardware after lots of abuse.
The exact steps I take are:
- Loosen tension knobs (both if needed)
- Aim using viewfinder
- Tighten knobs and recenter with viewfinder
- Center with eyepiece and focus
Try the flashlight or a magnet and let me know if this helps you from having to move around as much!
They said the images for our solar system would be better than on the celestron 6se . They seem worse
Hello Richard,
I agree, the views in this video are a poor representation of what this telescope is capable of. I have upgraded my camera and eyepieces since this recording and here are some better examples of the clarity an AD10 can achieve:
Here is a live view of the Moon through my best eyepiece projected onto an Iphone8 camera sensor: ruclips.net/video/ph6KeLHMgMk/видео.html
Here is one of my best photographs of Jupiter with this telescope using a ZWO ASI 294, Baader Hyperion 2.25x Barlow + Meade x2 Barlow:
instagram.com/p/ChGuQ66LNAN/
A personal experience I had last year was when we setup the AD10 side by side with an 11" SCT and couldn't tell a difference when it came to details on planets. The views were brighter and had less contrast but the storms and cloud belts of Jupiter looked almost identical. We also aimed at star clusters and counted stars to test their light gathering capabilities. Surprisingly the AD10 saw the same number of stars as the 11" SCT.
This test was conducted by only three of my club members including myself, so it is entirely anecdotal and we have no data to support this observation. But I wanted to share the experience in case you have a similar one in the future. I'd love to hear what you find when comparing a dob to an SCT if you ever get the chance. Your skepticism very welcomed in this hobby!!
You gave me an idea for an experiment. Currently I own an 8" Meade SCT and an Explore Scientific 10" Firstlight (the AD10 got donated). I could take videos of Mars (as it is high in the sky for me right now) through both telescopes simultaneously using the same camera (ZWO ASI 120 MC) and upload the results un-edited, side-by-side. Both telescopes would be acclimated and collimated. Does this sound like a worthwhile experiment?
- Robert
Is this with or without a Barlow?.Thanks
No Barlow! Just the zwo asi 120 MC at prime focus. Thank you!! :)
How do you easily know which stars are which without a computerized scope? Do you use an app? How could you find your desired object to view easily without any automatic align?
TLDR: Stellarium App and Star Hopping techniques
Practice, practice, practice!! When I first started, all I could find was some Planets and the Moon. I had no idea where the north star was, or what the big dipper looked like. One year went by before I finally figured out where Cassiopeia was. I already owned a 10" Dob before I first looked at the Pleiades, Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy. If you are struggling to find objects, you're not alone!
Since I took my telescope out to the public for outreach, I have come across many amateur astronomer who helped me find new targets.
In this video, I slew to Vega and Albireo.
Vega is the brightest star in the constellation of Lyra. Here in the Northwest USA, Lyra presides overhead during the summer and Vega has been mistaken as the North Star by lots of people who like me, never knew where Polaris actually was.
I learned all of this was by using apps on my phone such as Star Walk 2 or Stellarium (my favorite), watching videos on basic astronomy, and talking to people who knew stuff at outreach events.
Albeiro is at the head of a large constellation called Cygnus. Once you make it out, you won't forget it. It looks like a large flying swan. At it's head resides a single dim, lonely star. Yet when we zoom in on it like we did in this video, we see TWO stars! It's a bit hard to make out, but they are also different colors.
I hope this helps!
Hey Kekesushi, here is a video that should really help: ruclips.net/video/80A03DfX1Ks/видео.html
Clear skies!
Just found your channel today, I'm so happy that I did! Your set up video of your dob 10 (john the 2nd?) was awesome. Great energy, and really easy to understand (especially the collimation)
Thank you!
I'm really torn right now. Ordering my first scope and can't decide between the AD8 or the AD10 with the accessories from highpoint scientific. Transport isn't really an issue and I'll just have to figure out the storage.
Is there a viewing downside w the 10 vs the 8? As a total beginner I feel that I may be missing the nuances here, but in my simplistic view it seems more magnification would be better. It can't be that simple...?
I live in the high desert of southern NM so light pollution isn't an issue. Would love to put the DSLR on it eventually but it's not a deal breaker if I can't.
Sorry to bug you, I've read some of your responses to others and couldn't help but try to pick your brain. Thanks in advance!
Hey, thank you so much, and I am glad you found the setup video helpful!
If transport is not an issue, I say go with the AD10 for visual observation, personally. If DSLR deep-sky astrophotography is your eventual goal, I say purchase neither!
The reason is that I can not get my Canon Rebel SL2 to achieve prime focus, nor have I found anyone else that could. What's happening is: that if my camera is attached to the focuser with no lens and instead is using the telescope as a lens, I can not achieve focus. I would need to put my camera inside the telescope to reach focus. The sensor in my DSLR is too far back in the housing.
I have achieved focus using an eyepiece between the scope and the camera, but this was tedious for me and not the kind of photos I wanted to take (too dark). It was a good setup for the Moon and Planets, however!
How I took this video was by using a Planetary Imaging Camera (ZWO ASI 120 MC). The sensor is close to the opening of the camera's body and can reach focus when attached to the AD10's focuser.
I have not tried my DSLR on the AD8, but I have heard of others struggling.
www.reddit.com/r/telescopes/comments/b49omf/so_ive_got_an_apertura_ad8_ive_hooked_my_nikon/
So DSLR deep-sky astrophotography is not an option, but luckily that is not a deal breaker!
I guess it all depends on what you want to see/image with your scope?
For me, I wanted to see the Cassini Division with my eye. That's the gap between Saturn's outer rings and inner rings. Purchasing a 10" Dobsonian was my ticket to Saturn, and I am still blown away by it every time!
Now, for visual use, I have looked through both the AD8 and AD10 side by side. The AD10 shows more stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster and provides a similar field of view using the 2" eyepiece that comes with both of them. So, looking at the same star cluster I can see more details in the AD10 than the AD8, with the same portion of the sky in view AND it's brighter. Typically the reason I consider a smaller scope during observation is if I wanted a wider field of view, which the AD8 will not provide without purchasing additional eyepieces.
We can calculate all of this (and simulate the views) using astronomy.tools FOV calculator!
Using the AD8 and the 30mm, we reach 40x magnification.
Using the AD10 and the 30mm, we get 41.67x.
So using both telescopes out of the box and their lowest powered eyepiece: the AD10 can show you a similar chunk of the sky as the AD8 and show you more, giving the AD8 no field of view advantages during observation. However, you were more curious about maximum magnification.
For zooming in, the AD10 will be able to resolve more details at higher magnification. The formula for maximum magnification is 50x Aperture in inches. Since the AD10 has 2 more inches, it can zoom in 100x more before reaching the resolving limit, assuming you have perfect weather conditions.
Additionally, the AD10's 2 extra inches will gather more light. Since the focal length of AD8 and AD10 are close, the AD10 will provide brighter views as well as providing higher resolution. In a dark sky location like yours, I would take advantage of the light gathering advantage that the AD10 has over the AD8. Since it gathers more light, it will also gather more light pollution. You're lucky to have a dark sky!
Do note that the 9mm that comes with either scope is low quality. Those I have talked to about the included 9mm all say the view is blurry and dim. I agree.
For zooming in close, these telescopes work very well with a low-powered eyepiece and a Barlow lens (26mm eyepiece and x2 Barlow is my favorite for Saturn), so be prepared to spend a little more (about $80) if you want a quality view at higher magnification. Another option is Apertura's higher quality 9mm that so far has good reviews, or any eyepiece in the 9mm range with a decent field of view and eye relief. Baader Hyperion 10mm is one of my favorites, but it is expensive and I notice far more color fringe than my 26mm/x2 barlow combo.
Since transportation is not an issue and the telescope's sizes are pretty close (AD8's tube is 1200mm long while the AD10's is 1250mm), I would get the AD10 for visual use and lunar/planetary imaging.
If you want me to explain all of that more, just let me know ;)
I have little experience in deep-sky astrophotography setups, but I will share what I have learned so far if you are interested in that area.
Clear skies, and thanks again!
@@spacetimewithrobert4438
Wow, excellent info! Thank you so much.
Just ordered the AD10 from high point (Now to wait till they're back in stock).The Cassini Division was my deciding factor.
I will definitely be adding a Barlow to the order. Is it possible to use a 1.25" Barlow (high point has very affordable 3x and 5x) with the 2" 30mm lens? Or should I just shop for 2" Barlows as I don't intend to use it w the 1.25" 9mm lens as much?
I tried doing some searching and found some good info on cloudy nights from a link you posted in another comment, but I haven't seen the answer
yet. Or is this one of those questions that someone w experience wouldn't have to ask? ;-)
@@RyanM-ke2gu Awesome! Glad it helped!
I hate to do this after you just ordered your AD10, but have you considered the AD12? I only know one person that started with a 12" as their first telescope, but they love it. You have dark skys and you're in a high desert.
It sounds like a 12" could be put to use out there AND they are in stock! A 12" can also reveal many details on Saturn. The idea that I came across (and made sense to me) was: the worse your sky conditions year-around, the smaller the telescope you'll want to buy.
If get lots of perfectly clear nights, then you can utilize a big mirror's full potential more often. If your sky is blurry often, like it is for me in the northwest, then a 12" can be constrained most of the year by the poor conditions. Basically, the bigger your telescope, the more you'll notice atmospheric distortion.
Of course, if I am wrong about this PLEASE let me know! From my experience it seams to be true, but I have taken no measurements to prove this.
Here is the post on cloudynights: www.cloudynights.com/topic/442500-why-use-big-telescopes/
I'm hoping to use my 12" tonight, possibly during a livestream since it's unusually clear. However, they are cosniderably more expensive. The size is also much different. It's a whole 10 inches more of tube and even weighs 10 more pounds. I just wanted to toss the idea out there in case you're on the fence about the 12" as well :)
Now, on to eyepieces!
Here is a video that (to me) explains it all: ruclips.net/video/na3NmOSMIX0/видео.html
In short, a 1.25" barlow is not compatible with a 2" eyepiece.
I nearly bombarded you with pages of info but I feel like he explains and answers your questions thoroughly and probably any follow up questions you'll have for eyepieces. Of course, do let me/him know if you have any more questions after the video!
Also, here is a useful cloudy nights post I found comparing 1.25" to 2" eyepieces. www.cloudynights.com/topic/600769-125-or-2-inch-eyepiecesconfused/
@@spacetimewithrobert4438
Nice! Those CN links were very helpful. I just made an account there, awaiting approval, so that I can search to answer my questions.
And the YT video was so informative that I'm going to have to watch it a couple(few) more times to begin to claim that I understand it all.
Thank you so much. I owe you a beer or 3 if we ever meet!
As for the 12... I'm going to call high point mañana. Since I live in a class 3 bortle at 6,000' with 8,000' fields an hour away, don't mind carrying heavy things, and have a large vehicle, it only makes sense ;-) Plus my back deck is open w a very large sky above it and no neighbors or light pollution. I can tell that I'm already suffering from aperture fever, may as well take a large dose and see if it alleviates the symptoms for a bit.
This hobby is expensive huh? Ordering the 12 will put me about 1.5x my max budget and I didn't even start my eyepiece collection!
I'm going to look for a decent set of 1.25s w a Barlow and filters and play w that for a while until I find the limits. Seems to be a few sets at highpoint that are reasonable. Maybe I can even find some used on CN.
I can't express my gratitude enough. The way you respond to your commenters is amazing. I will share your channel and like every video that you put out. Do you have a patreon or any other type of tip jar? You've saved me hours of searching by pointing me towards great info.
@@RyanM-ke2gu Wow, your conditions sound awesome! I can get to Bortle 3 at 5,000' but it takes an hour and a half. Congratulations on your location!!! I just used our 12" and Saturn is definitely a treat right now. Our mirror is dirty but the cassini division and many moons were visible.
I think if Saturn's rings is your first goal, you will be very happy with the purchase for a long time. These telescopes can last decades if cared for properly. For instance, my dirty 12" that we used last night is perhaps 15-20 years old and was found at a garage sale. Works great! It's a Hardin Optical Deep Sky Hunter. They are no longer made, but look identical (literally) to the Apertura DT12.
So in my opinion, going 1.5x past your budget for something like a PC, seems to me not worth it. More or less of the components would be outdated by the time you saved up anyway, right? However, a piece of technology like the Dobsonian Telescope is much different in that regard. Simple Newtonians never get old. Even the fan on our old 12" is still working, and is easily replaceable.
As for eyepieces, I too started with a 1.25" kit. I got mine off a retired astronomer for $70. I still use some of them.
As I understand it: high magnification such as x250 (good for Saturn) will typically produce a skinny light cone that comes out of your telescope's focuser. A 2" eyepiece is over-kill since the skinny light cone could easily fit in a 1.25" eyepiece. It's when you want to zoom out to 50x that you would want your 2" eyepieces, since the cone of light will be wider and can be caught by the 2" barrel.
I am not entirely sure how this works or why (yet). I assume at higher magnification, we are using a smaller portion of the mirror and thus a smaller light cone is produced. I could be wrong and please let me know if I am!
However, (from experience) I think you should be perfectly fine with a 1.25" kit and a barlow.
Lastly, if you want to donate here is a link: www.spacetimewithrobert.space/donate
All of our funds go towards littering my local community's educational programs with telescopes.
Or, if you purchase anything from my affiliate links on the homepage (highpoint or Orion), I will recieve a commision which goes towards the same donation project.
Thanks again for reaching out to me and feel free to keep asking questions if you have any!
I hope your 12" comes in good condition and fast!!
I am looking at getting a 10 inch dobsonian telescope. Is this telescope good?
For me a 10” was a great second-step telescope. My first was a 4.5” and I still use it today. Especially for the Pleiades Star Cluster and other wide angle objects. However, it was the 10” dobsonian that met my expectations of what I imagined Saturn’s rings “SHOULD” look like through a telescope. It’s a wonderful instrument to own and fits nicely across the backseat of a 4-door Sedan! At 70 pounds it’s within my personal carrying limit and the base is dolly-friendly. My first model was a Skywatcher Traditional for $550. Then, an Explore Scientific Firstlight on sale for $460. Now we use this Apertura AD10. All of them had pros and cons but performed equally in optics during their use. The only noticeable difference of the AD10 is it seems to have slightly better contrast than the other two while using it for visual use (no cameras). (Note: This is entirely based on opinion and I have no data to support the hypothesis of the AD10 having higher contrast).
I think 10” telescopes are absolutely awesome overall and certainly worth owning if you can move/store/maintain them 🙂
Do look into collimation before buying (I feel I have to collimate mine often) and do not worry if collimation seems tedious, it’s not! I consider it as important to tuning a guitar before playing it and just as worth it, if not more!
Also, try and learn about “Newtonian cool down” if you haven’t. It’s when the telescope needs to acclimate to the outside air before providing steady views. The AD10 bundle comes with a fan to help with this, but when I would leave my telescope in a garage or somewhere close to outside temperatures then cool down usually wasn’t an issue.
I’ll try and post a video of deep sky objects through this telescope and smaller ones sometime this year (weather permitting).
I hope this helps & clear skies to you!
Is this as good or better than something similar from Zhumell?
Hello! Unfortunately I have never used a Zhumell so I can’t say for sure. I’ve read lots of great reviews on their 114mm tabletop dobsonian model and I do recommend it for people looking for a beginner telescope based on what others have said. If I had to guess I’d say they are very similar and would be excited to try one out. Clear skies!
The Zhumell is the same scope as the Apetura. Just a different label. They are all made by GSO in Taiwan
I am assuming it's a bit more clear in person right?
Much more clear!!! I mean, when it comes to planetary observing it all depends on the atmospheric condition, the geometric state of our solar system, the quality of your eyepieces and the cleanliness of your optics. I took this video with the cheapest ZWO planetary camera while Jupiter and Saturn were at terrible locations and during poor seeing. You could say this is the comparable to the WORST possible views you would get through the eyepiece while looking at planets/Moon. I hope that helps!
this fake
Jupiter and Saturn are paid actors lol :)
great images buddy
Shhhhhh I spent all day making those planet costumes! Glad I fooled ya for a minute :) Clear skies!!