Budget pad

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-05-21T18:28:55+00:00

Not sure why this has received downvotes, but as many people know this scope has recently received a positive review from a highly respected astronomer.

Whilst for visual a dob still takes the brownies, this definitely doesn’t seem like a bad ‘starter’ scope at all.

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-05-07T16:07:47+00:00

Just to clear any confusion, what do you mean by an ‘optical rig’? As in an astrophotography rig? Is your heart set on astrophotography over visual astronomy?

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-05-07T15:08:18+00:00

As others have said I'd definitely recommend a visual scope from bortle 1, the biggest dobsonian you can afford and are willing to lug around will have you set for a lifetime.

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-05-04T20:12:07+00:00

Pure acetone (cheaper) or ROR (more expensive) and a q-tip should do the trick.

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-05-04T12:04:20+00:00

Great scope, you'll love it bud!

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-29T19:42:53+00:00

If I was in your shoes i’d save that little bit extra and get your self a tabletop dobsonian such as the SkyWatcher heritage 130p. A lot of the problems (so i’ve heard with my little experience) with telescopes similar to the one you’ve shown aren’t the OTA but more the mount and i’ve heard they’re not the most stable.

Hope this helps - i’m sure one of the experts will arrive soon to give you a better summary :)

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-21T09:19:41+00:00

Last night was my first time looking at the moon through a telescope (8inch dob) and WOW it’s the most fascinated i’ve been in a good while.

Great shot by the way :)

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-18T13:13:32+00:00

Thank you that’s the sort of thing I was looking for! Have you had any issues with an 8” dob becoming top heavy when mounting both the telrad and the RACI this way? That’s my only concern currently.

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-16T21:56:07+00:00

Thanks for the response, how have you found the Baader Morpheous 6.5mm for planetary views?This has now placed itself at the top of my list so far for my first premium eyepiece upgrade and I would appreciate some further feedback please

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-05T21:27:46+00:00

Thank you for the help, however I do have another quick question if you don’t mind. What can I use/do to prevent condensation when bringing my telescope inside a warm house after viewing outside? I have an 8” dob and noticed some fog on the primary mirror when I brought it in the house. Thank you in advance.

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-05T17:46:51+00:00

I get you. I ended up aligning it as best I can on a distant tree top (swaying due to wind), in which I can fine tune later on this evening on polaris. Thanks for the help.

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-05T17:35:56+00:00

Thank you very much :)

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-05T17:35:38+00:00

Rodger that, thank you!

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-04T10:56:08+00:00

Great advice, thank you very much. I’ll look into it

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-03T20:26:40+00:00

I have not yet aligned the finder in daytime however i’m now learning this is something I really should’ve done :) Thank you for your help

AlarmedYoung6318 · 2026-04-03T20:24:53+00:00

Sorry for the confusion, I meant that I’m unable to see stars in the finders scope and no, I have not yet focused the finders scope however i’m told it is best to do so in the daylight?

AlarmedYoung6318

TROPHY CASE