Good 12" Dob?

[M83]

I currently have a 6" reflector on an equatorial mount, and I am looking to step up to a big dob. I have been looking at the Orion XT12. It is a rather nice scope, but there are a few more that I have found to be cheaper but I am sure they lack the same amount of quality. Does anyone have any suggestions brand-wise?

[Dave Mitsky]

I would stick with the Orion Dobsonian or possibly a Hardin. A Discovery Dob would be my first choice, having a better mirror and build quality, but being commensurately more expensive, of course.

Be advised that a 12" solid OTA is going to be a handful to transport.

I'm moving this thread to the appropriate forum.

Dave Mitsky

[M83]

Yeah I saw the Hardin model. I think it was called "Deep Space Hunter"? It was considerably cheaper and one of the other models I was inquiring about. Thanks for the info.

[sjs42]

I think that the best quality/price value in Dobs today is Ed Taychert's T-Scopes, tho his 14" is perhaps his best product. He has a 13" as well.
Steve Shlafer

[RobWolfe]

Originally posted by M83@May 16 2005, 11:37 PM
Yeah I saw the Hardin model. I think it was called "Deep Space Hunter"? It was considerably cheaper and one of the other models I was inquiring about. Thanks for the info.
I have the 10 inch version of this and it is very nice. I did have to remove the primary mirror cell to tighten the bolts on the....well, I don't know the word for it but the round supports on the side of the tube. These were loose when it arrived but otherwise I am very happy with it.

[RobWolfe]

Originally posted by Dave Mitsky@May 16 2005, 05:55 PM
Be advised that a 12" solid OTA is going to be a handful to transport.

The 10 inch is pretty tough to transport I can only imagine that the 12 would be quite a bit harder. I plan on building a padded crate for the tube and put a handle on one end and some big inflatable tires on the other.

By the way, one other recomendation, if you get the Hardin, get the upgraded spring loops. I don't remember what they are called but the tabs that help pull the spring down are kind of flimsey and broke the first time I used them. The upgraded ones are only a couple of dollars if I remember correctly.

Rob

[freethinker58]

I have been thinking about a Dobsonian and "those in the know have been pointing me towards Obsession Telescopes (http://www.globaldialog.com/~obsessiontscp/OBHP.html) They seem to be well made and I have yet to find out anything bad about them and I have been looking. :) Does anyone have any info regarding them?

Regards,

Rich

[Dave Mitsky]

As far as premium truss-tube Dobs go, Obsessions and Starmasters are the cream of the crop. I've used quite a few Obsessions (ranging from 15" to 25" in aperture) over the years and was always impressed with their build quality and smoothness of action. One year at Stellafane I had a chance to look through one of the few 36" Obsessions that were built.

One possible drawback to the Obsession design is the mirror sling.

Dave Mitsky

[Jetdreams65]

The Orion XT12 is the way to go as far as an economical dob. Its a little more than others but well worth it.Far better than the Hardin and you can get the "push to" controller if you want. I have used the XT12 a few times and its not THAT hard to transport. I had a 10" Orion dob and I fit the whole thing plus all of my accesories into my jeep wrangler no prob.