It's my first big scope and I gotta say it's awesome. When I've decided to buy 8" Dob I basicly had two options: this scope and Orion alternative (in black). If you are where I was, then go for Skywatcher. It's cheaper you'll get better finderscope with slightly illuminated cross (Orion has Red-Dot), two eyepieces instead of one, and 2" extension tube. So in the end you actually get more for less money. No need to worry about quality I dont think Orion is made any better then Skywatcher It's just more expensive.
If you're newcomer and this is your first scope or had a small 3" like me don't hesitate and go for 8". It's best compromise between price and performance. There is not much of the visual difference between 8" and 10" but It costs much more. It's also large to transport, It has smaller focal ratio so you will more likely need coma corrector. So you will pay big mount of money for 2" of apeture. Believe me 8" is big enough. If you wanna go larger go for 12" or more.
Great Scope
Review by Aki
on 20.07.2010 18:24:58
Rating:
( 5 / 5 )
For the price, the view is marvellous. Galaxies down to magnitude 10 are visible in pitch-black skies with adapted eyes.
The Azimuth movement is a little stiff, but not notably so; tracking planets at high powers is not difficult, but it is a bit jerky.
A good investment would also be a good 2" eyepiece, perhaps around 20mm-26mm, as the eyepieces included are a 10mm, 1.25" and a 20mm, 1.25".
As telescopes go, though, it's tough to find a better deal if you're a relative newcomer. This is my second telescope, and it'll last me a long time.
