Skywatcher Flextube 200p 8" Collapsible Dobsonian Goto Telescope -REVIEW
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024
- This is my first Professional grade quality Telescope having g owned smaller store bought Telescopes...both Reflector and Refractor types. I'm seeing for the first time the importance and benefits of superior quality equipment and even more importantly LENSE QUALITY. This video I share some Telescope basics as well how to line up your Finderscope to the Optical Tube or OTA.
If your wife doesn't like your big telescope in the living room, she can always move into the shed for additional comfort so she doesn't have to look at it.
Lol!!! I'll pass your offer on!! But somehow Me Thinks That will get the "B" Response!!! 😆. Shes actually pretty good about it....After I told her that "House & Garden " and "Coastal Living" Magazines canceled the photo shoots!! lol 😆
Ha ha !
I bought one a week ago. Cant wait for clear skies.
And your spotting scope is too far in the holder.
Mine doesnt go in that far,The rubber gasket stops if from going too far in the white tube.
Glad to see im not the only one who bought one.
Good video.
I believe my spotting scope was an after market one with a side viewer. This was a great telescope.. I have since sold it and bought a more compact MEADE ACP
for how much? does it include the GoTo device?
Hey Jim, I totally agree with you about the tripods, a total pain, even though the Dobs are big they're stable and don't fall over. I was on the fence for a while between this scope and the Nexstar SE 6, couldn't afford the 8 model, but as you say, Dobs are a great bang for Buck!....Clear skys to ya Jim!
Seen them on sale here in London £780....The Mrs will kill me!....Oh well :}
Nice scope i payed $1100 for my S11800 back in 2019 and just love it.
Still a great Scope for the
$$ !!
Hi Jim, watching from London UK. Great video! Thanks. You've made my mind up, I'm getting one, cheers my friend!
Hi Steven!! Glad to hear. I recommend eventually getting yourself a 2" Celestron Luminos 29mm Eyepiece. Although 2" Eyepieces are expensive.....I found this Luminos a good deal at $189....once you start getting into higher magnification....2" Eyepieces get into the hundreds of $$.... but this is a really Awesome eyepiece. I also bought a locking wheeled small appliance cart to place the Base on which makes moving it on my driveway easy. Good Luck enjoy!!
Looking forward to your next installment! I just picked up the same model.
I just received a set of 6 Meade Series 4000 Super plossl Lenses with Barlow and filter set. Should make viewing Nebulae even better!!!
Just ordered one can't wait for it to arrive.
Have Fun with it. Dont get intimidated by the Syncscan tech... I'm still learning to use it. Hoping to go to a Star Party and learn more from Others more proficient. ENJOY!!!
so how is it ,emma?
This is great thanks for the information!
Your Welcome!! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!!
Jim.. I like the 8" flex tube but wanted a goto set up yours is the first I found with the scope I liked.. thanks.. so sorry to hear about your last scope.. my kids are all grown and long gone now.. so all I have to worry about is the silly dog.. carry on.. I will check out more of your videos..although I do not get the name..
The only caveat with this Dobsonian is it is Bulky and not as easy to move as a standard tripod style Celestron or Meade ETX model which was my second choice. I ended up buying a " locking wheel portable base" to make moving it much easier and safe.
Hey Jim
This Anthony your brother Pete,s brother in law
Yes Hi Anthony. Hope all is well. Hope to see you during the Summer . I was up visiting Pete & Liz a few weeks back.
Yes we will have to get together
Do still you have the 8 scope ?
I had the 10
Hi Anthony...I sold this....even though I loved it....It was killing my back.. remember I had back surgery 30 yrs ago... I bought a Meade 8" ACR Computerized Mak/ Cass sized Tube & Tripod.
Hallo one question. Is the GoTo mount works good? Can you do long exposure?
It tracks well... Although I don't do astrophotography I'm certain it's a quality Instrument for long exposure .
very cool telescope
I am getting the 10-inch white :-)
Even More Light Bang for the Buck!!! These are great light buckets.....a bit bulky. You will see some nice images with a 10!!
@@Jimswholiestofcoleus thanks Jim
you got good deal on that over here in europe it cost near 1200 USD, nice that your cat sleeps in its carrier by the way, if ours sees that thing it flees in terror :-)
Lol. Yes It was a back & forth decision process between getting this $1200 Light Bucket at 50% off ....A Telescope which is a bit bulkier to move as opposed to my second choice the Meade etx125 Mak-Cassegrain which is much easier to move around. I just received the Meade Series 4000 Lense and filter set so now I have a wide range of Lense power options plus the Barlow .
Hello...
Does this telescope model follow the movement of the observed stars?
Can you take good images of DSO?
Yes it is the STARTRACKER MODEL. They sell a Basic model which is significantly cheaper cost without the Star/ Planet locator & Trackers. I'm not a very well versed Astrophotographer.....but for the money this is Alot of Telescope.
@@Jimswholiestofcoleus
Great video. Where do you go for special sales. I'm in Montreal, Quebec..... I'm kinda looking at Sky-Watcher Dobsonian Collapsible 12"
[S11740
Please tell me your opinion
Ho Joe ..Sorry for the late reply....dont get notification always.... You can buy at Telescope.com or Highpointscientific.com
700$ for the 8" with SynScan is just crazy cheap! In Europe these days you only get the regular version without SynScan for this price. Otherwise, it's twice (1400$)
And now with COVID-19, supply chain & a USELESS US President with Historically proven to FAIL Economic Policies ..... It will only be getting worse. 😔
What is the difference between a skywatcher 8" solid Dobsonian and and the truss Dobsonian.I am looking for a telescope.
Hey Steve...excellent question.. The Truss Telescopes like this 200p Collapsible Dobsonian do so to make them more compact. Then there are the larger True TRUSS Tube styles which are meant to reduce weight when you start getting into the larger aperture mirrors 12" & Up.
One last note...the solid Tube Dobsonian may give better contrasting of images because of the enclosed tube blocking out light whereas the Collapsible or actual Open TRUSS types. There are "Socks" or covers available for this 8" That cover and don't let light gsther through openings.
Hi Jim! Watching from Spain. Is it comfortable to observe sitting?
Once you get a good adjustable chair set at ur sitting position yes... thats optimal for extended viewing.
@@Jimswholiestofcoleus thanks for answering. Do you know a good adjustable chair as you suggest?
Thanks for watching Juan. Any other questions feel free to ask!
@juancarbarcenas Here in the US we have office supply stores that sell cheap lightweight desk chairs with or without wheels...easy to move...can be lowered or raised so you can find that " sweet spot" of comfort. I also as you see in the video I purchased an adjustable dolly with locking wheels to make it more portable once it's places outdoors. I often use it on my Asphalt driveway so I occasionally move it. That wheeled dolly is usually sold for small refrigerators or Appliances.
Great introductory video, thank you. Can you say how this compares to the Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope.?? Both 8” but the Celestron is so much smaller.
Thank you. It was an initial Video so It was just introducing what I have!! Thank you!! I can't compare with the Celestron but ill paste a link that does. The Celestron would be more portable ...the Skywatcher brings in a bit more light.... Biggest concern I have is the Skywatcher 200p is bulky..... 8SE is more compact
Here's the link
stargazerslounge.com/topic/45765-celestron-c8-vs-skywatcher-200p/
I personally was thinking about getting this so after using the scope, how did it turn out? Is the GoTo working properly? Were you able to see galaxies? Do you recommend this product for its current price?($1100)
Hi Astronomer Josh..... One thing to remember that Whether its a Planet.....The Moon, Jupiter Saturn.....or Galaxies, Nebula like Orion and Star Clusters like Pleiades.....they all emit LIGHT.... and these Skywatcher Dobs really bring in the Light. Thats why they're referred to as LIGHTBUCKETS.
Available in 6", 8", 12" & 16....the 8" is a great balance between portability , performance and price.
Now I was EXTREMELY Fortunate that I purchased mine on sale for $699!!! So it was a MAJOR MOTIVATION.
The Synscan Electronics are pretty accurate....Ive found that it tracks so smoothly making watching planets sooo much easier.
If you do get one....Eventually consider buying a 2" Eyepiece. I purchased a Celestron 2" LUMINOS 29MM EYEPIECE and it is AMAZING. 2" Eyepieces are expensive but the Luminos 29mm is fairly reasonable at under $200. Once you get into higher magnification they go up in price...but they definitely perform better than the 1 1/4.
There are two things I am disappointed with.....one minor the other fairly significant ( TO ME). Firstly the finderscope it comes with is a straight viewfinder and I found it extremely awkward to use it...so much so I sold the viewfinder and replaced it with a Celestron 8x50 Right Angle viewfinder. Its a fairly minor problem because of the Synscan...but I do use the viewfinder to line up stars when setting up the initial Synscan 2 or 3 star alignment .
Now the one SIGNIFICANT negative to me.....is PORTABILITY..... Although it has handles on its base and I purchased a locking wheeled appliance cart to maneuver it in my driveway.... The Scope by nature of the heavy/ bulky base as a whole is not a grab
& go compared to my alternate choice which was the Celestron C8 series with the more Portable Tripod base. I has back surgery 20 yrs ago and have to be careful lifting items.... So Although this Telescope performs well....Ive found that its lack of portability makes me wonder if I purchased the wrong Telescope.....that I would use & enjoyed the Grab & Go Tripod more. But I was swayed by an UNBELIEVABLE PRICE discount.
I hope this answers your questions. Forgive me for the lecture on Light etc!! Lol
Can you tell me how much does the mount weight? Can you lift it and put it down without bending down? I was worrying about my back...
Another question: I suppose you have to collimate the tube every time you extend it, but can it get out of collimation during use?
vs44....Good question and for good reason.....a large sized Dobsonian and a bad back dont do well together.
As much as I love mine...I wish I went with a Celestron C8 with a tripod because it is quite bulky....even with the nice handles they provide.... I have mine set on a wheeled appliance cart with locking wheels so I can maneuver it once its in my rear yard driveway ..... Never use it on grass though. I only bought mine because I got it for $600
As for Collimation I've never had to yet. They claim there's no collimation screws on the primary mirror....I don't see any either.
Get yourself a red dot finder. Much less hassle. How do you level up the mount?
I have one on my Meade ACF.... I ended up selling this straight thru finder and replaced it with a Celestron 9x50 right angle reticulated viewfinder which is perfect. A straight finder on this Skywatcher Tube is USELESS As our current President & VP
@@Jimswholiestofcoleus straight through finders are great if you are a circus trapeze performer or a contortionist……
would this be good for a beginner? are there are telescopes that u have used that you would suggest for a beginner?
Hi Solomon.... I wouldn't recommend this for a beginner..... but if you like this style base Telescope.....the Dobsonian style they do make them in less cumbersome 6" and without the syncscan Electronics.....at a significantly lower price.
Try www.telescope.com
Or www.highpointscientific.com
For excellent selections for all Levels !! Thanks for watching!!
Does anyone have any idea where to buy this in europe (not the GoTo version)
hey Jim. About how much does this beast weigh in total and about what size does it "pack" down to?
Thanks
Hi!! Thanks for the question. You know its a Really nice Telescope....But I ended up selling Her because of not necessarily the weight....But the Bulkiness and the fact that it must be moved in Two separate trips out thru my sliders...down my deck and into my Driveway where Viewing conditions are darker. I REEEEALLY LOVED this scope and hated to sell it...but I sold it for what I paid for and purchased A Mead ACF dual with a Tripod mount. Its much easier to move in one piece.
This 8" SKYWATCHER is indeed a BEAST!! The tube folds down or collapses to a bit less than half....but again its more Bulky than heavy. Now the base is about 25 lbs of solid Wood.... has handles...But again Is BULKY!!
Best " Observation " I can give is that I found that the Bulkiness and moving the two pieces started to interfere with the enjoyment and relative spontaneity of the more Portable Grab & go types. That's the best advice I can give if you're considering buying this. PERFORMANCE WISE...IT IS AN AWESOME TELESCOPE!!!! SUPER LIGHTBUCKET!!!
@@Jimswholiestofcoleus Thanks Jim for replying before I purchased that beast. Being nearly 70 I would have probably killed me via a heart attack or something.
I'm curious now to what you exactly replaced it with, as maybe that would meet my needs better also.
I'm looking hard and hoping to find something soon as the money is burning a hole in my pocket (old expression there).
Does this “push to” or do you have to wait?
This is Motorized....if you want to use it manually....you have to use the electronic controller.
So it won’t allow you to move it manually in a fast manner you have to wait for the motors to do the work? @@Jimswholiestofcoleus
Yes....Theres No disengage...If you want that much control then I definitely suggest buying the same Telescope but without the Electronics...which will save you a tremendous amount of $$.
I just purchased this dob online and cant wait to get it delivered! Jim, have you had first light with it?
I've used it about 3 times .....Still haven't been able to figure out the Syncscan programming for two Star Align....I entered the date, time , Lat/Long coordinates.... but so far I've been using the handset to slew thru the sky and observe.
Did you Check out my other video I just did on the Lense set I got also?? Recommend this set....good quality set at under $200.
I also purchased the Celestron Power pack thru Amazon which really is great to run it on the go.
I had an old 4" Reflector with inferior lenses...this obviously & by far a Superior Scope. Good Luck with it. If you check my Instagram page under ( Jim's Wholiest of Coleus also)I posted a bunch of Awesome photos of the Moon a few days ago !!!
@@Jimswholiestofcoleus good stuff and thanks, I'll be sure to check out your Instagram and other videos as well. And if you cant get that star alignment going by the time i get mine we can figure it together...lol
@@67madchops ABSOLUTELY.....Let's SUBSCRIBE to each others instagram so We can do so!! I'll keep an eye out for ya.....as well as the Sky!!! Lol
@@67madchops Tried again two nights ago...no luck.... plus it was a cool but humid night and had condensation issues. Dont have nor want to invest in the heater hookup.... plenty of time. Plus it's getting on into Fall and Winter here. :(
I appreciate the offer to help...definitely would .
How portable are these? I have chronic light pollution and badly placed trees at home so would have to travel.
Hi Mickey. There are few Telescopes that grab and bring in light like these larger aperture Dobsonian Telescopes. Once you get 8" & above your really bring in the Universe!!! However these are bulky....and if Portability is a concern I don't recommend buying them...even though the price point makes it hard to pass sometimes. Eventually the bulkyness will get in the way and interfere with your enjoyment of Astronomy.
I recommend a more transport friendly type that's on a Tripod like the Meade ETX125 or a bit more $$ the 6"-8" ACF series .
@@Jimswholiestofcoleus Thank you for replying to an 'old' post. I take on board your comment of the longevity of moving a bulky item.
Hey there.that looks a great scope.you did well getting it so cheap.im about to buy one and its £775 pounds. What's it like for astrophotography of moon and planets? Does it track well? And is the syscan easy to set up.. I had the standard 150 skyliner dob and was great for the lunar observation.. cheers and great informative video.
Hi Steve. Yes It was extremely well discounted. As for the Scope itself.....the Synscan tracking.... it works very well...but there is definitely a few negatives to this Scope that leads me to give a double sided review..... These Dobsonians bring in alot of light....but like any piece of optics the Quality of the Eyepiece lense is what wins the " War" in getting the best ABSOLUTE crisp views from the Battle of primary mirror light gathering. So upgrading to the best quality Lenses is essential. This 8" really gathers the light....the Plossl lenses are OK...but I purchased a 2" Celestron Luminos 82° 23mm Lense and will slowly build on those.
The build quality is great....Wood and metals well put together and finished. Synscan system smooth...HOWEVER My original Synscan motor unit crapped out after 6 months....the Company sent me a whole new base and Synscan Free and havent asked for the old base and Synscan back...so I have this huge Base & Sysnscan unit packed in my shed!!
I'm not confident in the long term durability of the Synscan gearing .... and it is a bulky unit...as opposed to say a tripod Meade ETX125 or a Celestron MakCas.
It is a wonderful Telescope.....I hope one day to get a Televue 3x Barlow and a Televue Gas purged Lense set..... I still have much to learn using my Canon i7 as well as Astrophotography. THANKS for the Comment!!