I had a 60mm Tasco in the 1980s and it was made in Japan and gave great views of Saturn. I bought a Celestron C6-N F5 reflector ota because it was really cheap. Tripod cost more, but I knew that. Works great and has hand controls. I'm only into star gazing and don't care about pictures, but more into exploring and those controls are a must.
Thank you again for your help for this newbie. I did reach out to you for eyepiece suggestions and you were very helpful with my questions. My 4.5" APO is three weeks away and I getting excited to see it. Your knowledge have been very helpful.
8" dobsonian without hesitation for 95% of beginners to the hobby. The planets are always the first objects they want to observe and a small achro is a very poor choice. I still have mine 30 years later with it's mirror aluminised again 8 years ago. I still give it the odd outing for the nostalgia and I can also blame it for getting me hooked on the hobby and virtually bankrupting me 😂.
You really hit on one thing here that no one seems to mention, I love my Dob just throw it out in the garden and point at stuff but it's not that easy to star hop when you can't see the stars I have 2 street lights just outside my garden so you never really dark adapt and light pollution means I can only see the brightest stars.
I have a 17.5" dobsonian I call the "Godsonian". My problem is when I look through the eyepiece there are SO MANY STARS...... I can't recognize anything.... but you get used to it. I have a big gun site mounted to my scope. It's literally a round site with cross hairs. Like a gun site. It gets me close. Then I have a 50mm guide scope that gets me closer....then the scope is right on. Mine sits in the driveway year round. So it's always ready to go. It stays columated for the most part and the site and spotting scope stay lined up. I never have to worry about cooling down the scope. If I happen to notice the sky is clear I can run out there on a moments notice and look for 5 minutes and go back inside.
Had a115TS Triplet and C6 at the same time and the Mars Opposition image in the C6 here in Australia was not only fabulous some nights but virtually identical with the refractor which was a hair sharper and also better on starfields.
I've purchased 2 "CHEAP" scopes for my son. They sucked! - I just invested in the Celestron 6SE for him. He's 12 and I think he and I will have fun with this based on all the reviews I've found.
I bought a 10 inch Dobsonian maybe 12 or 15 years ago (after having a 4.25 inch reflector on a manual mount for years) and I have always regretted it. I've only used it a few time. It's too difficult to drag out of the house and setup (2 trips). Constantly pushing it to keep the object in view is a pain because the travel is not smooth, so it never points quite where I want. I only have limited views in my yard, so the hassle just isn't worth it. I wish I'd bought a smaller scope with an automatic drive. I'm actually considering the Celestron Nextstar 6SE, but I'd like to see one in person to get a sense of how big it is. I don't want something too big. There's no point having a telescope that never leaves the house.
Just ordered a 6se a few hours ago. It will be my first "real" scope, and I chose it for its ease of use, transportability, and versatility. Your video gives me peace of mind that I didn't go wrong. I'm mainly interested in lunar/planetary observations to start, but I would like to look at dimmer objects like galaxies, globular clusters, and nebulae. Are there any filters or particular eyepieces that would be good to purchase now, or should I wait until I have a better understanding of what I need?
Hi, congrats on your first "real" scope! I think you will be quite happy with it for what you are looking to use it for. As far as eyepieces I would watch my video on the subject: th-cam.com/video/3x7FR9nfZd4/w-d-xo.html Filter wise a good variable moon filter is a good start as well as a light pollution filter that helps bring out detail in nebulas. Moon - amzn.to/3fMLrM0 LP - amzn.to/3fStX0U Best, Vlad.
@@livella1969 As it turns out, the retailer indicated that it was in stock when it was, in fact, back ordered. I am now due to receive it in the next two weeks. If that does come to pass, I’ll let you know how it is.
Im looking at a used celestron nexstar evo8 tomorrow, so exited for a upgrade got a 114mm f500 reflector for years now but its time :) Annything to watch out for? Great vidios man
Few days ago I picked up my first telescope on AstroMart, Orion XT12g. $1400 First night, not really knowing what I was doing I was able to see some dark purple in the Orion nebula. The hobby is getting expensive with a Hotech 2” laser self-centered, lithium battery pack, small 50mm usb fan and the baader zoom. Don’t tell the wife. Hopefully my club ASLI (New York) starts some events soon so I can figure out what degree eyepieces I like. Of course I’m trying to find some on AstroMart
Steven, that is an awesome scope to start with! Don't feel the need to go and buy every eyepiece you can afford. Get comfortable using what you already have and then you will have auch better idea of what your missing.
@AVT -- I've been really enjoying your videos. I have decided that I want an APO refractor as my first "real" scope, due to portability and ease of use (will be taking overlanding on rough roads). Looking at everything from Vixen SD81 to the Astrotech 115. Any thoughts on whether the 4.5" is worth it for a relative beginner?
Hi, curious Nexstar 5SE or 6SE here in Australia the 6SE will cost an additional $350 AUD then the 5SE but im not sure its worth it for ym first telescope???
Hi, the 5SE is a cool little scope. Unless you really prefer the slightly smaller size honestly I would do the 6SE. Not only do you get an extra inch of aperture you also get a better mount.
Hi I have a Q, why the C6SE over the Orion Starseeker IV line? They seem in the same market and similar design, but the SSIV has some advantages: manual release clutches, encoders, and built-in wifi. That said, the 6SE is less expensive than the 6" mak SSIV. What is your opinion on the SSIV vs the SE? Thank you!
Well to start with I have no experience with that mount. I cannot comment if it's better or not than the Nexstar SE. I do like that it has the clutch release. Scope wise if you are into planets and double stars the 6" mak would be my choice. The 6" SCT is a better all around scope though, as it gives you a wider FOV, can use reducers and therefore is much better for EAA or entry level astrophotography. Like I said in the video, the recommendation that I make is just a hip shot not knowing anything about you. The 6se is a good all around scope that does check a lot of things off for a good serious scope.
I have a 12" Meade ACF SCT on a Losmandy g1 mount in a roll-off-roof the most. So its a bit hard to compare that with what I'd use if I did not have an observatory. If it was not for that I would say a 4" APO on a nice GEM would be my next choice!
@@AVTAstro Planning to use the scope for visual as for now that's why I was thinking about something larger than 4 in. However, I have heard good things about scopes 90 mm and larger for visual. It seems to be a size vs aperture debate for most people, what being the happy medium between the two.
Yeah its no fun! I will offer another view of it though. I now live under what most will consider a dark sky. And you know it is great but i had a much better time living under light pollution and going to star parties when it was a new moon. The community aspect of observing is what makes it much more enjoyable!
Thanks Vlad, awesome video! Agree on the dob in the city…
Glad you liked it👍
I had a 60mm Tasco in the 1980s and it was made in Japan and gave great views of Saturn.
I bought a Celestron C6-N F5 reflector ota because it was really cheap. Tripod cost more, but I knew that. Works great and has hand controls. I'm only into star gazing and don't care about pictures, but more into exploring and those controls are a must.
Very cool, I'd love to try a Japan made Tasco. I'm sure the one I started out with was already one of the newer China ones.
@@AVTAstro I hate that I sold it in the 2000s.
Thank you again for your help for this newbie. I did reach out to you for eyepiece suggestions and you were very helpful with my questions. My 4.5" APO is three weeks away and I getting excited to see it. Your knowledge have been very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
8" dobsonian without hesitation for 95% of beginners to the hobby. The planets are always the first objects they want to observe and a small achro is a very poor choice. I still have mine 30 years later with it's mirror aluminised again 8 years ago. I still give it the odd outing for the nostalgia and I can also blame it for getting me hooked on the hobby and virtually bankrupting me 😂.
Yeah like I said in the video I see this differently. I'd much rather have a 8se compared to a 8" dob. GOTO is a must in the city.
great video with a ton of info, thank you for sharing your experience, you deserve many more subscribers.
Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it!
This is really helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Vlad.
You really hit on one thing here that no one seems to mention, I love my Dob just throw it out in the garden and point at stuff but it's not that easy to star hop when you can't see the stars I have 2 street lights just outside my garden so you never really dark adapt and light pollution means I can only see the brightest stars.
Sadly it's true for a lot of people...
I have a 17.5" dobsonian I call the "Godsonian".
My problem is when I look through the eyepiece there are SO MANY STARS...... I can't recognize anything.... but you get used to it.
I have a big gun site mounted to my scope. It's literally a round site with cross hairs. Like a gun site.
It gets me close. Then I have a 50mm guide scope that gets me closer....then the scope is right on.
Mine sits in the driveway year round. So it's always ready to go. It stays columated for the most part and the site and spotting scope stay lined up. I never have to worry about cooling down the scope.
If I happen to notice the sky is clear I can run out there on a moments notice and look for 5 minutes and go back inside.
Had a115TS Triplet and C6 at the same time and the Mars Opposition image in the C6 here in Australia was not only fabulous some nights but virtually identical with the refractor which was a hair sharper and also better on starfields.
Thabks for the comparison.
I've purchased 2 "CHEAP" scopes for my son. They sucked! - I just invested in the Celestron 6SE for him. He's 12 and I think he and I will have fun with this based on all the reviews I've found.
Hey Rick, I think you guys will have a good time with the 6se. Don't give up on the hobby, it can provide your son with a life time of enjoyment!
I bought a 10 inch Dobsonian maybe 12 or 15 years ago (after having a 4.25 inch reflector on a manual mount for years) and I have always regretted it. I've only used it a few time. It's too difficult to drag out of the house and setup (2 trips). Constantly pushing it to keep the object in view is a pain because the travel is not smooth, so it never points quite where I want. I only have limited views in my yard, so the hassle just isn't worth it. I wish I'd bought a smaller scope with an automatic drive. I'm actually considering the Celestron Nextstar 6SE, but I'd like to see one in person to get a sense of how big it is. I don't want something too big. There's no point having a telescope that never leaves the house.
Very good point. The best scope is the one you use most!
Just ordered a 6se a few hours ago. It will be my first "real" scope, and I chose it for its ease of use, transportability, and versatility. Your video gives me peace of mind that I didn't go wrong. I'm mainly interested in lunar/planetary observations to start, but I would like to look at dimmer objects like galaxies, globular clusters, and nebulae. Are there any filters or particular eyepieces that would be good to purchase now, or should I wait until I have a better understanding of what I need?
Hi, congrats on your first "real" scope! I think you will be quite happy with it for what you are looking to use it for. As far as eyepieces I would watch my video on the subject: th-cam.com/video/3x7FR9nfZd4/w-d-xo.html
Filter wise a good variable moon filter is a good start as well as a light pollution filter that helps bring out detail in nebulas.
Moon - amzn.to/3fMLrM0
LP - amzn.to/3fStX0U
Best, Vlad.
I am sorry where did you find the 6se? I am trying to find it and its out of stock everywhere?
How do you like it? About to order 6se!
@@livella1969 As it turns out, the retailer indicated that it was in stock when it was, in fact, back ordered. I am now due to receive it in the next two weeks. If that does come to pass, I’ll let you know how it is.
@@gramirez3 Skies Unlimited is where I placed my order. Turns out it was back ordered. Just arrived after a lengthy wait.
Im looking at a used celestron nexstar evo8 tomorrow, so exited for a upgrade got a 114mm f500 reflector for years now but its time :)
Annything to watch out for?
Great vidios man
Very cool, I'm sure you will love the upgrade!!!
Few days ago I picked up my first telescope on AstroMart, Orion XT12g. $1400
First night, not really knowing what I was doing I was able to see some dark purple in the Orion nebula. The hobby is getting expensive with a Hotech 2” laser self-centered, lithium battery pack, small 50mm usb fan and the baader zoom. Don’t tell the wife.
Hopefully my club ASLI (New York) starts some events soon so I can figure out what degree eyepieces I like. Of course I’m trying to find some on AstroMart
Steven, that is an awesome scope to start with! Don't feel the need to go and buy every eyepiece you can afford. Get comfortable using what you already have and then you will have auch better idea of what your missing.
@AVT -- I've been really enjoying your videos. I have decided that I want an APO refractor as my first "real" scope, due to portability and ease of use (will be taking overlanding on rough roads). Looking at everything from Vixen SD81 to the Astrotech 115. Any thoughts on whether the 4.5" is worth it for a relative beginner?
Id recommend an APO around 100mm and f/6-f7. It will be a scope that you will likely keep forever as its a very versatile instrument👍
@@AVTAstro Awesome, thanks for the feedback.
Appreciate your work..tc
My pleasure!
I've had a few Dobs, they can and do dew up without a fan
Yup, can happen. Especially if you are observing a lot of objects straight overhead.
Great presentation. What is the refractor on the shelf behind you?
Hey, thanks! It's a Meade 178ED.
What refractor is equivalent to this SCT 6SE viewing wise? (not price wise)...Thx.
Hey, great question! A good quality 4" APO would be fairly equivalent to a 6" SCT.
Hi, curious Nexstar 5SE or 6SE here in Australia the 6SE will cost an additional $350 AUD then the 5SE but im not sure its worth it for ym first telescope???
Hard to say. Issue with the 5se besides being an 1" less is that the mount is also smaller and lighter.
Do you not think the 5se would be ok for a beginner . Or is the 6se a big difference.
Hi, the 5SE is a cool little scope. Unless you really prefer the slightly smaller size honestly I would do the 6SE. Not only do you get an extra inch of aperture you also get a better mount.
Hi I have a Q, why the C6SE over the Orion Starseeker IV line? They seem in the same market and similar design, but the SSIV has some advantages: manual release clutches, encoders, and built-in wifi. That said, the 6SE is less expensive than the 6" mak SSIV. What is your opinion on the SSIV vs the SE? Thank you!
Well to start with I have no experience with that mount. I cannot comment if it's better or not than the Nexstar SE. I do like that it has the clutch release. Scope wise if you are into planets and double stars the 6" mak would be my choice. The 6" SCT is a better all around scope though, as it gives you a wider FOV, can use reducers and therefore is much better for EAA or entry level astrophotography.
Like I said in the video, the recommendation that I make is just a hip shot not knowing anything about you. The 6se is a good all around scope that does check a lot of things off for a good serious scope.
So what is your go to scope?? If you don't mind me asking. What someone uses the most is something worth considering.
I have a 12" Meade ACF SCT on a Losmandy g1 mount in a roll-off-roof the most. So its a bit hard to compare that with what I'd use if I did not have an observatory. If it was not for that I would say a 4" APO on a nice GEM would be my next choice!
@@AVTAstro Would you consider a 5in APO too large?
@@lornaz1975 No not at all if you have a mount that's large enough to support it. What are you trying to use the scope for though?
@@AVTAstro Planning to use the scope for visual as for now that's why I was thinking about something larger than 4 in. However, I have heard good things about scopes 90 mm and larger for visual. It seems to be a size vs aperture debate for most people, what being the happy medium between the two.
That damm light pollution, that's why I am only Lunar, planetary and Sun observer.
Yeah its no fun! I will offer another view of it though. I now live under what most will consider a dark sky. And you know it is great but i had a much better time living under light pollution and going to star parties when it was a new moon. The community aspect of observing is what makes it much more enjoyable!