StellaLyra (Zhumell/Apertura) 10 inch Dobsonian Telescope First Light Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- In this video i give my first impressions of using the 10" StellaLyra Dobsonian telescope, both good and bad. The video covers finding objects, the dual speed focuser, collimation and optical quality.
The scope is made by GSO in Taiwan, and is also sold under different brand names including Zhumell and Apertura.
I loved your method of transportation. I have a Skywatcher 8” dob and after watching this video I went into my garage and brought out my sack barrow. With a couple of bungee straps it worked a treat!
Nice video for beginners and experienced alike! It's been years since I messed with telescopes and have a Zhumell Z10 on the way. Virtually the same design as many companies have produced these Dobson style telescopes. Thanks for going over the basics and adding your advice. It was a good refresher for things to watch for and a quick overview of a large Dobsonian. Very well done and gave me some ideas. Mainly transporting it. I have a dolly as well and that 's a brilliant idea for getting from A-B quickly! I'm looking into building a 12" Truss Tube Dobson telescope to make transporting to my favorite dark spot a bit easier in a more compact design. Thank you for making this video!
Another nice video. Thank you. Those protruding collimation knobs would be an issue for me to take the tube off the base... the hand truck/dolly is a good idea for moving the beast around as one lump. My Dob is an Orion XT8, and a bit lighter than a 10, it's a handful without moving it in two parts if only due to size. At least you aren't dealing with steps. I live in the mountains, and even getting onto the decks means a step or two. Glad you like it. I also added a Telrad. A dovetail for the telrad and multi base lifts it off the tube as well, and didn't require me sticking tape to the tube. I kind of wish I had more aperture already...... that day is coming. Thanks for your videos, and Clear Skies!
Nice review. Seems to be good build quality. I think a 10' Dob is perfect, not too heavy to deal with imo.
The issue of balance is VERY misunderstood. Most people (I'm yet to find anyone who doesn't) balance a telescope by adding weight to the top of the OTA near the mirror. It is possible to balance the scope like this, but only for a specific Altitude (elevation). Think of it like this. If you removed all accessories from the OTA including the focuser, so all you have is the tube with a mirror, the C of G would be on the center line of the tube. However, all the accessories are mounted near the top of the tube and this raises the C of G above the center line. Adding weight to the top of the OTA (near the mirror) moves the C of G even further above the centreline. This means that when you change the elevation from the balanced angle, it goes out of balance very quickly. What you need to do is dynamically balance the tube by adding weight to the underside. More weight is required but you can perfectly balance the OTA for any angle without the requirement for any friction. As a guide, I added 1.3kg of mass to my 10" dob and now I have a perfect balance for all angles of elevation. The 'conventional' technique of adding weight to the top is like balancing a pencil on its end vertically rather than through its center horizontally which will work for any angle.
Indeed you need to balance out the bending moments. You can’t beat the laws of physics (unless someone decides to change them!)
Great review. I have a 10 inch dob myself, it is a very powerful scope😍
Thanks!
Excellent review and report. Thank you!
Thanks for a great review. That 2 wheel dolly seems to be a great solution for moving it around! Those were some great pictures of Jupiter and Saturn. I've gone to using a 120mm binoculars for my "viewing". I found that scanning the sky with a pair of binoculars were a lot more enjoyable than squinting into a monocular eyepiece. And the binocular tripod mounts are very easy to swing left and right to scan the sky. The light gathering will never match a DOB...
Thanks Jason, i was also looking to the enjoyment factor when I bought the Dob. Sometimes AP can feel a bit too much tech and not enough astro.
Excellent video Graham
Please let’s see some more visual in the future I know your an AP channel but there is so much to talk about with these awesome scopes getting mine end of the month we can compare then if you would like 👍 clear skies
Great video, thank you. I am awaiting delivery of my 8" StellaLyra, should be here tomorrow. Looking forward to using it as soon as the weather allows. But following your comments about the finder and the adding of the Telrad, can I ask how you attached the foot that the telrad mount sits on to the tube itself. Thanks
Great review and really interesting images - definitely worth looking into! Cheers!
I ordered the 8" StellaLyra from FirstLightOptics last week. Arrived in less than 24hrs. From one side of UK to the other.
I'm glad I got the 8", the 10" is just a bit too cumbersome for me. I'm pushing my limits already. Its my first telescope and I'm having some great fun.
I've bought a handful of eyepieces and a Celestron Omni Barlow lens. As well as a cheap phone mount, I took some lovely pictures of Saturn and Jupiter. Amazing how those are sat out there floating in the deep vastness of space.
I was surprised how quickly targets move from view and you really get a sense for how quickly earth is rotating. I had a look through a 4mm lens I got, no Barlow, and wow! 300x is pretty close-up (and difficult to stay on target).
My next target is the Andromeda Galaxy. SkyView app is really helping me as a beginner.
Nice review, I enjoyed it, you took some great photos. Clear skies my friend 🌔 🔭
Fantastic to hear that you are enjoying the scope - I think it was a good choice and very capable for a first scope (possibly all you will ever need). You will find some deep sky objects are “wow” moments and others still a fuzzy smudge. I love planetary nebulae and globular clusters best of all visually. Enjoy discovering it all. Clear skies!
@MW
Did you have to use the extension piece in order to reach focus?. I have also bought the 8” and have to use it for all my eyepieces
@@Astronurd I'm not sure which extension tube you mean? I have a wide angle 2" eyepiece I got with scope, the rest I use the adapter from 2" to 1.25". I also use the celestron barlow lens I bought separately to increase magnification with some eyepieces. I can't use barlow with any eyepiece under 6mm though as the maximum magnification my 8" is capable of (whilst producing a clear image) is 400x
@@Astronurd I have not used it. The variability between scopes might be due to the position of the primary set up with the collimation knobs but with mine I haven’t used the tube. I do have to keep the 2 inch eyepiece a few millimetres out from being fully inserted into the focuser in order to get it to focus. The extension tube added too much distance with my scope.
I have just got the GSO version and slowly learning the ropes.
That thing is massive, Graham! I'm glad you're enjoying the 10" Dob. Clear skies to you over there. :)
Thanks, clear skies to you too! It is a bit of a lump, and has now been evicted from the house. The views are great though. Time will tell if it gets as much use as the grab and go setups we’re more familiar with.
I had Sky-watcher 10 inch dobsonian. Used for around 3 years.
That’s what I’m getting with a GoTo system, can you get some good looks with planets and deep space stuff?
Practical tips, balanced sensible evaluation. Engaging presentation I really enjoyed and found valuable. Thanks!
Thanks Chris! Clear skies, Graham
looks like a nice dob for those dim stuff out there.
Hi Jenham! Thanks for the great review of the visual qualities of this 'scope. I am now pretty much sold on this brand of 'scope thanks Jenham! Kindest Regards, Wes, Liverpool UK.
It’s a good scope. I was interested in the Bresser because I liked the look of the large altitude bearing “wheels”. They might give move control than the SL, hard to tell, but as a package the SL ticks more boxes for me when you factor in the finder and focuser. Graham
@@JenhamsAstro yes i agree Jenham the SL package has a great focuser and that EP looks brill for a EP supplied as standard with a 'scope! Thanks again Jenham, Wes.
I've got the same in the Apertura label from High Point. I added the Telrad with a 4" riser and I find it's still a bit odd having to nearly get on the ground to sight though it. I'm still waiting on the knobs to adjust the secondary mirror as I find the philips head screws clumsy and the absolute correct pattern and depth of the driver head needed for precise adjustment. I transport in two pieces but I have a suitable dolly that I may try having watched your video. The sliding weight for balance brilliant! Thanks from Arizona.
Hi, I think a set of collimation knobs will be a next choice for me as well. The standard screws are a weak point but so far the secondary hasn't needed many adjustments. The dolly works for my back! I looked at some Farpoint straps for the tube but went for the wheeled option in the end.
@@JenhamsAstro Got FarPoint straps. My two dolly's that I owned still clumsy over the two steps I must descend. A big improvement however. Not sure which knobs as the Apertura are back ordered yet the photos of similar models appear on HighPoint...I'm sure many of the same scope different labels but which?
Super review thinking of buying the 8 inch DobsonThe smaller brother to your 10 inch this will be my first scope
I think the 8” would be a very good choice. The 10” is big, whereas yours would be more portable. Many people call an 8” Dob “all the scope you will ever need”.
Great review. Really enjoyed watching.
I am just about to place an order for the 8” model of this scope as the 10” has a waiting time of 90-120 days.
I have a 10' and i would wait to buy one in your place.
I think everyone has their own personal view on transporting scopes. I can move the 10" in two pieces, and could probably make the tube carry easier with some straps or another handle, but I went for the trolley option in the end as I've already got some DIY ramps to move cars over a step from my garage, and the trolley rolls down these nicely! My wife is less keen on this scope than my others though, even if it's hidden away in the garage.
Great review as usual 👍🏻
I added three rubber feet to the bottom of my dob (GSO) to "stand off" from the locking screws. .
Good idea, I’ll try that.
Great review! My first real telescope was a 10" Skyline Dob which I think is made by same company. I really was a great telescope and I learned lots with it . The only downside for me was I couldn't use in the winter months where I live. I ended up selling it because it took up too much space and I hardly used used it after I became a telescope junky. Lol
Thanks Eric. It is big!
Orion XT10 has a tall base lip, and the knobs don't protrude. They also are set as knob pairs, not opposed knobs. In terms of the focuser not being great quality, first they cost $150 new from GSO, and second, they are 10:1 adjustment knobs. This is standard setup on any fine microscopes, for example. You want a better focused that does what, exactly? This is high end. Too bad I don't see 10:1 crayfords for 1.25" focusers.
I got my daughter the 8” version. I think even that is a hefty thing to carry and I’m thinking about either a dolly or truck solution so I I don’t tweak my back. Optics are great though. We got out first time last night and saw the Orion Nebula very clearly. Jupiter’s banding was there, although the wobbly atmosphere made it hard to pick out details. Jupiter is very low now. Is there any reason to not use the extension tube? We have used it for the 2” and seems to work ok. We have added a starguider 5mm to the stock ep’s which seems to work well within the scope’s capabilities.
I think you should use the extension tube when you need it to reach focus with a given EP. The focus point will vary scope to scope based on primary mirror positioning and other tolerances.
The adjustment knobs press directly onto the mirror back, so I disagree putting the telescope on its end it not a bid deal. That is a serious problem. You drop up upright, and the mirror cracks, for example.
I will be more careful!
Hi Graham, wonderful review video. Thanks for clarifying on some of the features.
1) Can you share the link for the hand truck dolly. The baseplate seems to be of the right size.
2) On the asi224mc topic, does it come to focus with a 0.5x reducer screwed onto the nosepiece.
Please share if you have this information. Thanks for the wonderful review.
Hi Krishna, I got it from Sack Trucks Direct. I raised the base up an extra centimetre to allow the trolley to slide underneath. I haven’t got a reducer so I can’t check the focus sorry. Clear skies! Graham
is the 10" really worth the extra money over the 8"?
Also, I see you have the Skymax 127 & 150, which is better scope, including the dob. for visuals?
I haven't used an 8" dob that much so it's tough to say visually. Having got the 10", for me the question of 10 vs 8 should be less about the money vs performance delta and more about the portability. The 10" is big and you need to plan for that! Including the Maks, the dob wins easily for anything faint. For planets the dob has given better Jupiter & Saturn views than the 127. I traded the 150 a while ago but I expect it would be getting close to the dob. Of course the Maks win easily when we get to AP on the planets vs the untracked dob.
Thank you!
Hi Graham, in order to cut through the light pollution (white led lighting) I am looking at the zwo duo band or the optolong L enhance narrow band filters. Which would be a good fit for the 10inch dob for visual use on nebulae? Thanks.
Brilliant review Graham,been waiting for this since the unboxing video. i have my eye on the 12 inch version from FLO..but its a long wait so they say.. i have the skywatcher 8 inch dob which i adore but i`m getting aperture fever!..i just don`t know if spending £850 just to gain 4 more inches of aperture is viable...your thoughts?...also i have a water butt stand for current dob which brings the scope up to a very comfortable viewing position...was wondering if you are going to give that a try for your dob...would a water butt fit for your scope? i`m assuming the base width are they same with 8..10.. 12 inch dobs??...i have subscribed,keep up the great work,many thanks
Thanks Mark. I haven’t decided on the raising up aspect yet. I’m looking into an adjustable height stool. The water butt stands I have would be a little small I think, good for the weight but maybe not rigid enough? I’ve read that a 12 is a good step from an 8, but I’d have your plan sorted for transport and storage before you buy.
Hi Graham. In the next few weeks I am supposed to get my Starfield 10-inch Dob. I think it is basically the same GSO model that you have here, but with a white tube. Suddenly I am worried about storing it!
You talked me out of a Skymax 150, btw, but 127s are awfully hard to find.
Your Ed Ting impression at the beginning and end needs a bit of work, but you are pretty close.
Thanks Ron! It is a lot bulkier than my other scopes, but if you factor in storing an equatorial and tripod along with an OTA then the difference is probably not as great as you think. Transport is more of an issue. I can move it in two parts. If I bought some new handles or a strap then the tube would be easier than it is to move out of the box. I chose the trolley to simplify setup, and I had the garage space for it, but a 2-step setup would be doable with care. I hope your scope proves a winner and that you can find a good storage solution. It complements the Maks but won’t replace them.
@@JenhamsAstro It came yesterday. A beast indeed! Apparently identical except for the white tube and a straight-through finder. Fortunately, I have a 90 degree correct image finder on my AP rig, so I moved it over. You had a brown mystery box in your unboxing video. Was that the finder?
I put it mine together this afternoon, and put the eyepiece rack on the wrong side. Dang!
Got it pointed at Jupiter and could see bands! Thrilled! Red spot was there, but I couldn't see it. Waiting for the Pleiades to rise.
I'll ask a photography question on your newer lunar video.
Hi Ron, yes the box contained the finder. Glad your first impressions are good. I planned to include a full timelapse of me building the base, but after messing it up I decided not to. So your EP rack error very minor compared to mine! Did you need to adjust the collimation much?
@@JenhamsAstro I'll be ordering a collimator today. I don't like the stars in the 9 mm eyepiece. But I could see Jupiter well, so I am not sure. No real experience with visual observation.
Классный обзор
Mine was delivered yesterday and on checking the collimation with a cap the secondary was centered and I set the primary bang on the centre mark. However the reflection of the cap itself seems to be slightly off centre ( towards the front). I’m baffled 🤔
I think that could be "normal" for this focal ratio. Does it look like the green picture in this link? www.cloudynights.com/topic/366224-collimating-my-f5-newtonian/
@@JenhamsAstro Yes 👍.Thank God as I’ve been trying to centre it to no avail. When I set the collimation with a Cheshire and a laser and a final check with a cap the collimation is spot on and it looks off centre just like the photo. I can relax now. They really should include a leaflet saying that this is normal for the scope and prevent the hours wasted chasing nothing. Thanks Graham
Hi Graham 👋 I have just ordered the same sack barrow as yourself and just wanted to ask you about how much higher do I need to raise the base?. I’m going to just buy longer rubber feet than the ones supplied. How much longer is my question
Mine are 4cm high.
@@JenhamsAstro Thanks Graham
Is it possible to move the Telrad further down the tube to aid balance?
You can, but it still creates a bending moment which affects the balance, albeit less than when adjacent to the focuser. If you mounted it adjacent to the pivot it and you mounted an equivalent counterweight on the opposite side (underneath) then I think it would then be balanced, but then it would then involve some lying on the ground to see the red rings! The friction clamps cope with a fair amount of imbalance (caused by the focuser & finder), but i added the weight belt as simple solution which reduced the swing a little more whilst keeping the Telrad in a conventional position.
Planetary imaging wise, will a 5 inch tracked mak outperform a 10 inch untracked dob?
It's too early to say for sure, but given that I aim for 5K+ frames with the Mak, and use a barlow to increase image size, I expect that will give a better result than fewer frames with the dob. Visually though the dob wins easily.
How about collimation of the secondary? Hex bolts or knobs?
Actually you need a Philips-type crosshead screwdriver, which at first sight didn't seem ideal. So far it has stayed put though. A set of knobs would be a good upgrade but not essential like on SCTs I've owned.
Did you have to file the Telrad riser to fit it properly?
No, it fitted the base without issue. Quite a snug fit though.
Hi, could you please messure the diameter of the wooden circular base please
Hi Wayne, it’s 56cm.
@@JenhamsAstro 56 exacley? Sorry I ask but a I want to see if I can print a setting cuirle for the base.
I know the 8" is 488mm & the 12" is around 64 but the 12" is to big for me. So i wanted to know if I canprint one for a 10", please
@@waynegarrett1614 Hi Wayne, it's hard to be exact but I measured again and I'd say its 558-560mm.
@@JenhamsAstro thank you so much for this, I now have to save hard for the 10", clear skies!
Green laser works amazingly well for a finder scope, common sense prevailing.
"Even though this is not an astrophotography scope". False, your Dobsonian mount is not a tracking mount, but an equatorial mount is, and it can fit on a modest to high end one. High end meaning with electric motor tracking built in for a small fortune ($1200) more.
Society wants to bully you with light pollution.