This technology has high 'face validity', which means that it seems to be intuitively true and useful. Newcomers to the hobby quickly become overwhelmed by posts on forums suggesting a way ahead for them in the dense forest of information, technology, and gear. Then, there's how to use the scope, what to look at, and where do I find it? This system will replace the anxiety and numerous errors and frustrations with almost immediate success and pleasure. This, in turn, means retention, a larger market for all the retailers, and more knowledgeable and experienced amateurs populating the discussions on forums and getting even more 'newbies' sorted out and on the right path.
I bought the 8 inch about a month ago, but clouds and an unusual cold snap have limited my opportunities to do too much viewing as of yet. I decided to also get the kit with the eyepieces, Barlow, and color filters. I've been able to get a look at Jupiter with it's bands (25mm eyepiece with the 2x Barlow) and some absolutely breathtaking looks at the moon with different eyepieces and the "moon" filter. Hoping for a lot more opportunities now that the weather is warming back up.
I see that the 8in Dob is f/5.9, the 10in is f/4.7. So although the 10in gathers more light, it has larger field of view, making objects smaller. Which is better for planetary observation ? Is the 10in still better because it can use a higher power eyepiece and hence give the same or better size of planet images?
I own an 8 inch that I'm learning to use. I viewed Jupiter with the 25mm eyepiece with a 2x Barlow and with an 8mm eyepiece without the Barlow. With the 25mm and Barlow, I was able to get a good look at the bands of Jupiter but with a larger field of view so it would stay in frame longer. With the 8mm and no Barlow, it was a closer view but stayed in field for less time. I should mention that I had my "moon" filter on as well (which incidentally is wonderful for use on its namesake). Saturn isn't where I can see it this time of year, but I caught a fleeting glimpse of Uranus with the 25mm, however it is a very small cyan dot with that low-level of magnification, haven't located Neptune yet. Venus is Venus, basically looks like a star with phases. Mars can be something special with the right filters, though, especially when it's closest to us. Just my experience, hope it helps.
I have used many optical devices for decades, including two telescopes. I have found that the maximum useful magnification on the vast majority of amateur-level telescopes, including substantial Dobsonians, Newtonians, catadioptric, and refractors, is about twice the diameter, in millimeters, of the primary optic, be it a mirror or lens. And that is only possible, and enjoyable, on one night out of perhaps six or ten clear nights. The reason is that the eyepieces that come with factory scopes are often of poor quality, but the main reason is that the skies above, even when apparently crystal clear, are stratified and the seeing is therefor poor. Stratification is going to be evident when stars twinkle. If bright stars twinkle, it means the air is moving in pockets above you and creating its own lensing effect, which means distortion. So, near the 7:30 minute mark, when the maximum magnification is announced, and it is over 400 power....that's almost nonsense.
Looking fwd to getting the 10 inch.
You will love it!!!
This technology has high 'face validity', which means that it seems to be intuitively true and useful. Newcomers to the hobby quickly become overwhelmed by posts on forums suggesting a way ahead for them in the dense forest of information, technology, and gear. Then, there's how to use the scope, what to look at, and where do I find it? This system will replace the anxiety and numerous errors and frustrations with almost immediate success and pleasure. This, in turn, means retention, a larger market for all the retailers, and more knowledgeable and experienced amateurs populating the discussions on forums and getting even more 'newbies' sorted out and on the right path.
I bought the 8 inch about a month ago, but clouds and an unusual cold snap have limited my opportunities to do too much viewing as of yet. I decided to also get the kit with the eyepieces, Barlow, and color filters. I've been able to get a look at Jupiter with it's bands (25mm eyepiece with the 2x Barlow) and some absolutely breathtaking looks at the moon with different eyepieces and the "moon" filter. Hoping for a lot more opportunities now that the weather is warming back up.
We are glad you are enjoying the telescope. The viewing is spectacular with this telescope isn't it :)
Good video ❤
Celestron is the very best telescope brand!
Yes they are!
I see that the 8in Dob is f/5.9, the 10in is f/4.7. So although the 10in gathers more light, it has larger field of view, making objects smaller. Which is better for planetary observation ? Is the 10in still better because it can use a higher power eyepiece and hence give the same or better size of planet images?
I own an 8 inch that I'm learning to use. I viewed Jupiter with the 25mm eyepiece with a 2x Barlow and with an 8mm eyepiece without the Barlow. With the 25mm and Barlow, I was able to get a good look at the bands of Jupiter but with a larger field of view so it would stay in frame longer. With the 8mm and no Barlow, it was a closer view but stayed in field for less time. I should mention that I had my "moon" filter on as well (which incidentally is wonderful for use on its namesake). Saturn isn't where I can see it this time of year, but I caught a fleeting glimpse of Uranus with the 25mm, however it is a very small cyan dot with that low-level of magnification, haven't located Neptune yet. Venus is Venus, basically looks like a star with phases. Mars can be something special with the right filters, though, especially when it's closest to us. Just my experience, hope it helps.
Is the focuser metal or plastic?
I have used many optical devices for decades, including two telescopes. I have found that the maximum useful magnification on the vast majority of amateur-level telescopes, including substantial Dobsonians, Newtonians, catadioptric, and refractors, is about twice the diameter, in millimeters, of the primary optic, be it a mirror or lens. And that is only possible, and enjoyable, on one night out of perhaps six or ten clear nights. The reason is that the eyepieces that come with factory scopes are often of poor quality, but the main reason is that the skies above, even when apparently crystal clear, are stratified and the seeing is therefor poor. Stratification is going to be evident when stars twinkle. If bright stars twinkle, it means the air is moving in pockets above you and creating its own lensing effect, which means distortion. So, near the 7:30 minute mark, when the maximum magnification is announced, and it is over 400 power....that's almost nonsense.