All the Common Dobsonian Reflector Sizes Compared! Which One is Right for You?
TLDRThis video script offers a comprehensive review of common-sized solid tube Dobsonian reflector telescopes, ideal for amateur astronomers. It covers various models from 4.5 to 12 inches, highlighting their light-gathering capabilities and ease of use. The 8-inch model is particularly recommended for its balance of portability, performance, and affordability. The script also addresses common questions about additional purchases, trim levels, and the suitability of these telescopes for astrophotography, emphasizing the Dobsonian's minimal compromises for beginners.
Takeaways
- 🌌 The video discusses different sizes of solid tube Dobsonian reflector telescopes, which are astronomical telescopes designed for stargazing.
- 🔭 Dobsonian telescopes are named after John Dobson and are known for their simple mount that moves left, right, up, and down.
- 🛠️ The script covers the common sizes: 4.5-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch, each serving different needs and budgets.
- 🏆 The 8-inch Dobsonian is particularly recommended for its balance between portability, light-gathering ability, and cost.
- 👶 For beginners, the 4.5-inch Dobsonian is a good starting point, though it has some limitations like plastic focusers and lower stability.
- 📈 As the size of the Dobsonian telescope increases (6 to 8 to 10 inches), so does its light-gathering capacity, making objects brighter and easier to observe.
- 🛑 Larger Dobsonians (10 and 12 inches) are heavier and bulkier, which can affect their usability and frequency of use.
- 🤖 Some modern Dobsonians include electronic aids, such as the Celestron Star Sense, which uses a smartphone app to help locate objects in the sky.
- 📚 For new astronomers, the script suggests starting with the basic telescope and a set of star charts, rather than additional accessories or eyepieces.
- 🔧 Repairs and spare parts for Dobsonian telescopes can be challenging due to the plastic components and the changing availability of parts.
- 📸 Dobsonian telescopes are not ideal for astrophotography due to the lack of motor drives and the challenges of balancing cameras on the mount.
Q & A
What is a Dobsonian telescope?
-A Dobsonian telescope is a type of reflector telescope mounted on an altazimuth Dobsonian mount, which allows the telescope to move left and right and up and down. It is named after John Dobson, who popularized its design.
Why are Dobsonian reflector telescopes recommended for serious amateur astronomers?
-Dobsonian reflector telescopes are recommended for serious amateur astronomers because they are simple to use, gather a lot of light, and are relatively inexpensive.
What are the common sizes of solid tube Dobsonian telescopes mentioned in the script?
-The common sizes of solid tube Dobsonian telescopes mentioned in the script are 4.5 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches.
What are the main differences between the 4.5-inch tabletop and floor-standing Dobsonian telescopes?
-The main differences are that the 4.5-inch tabletop model is an F4 and is designed for tabletop use, while the floor-standing model is an F8, which offers sharper optics and is meant to be set on the ground.
What are some potential issues with the plastic focusers on the 4.5-inch Dobsonian telescopes?
-The plastic focusers on the 4.5-inch Dobsonian telescopes can break more easily than metal ones, and spare parts for them are becoming harder to find, which can make repairs difficult.
Why might the 6-inch Dobsonian telescope be considered a forgotten model?
-The 6-inch Dobsonian telescope might be considered a forgotten model because many people are moving up to the 8-inch and 10-inch models, skipping the 6-inch size.
What is the major disadvantage of the 6-inch Dobsonian telescope mentioned in the script?
-The major disadvantage of the 6-inch Dobsonian telescope mentioned in the script is the use of a plastic focuser, which is less acceptable on a more expensive telescope and can be a point of failure.
Why is the 8-inch Dobsonian telescope often recommended as the sweet spot for beginning astronomers?
-The 8-inch Dobsonian telescope is often recommended as the sweet spot for beginning astronomers because it offers a good balance between price, portability, light-gathering ability, and performance.
What are some potential issues with the 10-inch and 12-inch Dobsonian telescopes compared to smaller models?
-Potential issues with the 10-inch and 12-inch Dobsonian telescopes include increased weight and bulk, which can make them less portable and more difficult to use, especially for fine-tuning in the sky. Additionally, the larger models tend to get used less often due to their size and setup time.
Why might a 12-inch Dobsonian telescope not be ideal for some users?
-A 12-inch Dobsonian telescope might not be ideal for some users due to its size, weight, and the resulting stiffness of the azimuth axis, making it difficult to move and fine-tune. It is also less likely to be used frequently compared to smaller models.
What advice is given for new amateur astronomers considering purchasing a Dobsonian telescope and additional accessories?
-The advice given is to start with the base model of the Dobsonian telescope and not to purchase additional eyepieces, filters, or accessory kits initially. Instead, new astronomers should consider getting a set of star charts and books to help them get started.
Is astrophotography feasible with Dobsonian telescopes?
-While it might be possible to take quick snaps of the Moon and planets with a smartphone holder, long-term deep space astrophotography is not recommended with Dobsonian telescopes due to their manual nature and lack of motor drives, coma correctors, and other necessary equipment for stable and accurate photography.
Outlines
🌌 Introduction to Dobsonian Reflector Telescopes
The script introduces the Dobsonian reflector telescopes, a type of astronomical telescope designed for observing the night sky. It explains the purpose of a telescope to gather light using a mirror and a focuser to change magnifications. The Dobsonian mount, which allows the telescope to move left, right, up, and down, is named after John Dobson. The video will review common sizes of these telescopes, from 4.5 inches to 12 inches, and discuss their suitability for amateur astronomers. It also mentions larger sizes available from Mead and Orion, and hints at a possible future review of older models.
🔭 The Four and a Half Inch Dobsonians for Beginners
This paragraph focuses on the smallest Dobsonian telescopes, the four and a half inch models, which are recommended for beginning amateur astronomers. It discusses two types: the tabletop model known as the Orion StarBlast or the Zumel Z114, and the floor-standing model with an f8 aperture for sharper optics. The script highlights the cuteness factor that attracts people to these models and mentions the challenges of using them, especially at low heights near the horizon. It also addresses the issue of plastic focusers, which, while appearing metallic, are prone to breaking and becoming harder to replace.
🌟 The Six, Eight, and Ten Inch Dobsonians: A Balanced Choice
The paragraph delves into the six, eight, and ten-inch Dobsonian telescopes, which are recommended more than other sizes due to a good balance between portability and light-gathering ability. It emphasizes the six-inch model as a somewhat forgotten option, despite being a significant upgrade from the four and a half-inch model in terms of light gathering. The script also discusses the reintroduction of a metal focuser in the Orion XT6 model after years of consumer complaints about the plastic focuser. The eight-inch model is highlighted as a sweet spot for beginners, offering a good balance of price, portability, and performance, while the ten-inch model is noted for its increased light gathering but also its increased weight and bulk.
📚 The 12 Inch Dobsonian: A Specialty Instrument
This section discusses the 12-inch Dobsonian telescope, which is considered a specialty instrument due to its size and weight. It points out the challenges of using such a large telescope, including the stiffness of the azimuth axis and the difficulty in maintaining proper tension on the altitude axis. The script also touches on the issue of usage frequency, noting that larger telescopes tend to be used less often due to their bulk and setup time. It mentions the availability of 'scope totes' to ease transportation and concludes by warning against the purchase of such large telescopes unless absolutely necessary.
🛠️ Common Questions and Recommendations for New Astronomers
The final paragraph addresses common questions and considerations for new astronomers considering the purchase of a Dobsonian telescope. It advises against buying additional eyepieces, filters, or accessory kits initially, as the telescopes come with enough to keep users busy. It also recommends opting for the base model over upgrade packages, which the script humorously refers to as 'downgrades.' The paragraph discusses the similarities between Orion and Celestron models and suggests choosing based on availability and price. It also addresses the possibility of astrophotography with these telescopes, noting that while smartphone snaps of the moon and planets are possible, long-term deep space astrophotography is not recommended due to the manual nature of these telescopes and the lack of motor drives and coma correctors.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Dobsonian Telescope
💡Astronomical Telescope
💡Mirror
💡Focuser
💡Mount
💡Aperture
💡Light Gathering
💡Eyepiece
💡Azimuth
💡Altitude
💡Astrophotography
Highlights
Introduction to common sized solid tube Dobsonian reflector telescopes designed for astronomical observation.
Explanation of the purpose of a telescope and its components, including the mirror, focuser, and Dobsonian mount.
Overview of the different common sizes of Dobsonian telescopes available, ranging from 4.5 inches to 12 inches.
Recommendation of telescope sizes based on individual needs and budget.
Discussion on the rarity of larger Dobsonian sizes like 16-inch models from Mead and Orion.
Advantages of Dobsonian reflectors, including ease of use, light gathering capability, and affordability.
Description of the 4.5-inch Dobsonians as the smallest and most affordable options for beginners.
Mention of the tabletop and floor-standing models of 4.5-inch Dobsonians and their suitability for beginners.
The use of 4.5-inch Dobsonians in library telescope programs across New Hampshire.
Caution regarding the plastic focusers on smaller models and the challenges of finding spare parts.
Advocacy for the 6-inch Dobsonian as a good trade-off between portability and light gathering.
Note on the reintroduction of metal focusers in some 6-inch models, improving their quality.
Comparison of the 8-inch Dobsonian as the recommended model for most beginners, balancing various factors.
Discussion on the use of electronic aids in newer Dobsonian models, such as the Celestron Star Sense.
Considerations for the 10-inch and 12-inch Dobsonians, including their weight, portability, and usage frequency.
Warning about the potential underuse of larger Dobsonians due to their size and setup difficulty.
Advice on additional purchases for beginners, suggesting star charts and books over extra accessories.
Recommendation to start with the base model of Dobsonian telescopes and avoid unnecessary upgrades.
Clarification on the compatibility and quality of different brands of Dobsonian telescopes.
Explanation of the limitations of Dobsonian telescopes for astrophotography and the challenges involved.
Conclusion summarizing the benefits of Dobsonian reflectors for beginning astronomers and guidance on selection.
Transcripts
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