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Sky-Watcher Classic 200P Dobsonian Telescope $623.08 ($607.50 with eBay Plus) @ Nofrills via eBay

770
BTSR22BTSR20

Original Coupon Deal

Spec:
1200mm f6

I am thinking of getting the 250P (10 inch) because size matters. And I already have GSO 8in newtonian on an eq mount

Classic 250p

Flextube 200p
For people who wants a collapsible tube
8 inch is a good beginner’s telescope. A dobson mount is simple. Plonk, level and view. (Need to adjust your scope of course)

There really isn’t any need to go to a flextube for less than 12 inch scope so I wont recommend spending extra for a collapsible tube. A 10 inch can still be transported in a hatchback or across the rear seats.

If you do get one, a laser collimator is essential, followed by a bahtinov mask

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closed Comments

  • +5

    Can I see Uranus with this?
    Sorry.. had to be the first.
    In all seriousness, what’s the magnification like? I’ve been looking at something like a nexstar 8, how would it compare?

    • +11

      Nexstar 8se is better for seeing Uranus. It has longer focal length
      2000mm f10. the image is dimmer compared to a f6 scope

      The nexstar 8se is the most popular of computerised altazimuth mount scope.
      You cant go wrong with it as long as you want to spend $3000.
      It will be better in an area with darker sky. You need to do at least a 3 point alignment to get the most out of the nexstar. It is not hard the hand controller does everything. You only need to point the scope at where the controller tells you. HOWEVER, you do need to know prominent stars in the sky

      • Thanks, on the other hand it’s really tempting to just photograph craters on the moon, I presume this would be pretty good for that too?

        • +1

          The nexstar 8se will give great view of Saturn and Jupiter and craters on the moon. It can do a lot more.

      • Always wanted to get a bigger scope beyond my childhood 59mm refractor.. Only issue is I like visual and astrophotography.. Would need to spend at least $5000 on entry level kit. and since I like doing both probably C8 Edge Hd or Hyperstar makes sense. just seems too expensive unless go small edo refractor route.

        • Nexstar 5SE at $1700 on Amazon is good enough for Astrophotography for many many objects. The only downside is not a ton of deep space stuff you could photograph with this. You can also do Astrophotography with cheaper motorised scopes but the mount quality suffers and the motor drives are usually less accurate meaning even less objects can be shot and quality of image would not be the best.

          • @riggit: It would need to be one of the following - 8" Schmidt Cassegrain, 8" F4 or F5 newtonian, or 51mm to 80mm doublet refractor on either a EQ5 or EQ6 mount. EQ6 preferred. I would imaging I prefer deep space imaging.. or maybe one day I might say the hell with it with a 8" RASA with a small dob for visual.

    • which one is cool to watch, saturn or uranus ?

      • +8

        I have a bunch of telescopes, with Meade Lx200 12" ACF as my primary. You can never have enough of Saturn's views! Seeing it along with it rings amazes me every single time.

        • What do your images turn out like?

          • @[Deactivated]: My LX200 sct is great for planets. A small effort in post processing brings out a great detail to the images.

        • +1

          Is my Google search correct, it's $12,000?

          • @Phreakuency: That is just one of his scope. I wonder what else he has

            • +7

              @BuyoTheCat: OzBargain would be to just go over to his place and look through his telescopes lol

              • +2

                @FeZZa21: For planets, you are most welcome:)
                For DSO imaging, I normally set myself up under dark skies atleast once a month, mostly around Penrith area. Happy to share the time under stars :)

          • +1

            @Phreakuency: Wait until you see the cost of high end EQ mounts. Go look at the prices of 10 Micron, Astro-Physics etc.

            Astronomy can be a very expensive hobby.

            • -1

              @saitaris: I'm a Sagittarius.

              • +1

                @bargainman1: Maybe ~2200 years ago you were but you're now scorpio. Axial precession bruh.

            • @saitaris: That’s why it pairs so well with my other hobby - photography.
              They’re both expensive and involve lots of high end glass!

          • @Phreakuency: Thats right! I bought it a few years ago, was about 10k at that time

        • +9

          How about arranging an Ozbargain Night ? @scotty @Rkshar

    • +1

      Might need an angled eyepiece.

    • +1

      Better use a mirror and torch.

    • If you are us the word "Magnification" then I would read up on telescopes and how they work with lenses and focal length etc before you buy anything because anyone who is serious about telescopes and wanting to spend serious $ on them would not be using that word. If you don't care then get one from K-mart, they mention "Magnification" on the box.

    • You can use a barlow to increase your zoom.

      A 2x will make this a 2400mm f12, but you still see uranus and neptune at faint blue dots.

      A 3x will be nice, but at 3600mm it will be hard to locate and even if you do it will zip out of your field of view so quickly it will frustrate.

      But go ahead mate, have a crack at uranus.

  • +1

    Hi op, Any recommendation where to buy the bahtinov mask? And is this collimator fit for use¿https://www.amazon.com.au/SVBONY-Collimator-Reflector-Telescope-Collimation/dp/B00LX34ZH2

    • +3

      that svbony collimator is the one I have. They are quite generic though

      I look for 3d printing files and I get my friend to print the bahtinov mask.

  • +2

    Waiting for “Thanks OP bought 10”.

    • +5

      That’s mainly for Tesla or other things over 10k

    • +3

      Practically on every post for something over $100 now. Sigh.

    • +1

      just wait for a deal on eggs then you can say that for real

      • Or wait for a pricing error

  • Does it show a clear picture of the moon?

    • Yes, this focal length should work well for the moon.

    • This with a 20mm eye piece will fill the frame with the moon.

    • +1

      You can see the moon very cleary with a simple binoculars, and it's more practical too.

    • -2

      Ask Molly Meldrum, he'll give you a free viewing.

    • Oh yes. Especially on clear nights with very little winds

  • Was looking for a collapsible one

    • +2
      • Wow.. does it really work well?

        • The only advantage is transporting it in a car.
          It still weight the same. A 10inch still fits across the back seats in my car.

          If I had to transport a 12inch newtonian, I would buy a collapsible

      • Can you put a collapsible telescope on a computerised mount?

        • Good question. I have never seen one on a computerised GEM mount.

          There are flextube with GOTO

          That is a computerised altaazimuth mount.
          There are also goto kits for dobsonian mounts

        • There is DIY equatorial platform for dobsonians. Adds limited tracking, but you can do deep space astro with it.

  • +1

    I have a cheap telescope I got off Gumtree for $30 that sees the moon well, you don't need much for that, it is a national geographic so nothing special. you will get bored with just the moon though so this would be better as you can see Saturn and other stuff.

  • +2

    Very good deal.
    Note the dobsonian Mount is for direct observation, not very good for astrophotographers except maybe the moon.
    My little 6in scope shows Saturn as a coin held at arms reach, this likely a bit better, probably get some good detail on Jupiter bands and a bunch or moons.
    It will also be a lot brighter for dimmer targets.

    • Put it onto an equatorial platform. With my dobby, I can get it out of the cradle and attach it to my EQ6.

  • To piggyback, I'm interested in buying my space-loving 7 year old a telescope for their birthday. This is probably a bit too much for their first telescope, given I don't know how much they will use it (though if they hold their value well and are easy to sell then I'm much less concerned). Would anyone have some recommendations (happy to buy used as well)?

    • The fatter the tube the better - this 8in is a good starter size. Smaller is only really useful for the moon.
      Gumtree is full of toy little telescopes for $30 because of this. It really is toys or this kind of spend.
      So don’t get tricked into spending $200 thinking that is better than the other toys.
      Also, consider a $100 pair of binoculars. Very practical and also useful for daytime stuff.

      • +1

        So what you're telling me is it's all about the girth?

      • +1

        this 8in is a good starter size

        That's what she said.

    • +1

      To get good visual observations, it helps to have a dark sky. This lets in quite a lot of light which allows better viewing in more urban area. If you get a good view of night sky from home, it can get used more.

    • +1

      When I was a kid my parents bought me a $200 Tasco refractor telescope which I used lots growing up. I loved it. That sort of thing is a lot cheaper these days. I’d recommend something like that because they can set it up themselves and move it around whereas the one in this deal is big and heavy. I have a Saxon 8” identical to the one in this deal now as an adult. Good also to start out at the low end so they appreciate when they get/use something like this later on.

      • +1

        Me also, I had a Tasco from Kmart, I remember it was enough to see the rings of Saturn, and the brown and cream colours of Jupiter, Venus was just a green orb though. It was a 60MM refractor from memory.

        It was enough for me back in the day.

    • +4

      perhaps consider something like this one: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/265849198313?hash=item3de5d8d6e9…
      same voucher should apply.

      Ultra portable while still being a good size to see everything.
      the goto function will make finding things as a newbie super easy. barely an inconvenience.

      A strong argument can be made that not starting with a goto mount is the best course, so you learn the navigate the night skies properly. I think quickly finding things that are impressive to see will foster the hobby more. depends on the person though

      • Is this still a good first telescope for 30 year olds wanting to start out..? 😅

        Recently bought a Tasco 20-60x60 spotting scope and Nikon Prostaff 7s 10x42. But wondering if this will be a good starter telescope compared to the other things I've tried to get my eyeballs closer to the alien galaxies with.. <3

        • I can comment better when it arrives on Tuesday! ;)

          All my research suggest it's one of the best value starter scopes now. This one or the 6" version for a little more

          https://telescopicwatch.com/sky-watcher-virtuoso-gti-150p-re…

          • @LeifSmart: Awesome! Thanks buddy!

            Apparently coupon valid until the 29th so I'll be keeping my eyes out!

            I've tried very quickly to look for some YT reviews but it looks like there's literally none, and only a few for the 6". Now that you've basically mentioned they're the same model, just slighty bigger, I might bite the bullet and watch them anyway and see if they make reference to the smaller one you recommendeded.

            Also wondering if there's any chance I could hook up a Celestron XYZ to these.. 😅

            Now I'm wondering if I want an extra inch.. 😅

            • +1

              @WasBargain: Go with the 6" for sure. I think it's less than $50 more after the voucher but Wi be significantly better viewing

              Here's a review of the 6" the 150p
              He has a few videos on it and I think there's pictures showing roughly what you can expect to see with it

              https://youtu.be/r0YbWyATAsA

              • @LeifSmart: Awesome, thanks mate!

                Thanks for the video, will check it out after dinner. I didn't actually realise the 6" was that little more..

                Yeah, also thinking of BNPL so that's like $10 a fortnight extra..

                Thanks again for your replies! Hope you love that unboxing on Tuesday!

              • @LeifSmart: Just watched the video. Sounds like my cousin with his Portuguese accent.. 😅 I have no idea what most of the stuff he mentioned about the telescope meant but I'm sold on it being a great astrophotography telescope! About to watch his "5 reasons to buy the 6" Virtuoso GTI". 😊 Can't wait to learn!

                • +1

                  @WasBargain: I had a chance to play around with the telescope the last couple of nights and for the most part I'm pretty happy with it.
                  There's always that proviso that you need to temper your expectations when starting out with astronomy, in that nothing you see will be like any photos. This is especially true if you're doing most of your viewing from a city or area with lots of light pollution.
                  For planets, it's good. Was able to see Jupiter and the Galilean moons, as well as Mars, but couldn't get as much detail on them as I'd like.
                  Still working out how to get the tracking going properly too which is frustrating. The goto kinda works, gets in the area, but then need to find tune it to centre the object.

                  I still think this is a great beginner telescope, but it's definitely a first step. You'll need to invest in new eye pieces pretty soon. And there will be a significant learning curve.

                  I think if you're hell bent on owning your own telescope, you can't go too wrong with this one, but perhaps better advice would be to join a local club and use theirs and see how much you do it regularly.

                  • @LeifSmart: Your reply has me sort of worried on the learning curve aspect on this experiment.. 😅

                    Apart from that I'm happy you're happy with it. Have you tried any mods to improve the quality of image? Bottom cover, extension cover and stuff?

                    I managed to catch that guy you linked on a live stream a few days ago, he was doing a live viewing/stacking of the kiss nebula. Asked him if he would recommended the 6" and during the stream replied saying hands down it's the best telescope currently for beginners (also mentioned he isn't sponsored by them 😅). https://www.youtube.com/live/-xD9GIcpd3k?feature=share at both the 1:02:31 and 1:22:13 marks.

                    I've got a chunck of money coming in on Friday so hoping to snap one up then. Checking stock levels, they've been at over 10 since I've seen this so should be good until then! 😁

                    • +1

                      @WasBargain: don't mean to dissuade you, I'm just reminded of how frustrating learning astronomy can be!
                      And how much of a money sink, already I've ordered a new set of eye pieces.
                      But the big thing is be able to use away from the city. Luckily it's portable enough to take in the back of the car, just depends on time and opportunity.

                      The good news is that given how well regarded this model is as an ideal beginner scope, along with this awesome discount, it should hold its value really well.

                      I like that the review guy kept saying to make sure it's the GTI because the price was suspiciously cheap.

                      • @LeifSmart: Hey, that's awesome man. Which one did you pick up?

                        Yeah, that's the upside I guess, hopefully will retain some value. However, the market may be picking up now and newer releases may start to flow? I have no idea with telescopes.. 😅

                        Haha, yeah, he sincerely recommended I believe. Sorry again, have you tried any mods on yours yet to get better clarity?

                        • +1

                          @WasBargain: I grabbed this set https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01LZ6DDC2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_…
                          Seemed reasonable value for a good collection of eye pieces. Will report back on how they compare to the ones that come with the telescope. Eyepieces seem to be a science of their own in terms of amount of research needed to work out the best ones to get and the best value.

                          No chance to do any mods yet, but need to get the shroud and backcap done for sure. I got some levels, and also a simple compass to fix to the telescope, though not sure if that's needed. Mostly need to find or build a good stand to use for viewing. trying a set of drawers and a circular side table tonight.

    • This is a very good first telescope.
      Just need help your 7 year old bring it out everytime wants to use it. Put in on a trolley.

      • Please read my comment above and let me know if your comment is applicable to a 30 year old.. 😅

  • Always wanted a telescope. But man, this thing is uuge!

    https://youtu.be/wLVD4tzOC-U

    • +5

      You are collecting tiny bits of light from millions of years ago, you need a big bucket to catch it in!

    • Whoa

      Just because it's big doesn't mean i know how to use it

    • I have one of these, they are pretty big but will fit in the back of a family car.

      Its been sitting in the shed for years though, really should get it out

  • +6

    This or James Webb?

    • +4

      JWST. Buy 10

    • +1

      Or wait for sir david attenborough to make a bbc solar system doco in uhd (with commentary)

      • +1

        That would be out of this world.

    • Hubble

      • +1

        Hubble is on sale after JWST came out.
        It’s around $16b

  • +2

    +1 on requiring laser collimator. You'll drive yourself silly trying to align the mirrors without it.

  • +4

    I have the classic 150P. The moon is incredibly clear on it.

    See here and here.

    And that's the wider-angle lens.

  • +1

    I hardly use this when I purchased it from Australian Geographic, before they closed down. I did get a great deal during the November 2016 ClickFrenzy sale for $512.

    At the same time, I also purchased a set of cheap Plossl Telescope Eyepiece 4mm, 6mm, 12.5mm, 32mm, 40mm, & zoom 7.5mm-22.5mm for another $120.

    Played with it for a while and was able to see Jupiter once during one spring night back in 2018.

    Haven’t touched it until last month. This is because I purchased a new eyepiece from Amazon, Celestron Luminos 7mm, 31mm, and a Luminos 2.5x Barlow lens.

    I am a little disappointed for the moment as none of the planets or moon is up high in the sky now. So I couldn’t test it properly in my backyard because the backyard fence and tree gets in the way.

    I hope I haven’t wasted money on the new Luminos eyepieces as it costed me another $600.

  • Any galaxy that’s big enough to see with this?

    • +1

      I can usually see my S21 on the windowsill but it's really meant more for looking at planets rather than nearby objects.

  • Is it hard to learn how to find planets and such? Is it worth paying more for an automatic one that does all the work?

    • +2

      Finding things is part of the fun. There are also apps that you can get on your PC/Phone/Tablet that help, like Sky Safari and Stellarium.

      Also recommend anyone interested in astronomy check out the forums over at https://www.iceinspace.com.au

    • Agree with @dreamstation, I’ve found finding objects to be the main source of fun. It’s like going on a road trip. It’s rewarding to find something hard to find. A few months ago when Neptune was up high in the sky, in pretty sure I found it one night (it was just a fair star), that was really awesome. I had to start at one star then go down to another fainter one then across half way between two others then down a bit, etc. You need a good star chart or app.

  • +1

    I also don't think laser collimator is necessary either. You can get it pretty good with some patience or you could use a film cannister with hole drilled in the centre works well.

  • +1

    I bought a telescope years ago. Tried to research how to use it and was just massive confusing. I learn better by seeing someone do it. Any have ideas on where to go to learn how to use it?

  • -2

    Is this as good as the Hubble telescope?

    • +1

      Definitely better after about 2040

  • Will this telescope allow me to observe alien civilisations in nearby galaxies outside the Milky Way?

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