Sky Watcher 150 on an EQ mount vs Orion Dobstonian XT6 for a beginner?

Question

Hi I am a beginner and I would like someone to run me through the pros/cons of these peices of equipment?

I know what an EQ mount is, and what using it implys.

Answer 1

I'd advise spending the money that the Sky-Watcher would cost on a Dobsonian with a larger aperture.

Answer 2

Both scopes are made by Synta in China, so the optics should be about the same, though I think the equatorial has a shorter focal length, so will need more expensive eyepieces to get higher magnifications.

I've used both types of mounts for years, and find I strongly prefer a Dob mount to an equatorial: easier to use, less heavy, more solid. Better still get a larger Dob for the same money that the equatorial will cost you. Don't buy the astrophotography arguments; you can't do any sort of serious astrophotography on the mount the SkyWatcher 150 comes with!

Answer 3

I'd go for the Dob. The only reason for an equatorial mount is astrophotography, and beginners really don't want to go there.

The 150 is a hefty scope, and will be problematic on anything smaller than an EQ-6 mount. If you really have your heart set on a refractor get the 127 f/8, which is a very nice scope. But budget for a big mount, at least an EQ-5. Most retail scopes are grossly under-mounted.

Like others, I recommend visiting an astronomy group and seeing for yourself.

Answer 4

I would opt for the dob. They are very easy to use and you get more aperture for the dollar. I have had an EQ mount in the past and got rid of it because of the ease of use. I just didn't use it because it took more time and was much harder to get set up to start observing. I currently own a 10" dob and if it is cooled down to the temperature out side I can just move it where ever I want and start observing. No knobs to turn just grab it and go. I researched for well over a year and went to many astronomy gatherings and asked many questions before I made my decision on my first telescope. Go to Yahoo Groups and type in beginner telescopes or something like that to see what other opinions are out there. It is worth it to do some home work on. You don't want to get a scope you'll be discouraged to use. Clear Skies!

Answer 5

Cost is a consideration. Dobson mounts are popular because they are cheap and can support large apertures.

I'm not familiar enough with the respective optics to comment, however, if you think astrophotography is going to be an area of interest for you, then the equatorial mount is pretty much essential. You will not (unless you have a super-duper computer controlled mount for your telescope) be able to make time exposures using a non-equatorial mount like the azimuth or Dobson, as the image on the film/sensor will change orientation over time, in effect rotating during the exposure. With the equatorial mount, the image keeps the same orientation at the focal plane of the camera as the earth rotates.

Answer 6

Hi Link -

Well- as an owner of a very nice scope on an equatorial mount, I think I would recommend the dobsonian XT-6. The equatorial is great if you have a tracking motor, but if you do not, then it's probably easier to use the dob. Also easier to set up. Also, I do not know much about the Skywatcher brand - with Orion, you will get a good scope.

Answer 7

The Dob is by far the easier scope to set up and use.
As you gain more experience, and you feel the need, you can buy an EQ mount and use the OTA from the Dob on it.
There is also the option to buy an EQ platform and put the Dob on that.
Get an 8" Dob though, you'll see more stuff!!

Answer 8

damn. when i was a beginner, i got a penncrest (thats JCPenney brand) refractor... AND I LIKED IT!

also had to walk to school thru the snow 5 miles everyday uphill (both ways).

ah, the joy of getting old!

EITHER is a fine choice, but do yourself a favor and research Local Amateur Astronomy Clubs or check out Open to the Public night at a nearby observatory. THOSE guys know their stuff.