5 Truths NOBODY TOLD YOU About The Dobsonian Telescope

[@DobsonianPower]

Also 5 MYTHS About The Dobsonian Telescope: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4TOp6CGbrV1pq8

[@WilcoK]

Great explanation, as an owner of a dobsonian I couldn't agree more 🙂

[@DobsonianPower]

Thanks Wilco!!

[@8_BitMan]

One thing I would like to add. Is that the main reason that the best telescopes in terms of magnification are reflectors, is that they are easier to remove abberations from, and they are much easier to expand in terms of size. If the JWST were to have their massive mirrors made out of glass instead, the glass would probably instantly break under it's own weight, and even in space where gravity isn't an issue the glass wpuld be more fragile. Just wanted to add that, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong 🙂

[@trebor2850]

A comprehensive and helpful presentation professionally done. I just bought an 8 inch Dobsonian after selling my SCT a few years ago. Agree completely with the advice given.

[@DobsonianPower]

Great telescope. Congrats 👍

[@joeimbesi99]

Thank you Tovarish you are now my friend saved me BIG money not buy c11 buy 254mm dob! NOW i can afford ZWO Camera

[@davidlang4442]

A Dob mount is a simple mount called a altazimuth mount. These were found on cheap dime store refractor telescopes sold in tiny diameters with plastic lenses. Great for kids. Equatorial mounts that allowed easy tracking of sky objects with clock drives or just a push of the telescope once the polar axis was set right for your latitude . Altazimuth mounts require two axis of rotation to keep an object in view. Frustrating! Equatorial mounts were only found on more expensive scopes. It's a matter of choice in what works for you between the two types.

[@DobsonianPower]

And also a matter of budget...

[@myronmurff]

Your presentation is the best I've heard on the topic. Very straight forward, very practical. Do you think prices for say an 8 inch dobsonian will ever return to pre-pandemic prices(~$400)?

[@DobsonianPower]

Thank you! I think everything is getting more and more expensive in the world, not only telescopes, and that the corporations have no intention to go back specially in an area that in my opinion will grow even more in the future. You may have occasional seasonal offers though. Buy when you can afford it and don't hesitate.

[@SimRacingVeteran]

Honestly it’s the JWST that really got me into this hobby. I honestly have no knowledge astronomy, but I’m stoked for what the JWST will show us in the future. Interesting times.

[@DobsonianPower]

You said it all: interesting times!

[@Guido_XL]

This endless debate about refractors, reflectors, equatorial and alt-az mounts is like similar debates on cars and their engines: whatever floats your boat is valid, as long as you learn from your errors and experience. I for instance started out of the blue with a small EQ1 and a 90/1250 Maksutov-Cassegrain, because I just wanted to see Jupiter and Saturn. It did the trick, but I noticed right away that this small telescope was just a compromise in the low end of the range. So, I soon bought a 120/600 achromate-refractor and an EQ5 mount. That opened up a totally new part of the range of visual observations to me. As I noticed that both the 90/1250 and the 120/600 were lacking speed and resolution, I decided, in a spur of the moment, to buy a 190/1000 Mak-Newt. It immediately blew me away: such images that were now available, even on the rather modest EQ5! Shortly after that, I upgraded the EQ5 with a tracking system and a guiding camera (connected to PHD2, as most of us do, I guess), while I made my first steps in the imaging realm. Finally (well, for now, at least) I bought a used CGEM mount, as the EQ5 was not really up to the weight of the Mak-Newt. Hobby-astronomy is not for the impatient. In my estimation, it does not really matter that much how you start, be it with a Dobsonian or a set of binoculars, or a refractor on an alt-az mount, or a reflector on an equatorial mount, or vice versa, whatever seems to suit your mindset when you feel ready for the next step is what is going to either surprise and please you, or disappoint you. Learn from it, cherish the moments of awe and wonder and wait until you feel up to the next step. There is no yellow-brick road to the perfect destination. The road is the destination.

[@DobsonianPower]

Thanks for your comment Guido. For sure the road is to enjoy, as life itself. Clear skies!

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

My current scope is a 4" Meade reflector with an equatorial mount. But Amazon has a 6" Orion Dobsonian for under $500, or even an 8" Orion Dobsonian for under $700. I don't really need an equatorial mount as most times I don't bother to align it properly anyway. The only thing is that the eyepiece that comes with it is only 50x magnification. To go higher, I'd need an additional one. My current scope came with a 40x and a 100x.

[@MyRadDesign]

I have several EQ mounts, and several Dobsonian telescopes. Dobsonian telescopes are far more intuitive to point to an object in the sky manually than an EQ mount. Small Dobsonian telescopes make an excellent beginner scope. Simple, quick and easy setup, intuitive operation without complex electronics. I do recommend that you get with someone from a local astronomy club to assist you in collimating the scope as scope manufacturer's instructions and included collimation aids leave far to be desired. Getting the best views from a reflector telescope requires good collimation.

[@DobsonianPower]

well said!

[@jimross7648]

Had been putting off purchasing a telescope waiting for deals that never happened. Purchased a 12 inch F5 Starfield Dobsonian as a first real astronomical telescope, at the end of February. Waiting for carrying bag to arrive, so I can truly make it safe to travel with to various dark sky's preserves. Spent double what I initially planned, but bought more telescope than planned because of back orders which are ongoing and now the scope I bought is also on back order.

[@DobsonianPower]

The right decision. Waiting more may be a deception to many because everything is getting more expensive and not only telescopes. I love my 12". It's a telescope for life so, congrats, you'll have plenty of pleasant moments with it 👍🙂

[@bonesshed.]

I purchased a 10" late last year as my first scope. I built a custom box for it and it takes me 30-40 seconds to be up and running ! lol. Jupiter is a dream to view, Saturn is a bit lower but still cool to look at. The moon is SPECTACULAR with so much to see. Not had a chance to see much else due to weather an the moons brightness. The EQ mount is next on the list which I shall make myself. Great content.

[@DobsonianPower]

10" is a great one. Congrats

[@hugokiehl]

Thanks for the video! What eq platform do you use? I have an Orion XT8 Plus and I'm wondering what/how can I do some astrophotography with it...

[@DobsonianPower]

For short exposures is very nice. I use the Geoptik and if you're thinking in buyig an eq platform this video may interest you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3_MgIiIrrKWnLM

[@kornizz5549]

I have orion xt8 plus too. Moon pictures are amazing taken with this scope

[@hugokiehl]

@@kornizz5549 Do you use a dslr or a dedicated astro camera? I have an old Sony NEX-F3 somewhere, I'm wondering what I need to hook it to my xt8+. The cam hasn't a remote shutter, but I can try to modify it.

[@McTaSs]

Geoptik is a beast, but there's also eq platform that are less expensive if you're not into DSO I'm using an Asterion, it costs around 1/3 of a Geoptik. It can Keep a planet inside a small fov for 30+ minutes. I also did a couple of planetary nebulae tests and it can go for 1-2s exposure

[@buran5125]

Definetly buying a cool 8" DOB, Thank you so much!!

[@DobsonianPower]

Good choice!

[@KartikeyG]

Excellent! I think this would be our next telescope to teach children from deprived areas!

[@DobsonianPower]

👍👍

[@sidb7879]

Very nice explanation brother. You made my selection easy.... I'll go for a dob

[@Cris01121]

I'm trying to get back into the hobby with bortle 6 skies. I bought an 8" dobsonian years ago and so far in my research I could spend thousands and not get anything better. I will be adding a raci finder and a telrad riser. Have you ever used a angle meter like the wixey to help find things? I'm tempted to purchase a 10 - 12 " model that has goto built in the base so maybe I could do eaa. Trying not to get frustrated with light pollution this time. awesome channel

[@DobsonianPower]

Thanks. Yes i used to use an angle meter but the telrad is my prefered tool. The goto is a good option, with that aperture and tracking on bortle 6 you can do magic 👍

[@remagkwt4508]

Great video but I think refractors are easier to use because its a closed system and are the best for imaging and mobility but the only con is price

[@DobsonianPower]

All preferences are valid. Some people think like you, others prefer binocullars, stellina, SC's, etc. At the end the most important is to watch the skies having joy. 🙂👍

[@McTaSs]

This is true for little setups, but hi-res planetary imaging needs 400mm+ of aperture. Even if you're able to buy such a refractor, it won't have any mobility at all

[@John_Smith__]

Dobsonian can be even less expensive if one buys first the reflector mirror, then make ourselves the tube and the mount system. By saving on the DIY parts one can invest in a bigger mirror .. like a proper 16' = 400mm ! Now that is the real thing!

[@nakulgupta7475]

Hey sir , I am very much into astronomy and astrophysics , I am 16yr old , and I want the best result from a dob , I am getting a gso 8 inch telescope for around 500$ , should I take it , what it can show to us with naked eye , and is it even worth it ,, coz I have to show some result to my homies as well , plz tell , and also plz make a video on every celestial objects visible with phone camera , thank u

[@gigomesdasilva5447]

Intelligent and clear argument, especially for a layman like me. Super Dobsonian Power! 😊

[@DobsonianPower]

👍👍

[@saeedmughal7249]

I'm planning to buy 10" Dobsonian Celestron star scan is it good for me

[@DobsonianPower]

Any dobsonian is good but remember that having tracking (eq platform or go-to) is IMO essential to fully enjoy it if you want to take pictures now or later

[@frylancer001]

Dobsonian setup wil have a fourth part in near future - GoTo on EQ platform with guiding. So you´ll get a fully wifi remote tracking-precise photography system....with much bigger telescopes. The future is in bigger telescopes... the furure is in Dobsonians!

[@DobsonianPower]

I think like you. And dream with that. Aperture was,is, and will be always king no matter what and the dobsonian rules.

[@frylancer001]

@@DobsonianPower Dobsonians on EQ platform will be Lords of amateur telescopes! Their time is coming! And I have a great TEPP EQ platform from yesterday and it´s really big and heavy (30kg)!

[@DobsonianPower]

yeah i know it's heavy. But it's much more accurate too. It's a premium one, a wonderful tool you have for life and you can use it with any dobsonian. If i had no platform i would buy it but it didn't exist when i bought mine. Congrats.

[@frylancer001]

@@DobsonianPower Thanks! It s really great, nice, solid, big and very quiet too! And its´my fisrt EQ platform and astro mount. But I have a little problem - I have no visible Polaris from my present position, from balcony, I would must to go out. So Iam searching for some smart solution to find it exactly. It´s a pity that Triangulum don´t have any GPS module for cases when Polaris is hideen.

[@DobsonianPower]

@@frylancer001 you can align with the drift method. Better draw some marks on the floor so you have to do it only once.

[@azrayastrophotography2260]

Hi Tiago, Great video on the dobsonian telescope. Your absolutely right about more bang for the buck, more aperture for less cost usually. I have also used mine for some imaging and live stacking EAA. Thanks again for the video.

[@DobsonianPower]

Hey Ray, hi! Thank you.

[@azrayastrophotography2260]

@@DobsonianPower You're welcome, I enjoyed our visit the last time we spoke. Hope to visit again.

[@bluemarblemark]

I am becoming more and more convinced. thanks

[@DobsonianPower]

[@ambeshgupta410]

Can we attach a mobile phone in 6" dobsonian telescope for photography please reply 🙏?

[@DobsonianPower]

Yes

[@muhammedpolat9912]

How do I take photos with the Dobson when I just want a beginners Dobson without astrophotography? Is it possible to put a smartphone holder on it ?

[@DobsonianPower]

@muhammedpolat9912 yes it is. Over an eyepiece

[@PatJones82]

What camera do you use with your dobsonian? I am interested in a dobsonian but want a camera so I can show images on my ipad or laptop for many people gathering around rather than looking through eyepiece.

[@DobsonianPower]

Zwo Asi 294MC bit.ly/3NVAJTx

[@PatJones82]

@@DobsonianPower Thanks!

[@DobsonianPower]

@@PatJones82

[@terrystroth3493]

Tiago, you are the best! Your videos are so entertaining! I love to watch all your videos.

[@DobsonianPower]

Hey Terry how are you? Thanks a lot!

[@MarcelinhoPR1]

thx for your explanation ,i Will make my First dobsonian telescope at home you helped me a lot thank you

[@DobsonianPower]

✌️✌️💪

[@ckotty]

Many thanks, great video 👍🏽😘

[@DobsonianPower]

[@jacintogimenez8941]

I have an 8 inch dobsonian and also a small refractor. I love both.

[@DobsonianPower]

[@zoomcomir]

@Jacinto Gimenez for what usecase you would prefer a refractor over a dobsonian?

[@Codebyakshay]

how can i track using big Dobsonian Telescope

[@DobsonianPower]

With an equatorial platform

[@saeedmughal7249]

Sir, which size Dobsonian telescope is best to buy

[@DobsonianPower]

The bigger the better

[@vireshsaluja]

I Want To Have My First Telescope As Dobsonian. I Just Want To Look Andromeda Galaxy. So, Can You Suggest Between 8" Or 12". Weight & Money Is Not Issue For Me. Just Want To See Andromeda Galaxy Clarly. No Astrography,Just Visual Experience. Please, Suggest

[@DobsonianPower]

12"

[@vireshsaluja]

@@DobsonianPower Thanks For Your Reply & Suggestions

[@friedmule5403]

I think the only downside is its size, if you want to transport your scope in a car does a Schmidt-Cassegrain scope take up a lot less space while collecting equal amount of light and have a greater focal length. :-)

[@DobsonianPower]

Every set ups have strong and weak characteristics and someone that travel a lot may prefer smaller telescopes. Some even only can stand a stellina or evscope. It's ok. I understand each preference to connect with the sky 👍🪐

[@avt_astro206]

Great Video tiago!

[@DobsonianPower]

Thanks 👍

[@noobmaster9642]

I am living in countryside and there is no light pollusion. Which Filters do I need to See nebulas in colour Like in the Pictures from this video?

[@DobsonianPower]

Visually, no filter. Humans can't see almost no colors in deep sky objects. With a camera you only need this one: amzn.to/34YvOR7?AMZN%20%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8%202%22%20Baader%20UV%2FIR-Cut%20Filter&

[@noobmaster9642]

@@DobsonianPower now I understand Humans only See the nebulas in Grey colour. If I want to see them in colour I have to Take a Photo With a Filter and a camera and edit on the Computer?

[@DobsonianPower]

@noobmaster9642 you can do it by just replacing the eyepiece to an astro camera and connect to a computer with sharpcap software. You don't even have to edit it

[@zoomcomir]

I know a Dobson is not suited / built for "nature watching" - but did you ever try to do that? I wonder if by using an Erecting Lens it would be possible to watch far away mountains, for example...? :)

[@DobsonianPower]

No, For that i use my small and cheap refractor or binoculars. I usually only watch from telescopes at night though.

[@BjFoley]

I use the Orion skyquest xt8 on its Dob mount and on my MeadeLx85 goto EQ mount

[@dimitartodorov1352]

So you can do deep space astrophotography with it? Even without tracking?

[@DobsonianPower]

without tracking it's a cumbersome. Planets and Moon are easy though

[@haloohelsinki2514]

I really enjoy your channel and your videos. You have a wonderful way of explaining things. I just bought my first dobsonian :)

[@DobsonianPower]

Thank you and congratulations for your new dobsonian!

[@ScottGridleyPHD]

I very much enjoy your videos!

[@DobsonianPower]

thanks

[@Juj7956]

Thanks 👍, what is tour country ?

[@DobsonianPower]

👍👍🪐

[@Wander_telescopios]

Olá boa noite sou wander aqui de Florianópolis Brasil. Gostaria de saber se consigo fotografar uma galaxia com um telescópio 🔭 newtoniano dobsoniano de 160m e uma câmera t5i canon ??

[@DobsonianPower]

Nunca utilizei cameras Canon, apenas astro cameras. Com as ZWO consegue com essa não sei.

[@SuzanneWhitehead-ot9fi]

Dobsonians are the best!

[@DobsonianPower]

👍👍yes!

[@nisios]

Boa tarde, conhece alguém a vender um 8" no Algarve? Cump.

[@DobsonianPower]

Não conheço, lamento

[@nisios]

@@DobsonianPower obrigado. Muito bons videos, continue!

[@DobsonianPower]

@@nisios

[@scguy681]

do you have image examples of planets ? so we can see the view we can expect with a dob? most people say its just a blur

[@DobsonianPower]

Don't belive that. Yes i have. Do you mean the view from an eyepiece or a camera?

[@scguy681]

@@DobsonianPower from the eyepiece - I have been wringing my hands over a decision - people tell me to get quality pictures you need a certain telescope and to get views you have to have another - im not rich at all and would like a telescope that can do both .. they have warned me that i wont see a fantastic view of planets or anything else just small images or fuzzy views.. so I was curious as to what you actually see when you look in the eyepiece. Im thinking 10 inch dobsonian - I LOVE views... but i also want to be able to take a few pictures

[@DobsonianPower]

@@scguy681 here. Minute 3:25 of this video it's Jupiter as you see through an eyepiece with a 12" dobsonian telescope. A 10" is not much different and it's a great telescope. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j56aiX-Cidt6bLs

[@scguy681]

@@DobsonianPower your awesome!!!!!!!

[@scguy681]

@@DobsonianPower do you have also pictures you hace taken with your Dob? also is there a 12 or 10 inch brand you like

[@catholic3dod790]

Very interesting

[@grandmasteryoda9893]

well even eq goto are more complex and and expensive i think you can stil idmit it is the best set for photo. the dob may be budget way of do it, but no1 join astrophtpgraphy becuse its easy and pricy

[@DobsonianPower]

Yeah. Bang for the buck

[@andreasy7370]

Do you also have a 16 inch one?

[@DobsonianPower]

No. I have an 8" and a 12"

[@andreasy7370]

Is it worth it to go for a 16" for astrophotography?

[@DobsonianPower]

@@andreasy7370 The pictures with 16" i saw are wonderful. It's an heavy telescope so it is not for everybody. If you can handle it and have willingness to compromise with your dob, as long as it has tracking, yes, bigger aperture is better. I hope one day i can buy a much larger dob. Larger dobs are the best 👌 here you have a good example of the power of a 16" www.triangulumastro.com/gallery

[@andreasy7370]

@@DobsonianPower, thank you very much, i hope we will have it one day

[@DobsonianPower]

@@andreasy7370 if you already have a dobsonian you're already in a good place. Meanwhile you, as me, can dream with a larger one 🙂

[@TalGivoly]

What equatorial platform would you recommend for an 8” dob to allow for EAA. In 30-33 degree latitude? Are you aware with good DIY options that might include 3D printed parts?

[@DobsonianPower]

Unfortunately i have no idea how to DIY a platform. Here in Europe the TEPP should be the best one but more expensive. My geoptik is nice and also goes from 30 to 60 latitude. I use it with my 8" and 12". The cheaper ones may work but only until 8" and they are not adjustable for your latitude. Geoptik is the best price/quality i guess.

[@TalGivoly]

@@DobsonianPower Thanks for quick reply! I love my dobs. I use it more than most of my other scopes. But, the tracker is an issue. I think you need to update the costs involved. The EQ platform costs much more than many mounts... I just got a quote for $2,100... And while I saw a 3D printed one on KZbin with parts costing $64, I have yet to figure out how to redesign and build it for my scope and latitude. So it's not that straightforward to put scope on an EQ platform given the cost... (e.g. Geoptik at 1,150 Euro excl delivery).

[@DobsonianPower]

@@TalGivoly Remember a good platform serves many dobs and it's for life. For dobs owners it's a good investment IMO. For visual, EAA and also Astrophotography. 🙂

[@ronm6585]

Thanks.

[@DobsonianPower]

👍👍

[@hooper365]

Keep it simple

[@DobsonianPower]

Always!👍👍

[@BLD426]

I'm the big guy on the floor.😁

[@DobsonianPower]

eheheh.I bet most of us are.

[@tommyg5095]

The term " Alien life " alienates me... I would prefer to hear " other life "... It's really not a jab at this video creator, since I understand the term is commonplace, but I would a term that is more inclusive, less polarizing...End rant... Great video on the merits of the Dobsoian telescope.

[@DobsonianPower]

Wow. I had no idea about that perception but i think the world nowadays is too much polarized. I will try to understand that better because it's a theme we always approach one way or the other.

[@tommyg5095]

@@DobsonianPower The comment I made regarding alien, stems from a most recent conversation amongst some friends,,,, and the reality of some groups of individuals think of themselves as better than others, and if you are not in that group you are an outsider, an alien, so to speak.. Our vernacular, for the most part, myself included, establishes that we, as humans, on this planet, are above anything else in the universe, if there is anything else in the universe. But, I digress.. The video you presented is an awesome tribute to the Dobsonian telescope, that some perceive as alien , because of its size and shape.

[@DobsonianPower]

@@tommyg5095 thanks for the response. I'm not a native english and I'm against polarization, descrimination and I truly love the inclusive behaviour whish fortunately youtube promote. I really was intrigued by your comment and interested in understand. I think i got it. Is "extraterrestrial life" a better expression in your opinion?

[@tommyg5095]

@@DobsonianPower Yes, or , other life forms,, or even alien, I guess the word alien just seems degrading, or something like that,,, Like saying Mexicans crossing into the UNITED STATES are alien, and implying they are of a lesser stature... But , I really did not mean to hijack the comments,,,

[@DobsonianPower]

@@tommyg5095 i know. you didn't. You helped. Thank you.

[@amp2amp800]

And you dont have to buy. You can also build one.😊

[@DobsonianPower]

👍👍

[@alfredoa.potthoff6709]

👏👏👏👏 ‼ EXACTLY !‼ 👏👏👏👏👏👏 ✔😂

[@quasar9058]

Keep it simple always😉

[@DobsonianPower]

That's it!