If you are an amateur astronomer, you know how expensive it can be to indulge in this hobby. Telescopes are pretty expensive and can make a serious dent in your bank balance. However, one name in telescopes stands out, and this is the Donsonian telescope. Not only is it reasonably priced, amateur astronomers can use its powerful lenses to observe the celestial bodies.
The reasons that Dobsonian telescope is touted as one of the best in the market are because of its cost, the easy assembly, and portability. The telescope has a scope of 8 inches, and it costs much less than a Newtonian telescope with the same sized scope. If you purchase a retractor of 8 inches, the cost will rise to 10 times that of a Dobsonian telescope.
Telescope
The telescope comes in 2 pieces, which are very easy to assemble. It has a tube and a base, and all you need to do is fix the tube to the base. It is as simple and easy as that. Of course, you will have to make some adjustments and collimation check thereafter.
When it comes to portability, the term is very relative. A large sized Dobsonian may not be that easy to lug around outside your home. However, generally Dobsonian telescopes are lighter than Newtonian ones.
While a Dobsonian telescope allows you to observe the celestial bodies, you will not be able take astro photographs. In order to take a photograph, you need a telescope that is motorized and moves smoothly across the sky. However, the Dobsonian makes use of alt-azimuth mount, which cannot be used for clicking photographs of the stars and other objects in the night sky.
The telescope is available in many different sizes, right from mirrors having a size of 4.5-inch diameter to 12-inch diameter. You should buy the size that you prefer. However, it is advisable to go for the 8-inch telescope as it has a great ability to gather light and enhance the viewing of the objects in the night sky. In case you are very new to astronomy and do not want to spend too much money, then go for the 6-inch Dobsonian telescope.
Understanding the Dobsonian Telescope