Visual Observation of Deep Sky Objects
2. Telescope and Equipment
Written by Toshimi Taki
Prepared on August 29, 2004
I completed a new 8-inch reflector this year, and this telescope is easier to use for me making sketches than bigger 12.5-inch. Because of its small size and light weight, the 8-inch is very portable to a dark site and I can reach the eyepiece without ladder. From my experience of using telescopes from 2-inch to 12.5-inch, I can say that 8-inch is the best size for casual observation and it has enough power for deep sky observation. I will use the 8-inch Dobsonian mainly for making sketches of deep sky objects.
2.1 Telescope
8-inch, f/6.1 Newtonian Reflector on Dobsonian Mount
Click here for detail
Specification
(1) Primary Mirror
--- Diameter ................ 8.00 inches (203 mm)
--- Focal length ........ 48.7 inches (1237 mm)
--- Focal ratio .............. f/6.09
(2) Secondary Mirror
--- Minor axis ............................ 1.83 inches (46.5 mm)
--- Central Obstruction ....... 23%
(3) Others
--- 7x 50mm finder
--- Total Weight 12.0 kg
2.2 Eyepieces
- Orthoscopic 4mm (Vixen), 309x
- LV 5mm (Vixen), 247x
- Super Plossl 6.4mm (Meade), 193x
- Orthoscopic 7mm * (Takahashi), 177x
- Super Plossl 9.7mm (Meade), 128x
- Kellner 12mm * (Takahashi), 103x
- Wide Field 15mm (Televue), 82x
- Kellner 25mm * (Takahashi), 49x
- Kellner 27mm (?, Coulter), 46x
- Koenig 32mm (Unitron), 39x
* Note: 0.965-inch Barrel
2.3 Other Equipment
(1) Sight Tube
(2) Lights
--- White LED Light (LED Lenser)
--- Mini Maglight (MAG Instrument)
(3) Table
(4) Stepladder
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