Had to choose between a tabletop scope and a dob for my backyard setup

Last month I was stuck deciding between a cheap 70mm tabletop refractor and a used 6-inch dob I found on Facebook Marketplace for $150. I went with the dob because I read it collects more light for deep sky stuff. First night out I saw Saturn's rings clear as day from my backyard in Phoenix. Has anyone else gone with the bigger scope and regretted the lack of portability?

2 comments

2 Comments

vals382d ago

Got a 6-inch dob sitting in my garage right now that I hardly ever take out anymore... bought it new and the thing is a beast to haul around. First night I had it set up in my backyard in Illinois and I could see the bands on Jupiter clearer than I ever imagined. But then I drove out to a dark sky site once and nearly threw my back out getting it in the car. Ended up getting a little 80mm refractor for trips and now the dob just collects dust most nights unless conditions are perfect.

masondixon2d ago

Classic case of aperture fever turning into back pain real quick! That first Jupiter view had you hooked, but then reality hit when you tried to move that monster. The 80mm might not show as much detail, but at least you can carry it without calling in reinforcements.