Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
- Frankskywatcher
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Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
I’ve read and watched so many articles and videos so I’ve pretty much decided on this and before pulling the trigger I’d like to get some advise.
I searched for related articles here and only a few came up so again I could really use the expert advise and also on the” best” Barlow for this scope. Thank you in advance and thanks for having me here !
Frank
Equipment :
Apertura AD10” Dobsonian
Polaris 4” Dobsonian
7x50 binoculars
- Lady Fraktor
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
The Apertura is a nice telescope to start with. Highly recommended.
I would suggest holding off on the barlow at the moment until you have used the telescope a few times.
You scope comes I believe with 1-1.25" and 1-2" eyepiece. A 2" barlow would work for both eyepieces but added expense as you would also need a 2" to 1.25" adapter.
That money could be put to different focal length eyepieces that may work better for you.
Enjoy the telescope!
See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1000101)
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- Bigzmey
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Delos, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.
Solar: HA: Lunt 50mm single stack, W/L: Meade Herschel wedge.
Observing: DSOs: 3122 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2196, S110: 77). Doubles: 2461, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 261
- Frankskywatcher
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
Equipment :
Apertura AD10” Dobsonian
Polaris 4” Dobsonian
7x50 binoculars
- Ylem
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
Great scope, go for it!
-Jeff
Member; ASTRA-NJ
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- Lady Fraktor
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
Laser collimators work well but 99.9% arrive out of collimation, you will have to spend some time aligning it.Frankskywatcher wrote: ↑Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:45 pm Thanks for the advise and especially in regards to the Barlow and it does come with a laser collimating tool
When your telescope is collimatted they are great for checking or a quick tweak to get ready for the evening viewing.
I would suggest you get a Collimation Cap and a Cheshire Eyepiece, these work perfectly for collimation and if the laser batteries are dead, you are still able to collimate
See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1000101)
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- Frankskywatcher
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
I appreciate your help and thank you so much
Equipment :
Apertura AD10” Dobsonian
Polaris 4” Dobsonian
7x50 binoculars
- Thefatkitty Online
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
Frankskywatcher wrote: ↑Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:04 pm Yes it comes with a laser collimating tool but not familiar with the “ cap” or the Cheshire Eyepiece I readily admit I’m a green rookie
I appreciate your help and thank you so much
This may help: https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
And even though I can't get an Apertura scope in Canada, I've heard nothing but good about them, plus an 8" is a great all-around size. A scope for life
All the best,
"The Hankmeister" Celestron 8SE, orange tube Vixen made C80, CG4, AZ-EQ5 and SolarQuest mounts.
Too much Towa glass/mirrors.
Solar:
H/A - PST stage 2 mod with a Baader 90mm ERF on a Celestron XLT 102 (thanks Mike!)
Ca-K - W/O 61mm, Antares 1.6 barlow, Baader 3.8 OD and Ca-K filters with a ZWO ASI174mm.
W/L - C80-HD with Baader 5.0 & 3.8 Solar film, Solar Continuum 7.5nm and UV/IR filters with a Canon EOS 550D.
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- Frankskywatcher
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
I just want to make sure I’m buying something worth the $$ and that I get the other things like the Barlow ( although I’ve already been informed I don’t need that right away ) red flashlight etc etc so thanks so much again ! Frank
Equipment :
Apertura AD10” Dobsonian
Polaris 4” Dobsonian
7x50 binoculars
- Frankskywatcher
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
Thanks for the link,I now remember the “ sighting cap” , I fooled around with this stuff decades ago but now I’m retired and livening out in the countryside and even with my 7x50 binoculars it’s a “ light show” ,its pretty dark at night out here so really interred in this scope but just want to be as informed about and it’s acc. so thanks for the recapThefatkitty wrote: ↑Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:10 pmFrankskywatcher wrote: ↑Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:04 pm Yes it comes with a laser collimating tool but not familiar with the “ cap” or the Cheshire Eyepiece I readily admit I’m a green rookie
I appreciate your help and thank you so much
This may help: https://garyseronik.com/collimation-tools-what-you-need-what-you-dont/
And even though I can't get an Apertura scope in Canada, I've heard nothing but good about them, plus an 8" is a great all-around size. A scope for life
All the best,
Equipment :
Apertura AD10” Dobsonian
Polaris 4” Dobsonian
7x50 binoculars
- gregl
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
In addition to the red LED you need a resistor or a pre-wired LED for the 9-volts. Simple stuff you can get off Ebay.
- Frankskywatcher
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
I was also thinking of the military grade flashlight that has the different blanks,you can insert,red,white and clear defuser lens what do you think of that idea ?
Tonight I got so pumped looking at Taurus with just a pair of 7x 50 binoculars, It’s really dark where I live out in the sticks, excited about pulling the trigger on the Apertura AD 8” just hoping to hear from a few more members who might have purchased one. Thanks again for all your help I really appreciate it can you tell me if there is a thread or an area on the forum for equipment like a good viewing chair and things of a similar nature.
Equipment :
Apertura AD10” Dobsonian
Polaris 4” Dobsonian
7x50 binoculars
- gregl
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1000101)
The only culture I have is from yogurt
- Bigzmey
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
I have been using this chair for years. Still as good as new. The idea is that you can move the seat up and down to adjust to changing position of yourFrankskywatcher wrote: ↑Sat Jan 08, 2022 4:02 am Hi Greg , thanks for the advise I can use all I can get !
I was also thinking of the military grade flashlight that has the different blanks,you can insert,red,white and clear defuser lens what do you think of that idea ?
Tonight I got so pumped looking at Taurus with just a pair of 7x 50 binoculars, It’s really dark where I live out in the sticks, excited about pulling the trigger on the Apertura AD 8” just hoping to hear from a few more members who might have purchased one. Thanks again for all your help I really appreciate it can you tell me if there is a thread or an area on the forum for equipment like a good viewing chair and things of a similar nature.
Vestil CPRO-800LP Ergonomic Worker Seat
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Delos, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.
Solar: HA: Lunt 50mm single stack, W/L: Meade Herschel wedge.
Observing: DSOs: 3122 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2196, S110: 77). Doubles: 2461, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 261
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
or a bit more work the Catspearch/ Denver observing chair: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=12059
See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1000101)
The only culture I have is from yogurt
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
I've owned the Zhummel 8" version of this telescope for a couple of years and I'm very pleased with it. I won't go into all the pro's and cons about it, other than to say it is very easy to set up and collimate. I usually collimate during the day, but one can do it at night, just harder to see the bolts on both ends of the tube. I also like the included 90 degree finder, and the fact you can shift the
I agree with Bigzmey about waiting before investing in a Barlow. The Barlow is good under the right conditions, but I seldom use it. I'd rather use a smaller focal length eyepiece instead. After two years trying different zooms and eyepieces, I basically only use three:
Finally, while I truly enjoy my Z8 for it's great views, especially at a dark site like yours, there are a couple of things to consider:
-If you store it indoors and have steps to your yard, best to do two trips. The
-The one thing holding me back from using it more is our cold weather in New England. I have tropical blood in me and if I were to do it over again, the first thing I'd buy before any accessories or eyepieces, is some form of antarctic bunny suit. Two years into this hobby I think about it every time I freeze my hands off, and yet I haven't bought one. In summer you will contend with swarms of mosquitoes, coyotes, bears, your neighbors dogs, and the occasional skunk. But that's another topic.
Whatever you decide, enjoy your new telescope!
Reason: typing error
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
- Frankskywatcher
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
Thank you so much for your response .The Happy Parrot wrote: ↑Sat Jan 08, 2022 9:10 pm Hello Frankskywatcher!
I've owned the Zhummel 8" version of this telescope for a couple of years and I'm very pleased with it. I won't go into all the pro's and cons about it, other than to say it is very easy to set up and collimate. I usually collimate during the day, but one can do it at night, just harder to see the bolts on both ends of the tube. I also like the included 90 degree finder, and the fact you can shift the OTA up and down to balance it better as you add other components.
I agree with Bigzmey about waiting before investing in a Barlow. The Barlow is good under the right conditions, but I seldom use it. I'd rather use a smaller focal length eyepiece instead. After two years trying different zooms and eyepieces, I basically only use three: ES 24mm/68 deg., an ES 16mm/68 deg, and a Meade MWA 5mm/100. I have other ep's, but 90% of the time I'm on one of those three. Sadly, eyepiece prices have gone up a lot lately, but there are many options to consider and that's part of the fun.
Finally, while I truly enjoy my Z8 for it's great views, especially at a dark site like yours, there are a couple of things to consider:
-If you store it indoors and have steps to your yard, best to do two trips. The OTA is bulky and the particle board base is heavy as with all these mass produced dobs. Now I keep mine permanently on a small pneumatic wheel cart in the garage so that I just roll it out when I want to use it. Much less hassle. Also has the advantage of raising the viewing height by ~6" which is a back saver.
-The one thing holding me back from using it more is our cold weather in New England. I have tropical blood in me and if I were to do it over again, the first thing I'd buy before any accessories or eyepieces, is some form of antarctic bunny suit. Two years into this hobby I think about it every time I freeze my hands off, and yet I haven't bought one. In summer you will contend with swarms of mosquitoes, coyotes, bears, your neighbors dogs, and the occasional skunk. But that's another topic.
Whatever you decide, enjoy your new telescope!
I just moved away from New England and now reside in SC.
Yes I’m think)g about a furniture dolly I have to mount it on then just roll it out of my garage and keep it in there so it will be “ cold” when ready to go.
With just a 7x10 binoculars tonight I could very clearly see Taurus and was looking at the craters on the moon with 60x60 spotting scope I use at the range .
I also thank you for the advise about buying stuff I’m going to go slow I ordered a large guide to the stars and the 4 th edition of The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide .
I wish I could hear from some of the members who actually own this scope the Apertura AD 8” and see how they like it and their experiences with it !
Thank you for your input my friend Frank
Equipment :
Apertura AD10” Dobsonian
Polaris 4” Dobsonian
7x50 binoculars
- Frankskywatcher
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Re: Apertura AD 8” Dobsonian
I bought the 4 th edition of The Backyard Astronomer ‘s Guide and the star guide the 16 inch one .gregl wrote: ↑Sun Jan 09, 2022 12:19 am And one more piece of rather standard advice to beginners: go slow on buying stuff. I think every one of us, in our early days of excitement, bought stuff we ended up not needing. Stick with the eyepieces that come with the scope. Get a basic book or two (Turn Left At Orion, by Consolmagno and Davis; Nightwatch, by Dickenson, for example) and an app for a tablet or phone such as SkySafari or SkyPortal. Just because other folks have and like a particular item doesn't mean it's going to work for you, so try to hook up with some other folks where you can see and try other stuff before you buy it.
I eagerly await the red stuff and leds to get me started and thank you so much my friend !
Frank
Equipment :
Apertura AD10” Dobsonian
Polaris 4” Dobsonian
7x50 binoculars
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