Orion Starquest XT8 VS Celestron Nexstar 5 SE

[tiingshii]

Hi guys

im new to astronomy, wanted to get my first telescope. have been looking around for telescope.
any suggestion for Orion Starblast XT8 and Celestron Nexstar 5 SE? which one should i get?

[weixing]

Hi,
Welcome to SingAstro!

Hi guys

im new to astronomy, wanted to get my first telescope. have been looking around for telescope.
any suggestion for Orion Starblast XT8 and Celestron Nexstar 5 SE? which one should i get?

I think there is no Orion Starblast XT8 or do you mean Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope?

Anyway, you need to consider portability... a big scope will be is no use if you don't use it. Basically, a 8" scope allow you to see more than a 5" scope, but it's also alot heavier and bulky.

Have a nice day.

[tiingshii]

hmm.. then do you have any reflectors in mind for recommendation? (which has larger aperture and lighter weight)

[cloud_cover]

Hello! Welcome to Singastro!
Regarding size vs aperture, I strongly suggest you have a hands on session first before deciding what would be suitable for you. Telescopes always are bigger and bulkier than they appear in photos! You will also then get an idea for the limitations of each design
My personal experience is that I first started out with 8" SCT on an EQ mount but it rarely came out due to weigt and time taken to deploy. Nowadays I do much of my observing with a 100mm refractor on a basic tripod type mount.

[Gary]

Hi Tiingshii. Welcome to the forum.

Have you read this FAQ on buying your first telescope?
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=32

You can google and read the online reviews for both scopes and see which one fits your preference better. My personal bias is Nexstar 5SE over 8" dob for a newcomer in Singapore without access to a backyard/balcony/rooftop and private transport due to portability issues and not having to worry about collimation.

Whatever your final decision, learn to appreciate the strength of your scope and maximise the hell out of them!

[tiingshii]

Hi guys!

Thanks for all the comments! I think im still quite confuse with what i should get. So i have decided to wait for my astronomy trip to Punggai with my school before making any decision . At least from there i can have some hands on with some telescope.