Is 8kg dodsonian heavy?

leehai1980 · Post by **leehai1980** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 6:51 am

Was thinking is 8kg dodsonian heavy for people who doesnt have car?

kayheem · Post by **kayheem** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:32 am

8kg in itself is not heavy. It is the bulk you need to worry about.

8kg in a dumbbell is OK, but a 8kg suitcase is bulky. To get a rough ideal how it feels like, go to a supermarket and try carrying a 8-10kg bag of rice.

Post by **weixing** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:38 am

Hi,
You need a trolley for that.

Have a nice day.

cloud_cover · Post by **cloud_cover** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:33 am

It depends on your physique really. 8kg is not really heavy but since a telescope is mostly empty air, it will be bulky. You need to worry how you want to pack it and protect it while riding public transport, not to mention how to avoid getting dirty looks for an oversized bag during peak periods

Also, an 8kg weight, as posted above, is no big deal if you're reasonably fit but an 8kg cabinet, for example, will be a real challenge just because of its size.
Wait..... did I just paraphrase kayheem? *grin*
If you're buying, suggest you go down to physically see the size and get an idea if you can cope with it.

orly_andico · Post by **orly_andico** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 1:42 pm

Infinity Scopes LLC has this really amazing Uti8 dobsonian that weighs 15lb all-in (including case). They also have a lovely model....

But it costs an arm and a leg ($4K USD).

Post by **Airconvent** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 1:45 pm

Depends if you look like Slyvester Stallone or Danny Devito!
8 Kg can be easily carried in a backpack but a Dob's size will be unwieldly.

If you are looking for an 8" scope, I know Perseid previously sold a built-to-order wooden trusss 6" or 8"dob that can be broken down into a small box. It had rollers making it easier to move around. As its custom built, you can also request for special changes to meet your needs too. You may want to PM them to see if they are still selling it.

Regards [smilie=cool.gif]

kayheem · Post by **kayheem** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 2:40 pm

weixing wrote:Hi,
You need a trolley for that.

Have a nice day.

No need trolley, lah!

Remember Jun Wei (aka 'AstroSeals')? He manpacked his 8" F4 scope and mount. But then again, he fractured his collar bone! (Hmmm...it may have been in an unrelated incident, I think)

I wonder if he is still lurking around Singastro.

If you want to have a portable dob, there are several designs available on the net.

orly_andico · Post by **orly_andico** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 3:08 pm

www.litescope.eu

amazing. and amazingly expensive. The kit is "only" $1270 USD though, inclusive of optics. The optics are from Orion Optics UK.

cloud_cover · Post by **cloud_cover** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 4:58 pm

And amazingly injury prone! Gravel, precision mirror 3 inches above gravel.... pedestrian traffic...

orly_andico · Post by **orly_andico** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 5:08 pm

I think there is a dew shield that comes with it.. which would also help cut down on stray light.

It is designed for trekking in the mountains (hence the name "Mountain Litescope") where there are no pesky pedestrians and paving-gravel hehehe...