Ed continues to be the absolute best at explaining telescopes. Love your videos.

I used a 20-inch Obsession at a star party in Algonquin once. It was so smooth, I could move it with one finger and it stayed where you pointed it. Great views of M13 and the Double Cluster.

@gowthamkrishna5700

Жыл бұрын

hi..... plzz tell me 18 inch mirror telescopes sizes and blueprint tel me broo

@acombo

Жыл бұрын

@@gowthamkrishna5700 literally search it up

@sidpackard8613

6 ай бұрын

Algonquin, IL?

@Megawatt

6 ай бұрын

@@sidpackard8613 Algonquin Park, Ontario

Met John Dobson, he was a great guy, great sense of humour.

Great review - I had an Obsession 18 UC and I can also confirm that they are fabulous scopes. Really the ONLY drawback I had to it and the reason I ended up selling it, is that it was really not an easy scope to move around due to the weight of the mirror. I just was't able to easily move the mirror into and out of the car by myself. Even with a ramp that I constructed for my SUV, it wasn't a quick and easy task. Ideally, with the larger Obsession's you need to be in a location where you can keep it assembled and roll it out when you're ready to use it. As the saying goes - The best telescope is the one that gets used the most!

@rja12

2 жыл бұрын

So what is your go to scope, the one that gets used the most, these days?

@ronhunt2477

2 жыл бұрын

@@rja12 A TeleVue 127is and a RedCat 51 - I can have either one set up in a matter of a few minutes and they are easily transportable

@DP-qb1zw

Жыл бұрын

I have large dobsonians but I found that the largest refractor to easily carry out of my house assembled is a 102mm f10 . The 120mm I had was on the limit of what I could struggle to carry and my 150mm f8 has to be carried in pieces.

@ilkling

Жыл бұрын

I just got this same telescope donated to me shortly after I made the big decision of buying a 12in Apertura. I can confirm how the size and assembly becomes a real consideration while observing/imaging. I chose the 12in because it was a solid upgrade from an 8in Newt, was the largest solid tube scope that can fit in my car, and although kind of heavy, it literally only comes apart in 2 parts. The 18in UC dominates the 12in optically and mechanically absolutely, and it was the coolest thing to ever be gifted to me.... but it turns a 5min job into 50min, and the weight of the mirror and base is reaching the limit of what feels safe to handle. It introduces extra anxiety about potential mistakes during transport and assembly.

Hey Ed! Big fan of the channel. Thanks for all your videos and for sharing your knowledge! Would love it if you did a more in depth review of the Orion Xt8 reflector next. Cheers.

Fascinating Obession!!! Thank you so much for such a thorough review of an equisit Dobsonian. I so enjoy your channel!!

I love your channel so much. Most telescope pages are super focused on astrophotography it's nice to see someone passionate about visual astronomy.

Great presentation, thanks Ed.

As someone just getting into the hobby and looking to purchase my serving telescope, your videos are fantastic. Thanks for doing this! I especially enjoy seeing you share things like this that are less common.

Long time fan of your website, Ed! Glad to see you doing some reviews here on youtube. I've never owned an Obsession, but I do have a 13 and 18 inch Astrosystems Telekit, very similar in construction and quality. While some extra effort is needed to set up and transport a larger scope (especially the 18"!), under a dark sky these larger dobs provide views that are nothing short of breathtaking.

Ed, great to see you now on YT doing these kinds of reviews. Sure have come a long way since you were the Guest Speaker @ Cherry Springs way back in '01. I remember you even though you probably don't remember me! Since I found you here I've watched 'em all. Keep up the great work, Ed!

Ed, I finally followed your advice of fourteen years ago and got a proper observing chair. You're right about it seemingly increasing aperture. I see so much more when I can comfortably observe longer.

Hello Ed, I am in Western Canada. I recently got into learning astrophotography. Have been spending a lot of time watching beginner's videos. Your tutorial videos are the only ones making sense to me. Thank you so much!

This is a beauty. I'm pretty happy with my Meade 12" Lightbridge Dob since I'm mostly an imager. I do have a high-end 20" Dob on my bucket list though. Maybe some day. Great video.

Finally another exciting review! I can't imagine it in comparison with my 50mm binoculars, so much light gathering!

Beautiful Scope, great reviews, your review of the Astro-Tech AT115EDT made me purchase one and couldn't be happier.

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind words.

Thanks! I really enjoyed this.

Great video. I've learned a great deal of information thanks to your channel. Someday you should tell us about the use of filters (Moon filter and so on). Best regards.

Well explained and told very honestly!

Just found your channel and its great, i own a 20" F5 obsession and have been using it for the past 15 years, I have a servocat/argonavis on it, your explanation of the scope is good. .

@MinhajMalik

3 жыл бұрын

It must be a real pleasure. 🎉

Great vid! Thank you.

Really great review!

Really loving this channel, Ed. Can you do a couple videos that discuss your favorite targets for observation? Also, could you do a video of favored targets for small telescopes, especially geared toward observers with kids? Thanks!

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, would love to! I just have to find the time...Time goes so fast these days!

At the (volunteer run) Perth Observatory in Western Australia, we have a 30" Obsession with a go-to mount. It's terrific, if a little bit finicky to set up and align.

Having owned the XT 10 used a round ball bearing for a pantry of 12 inches in diameter and ball bearings for the altitude and moved with one finger and stayed where it was put. It did put it on a small cart and used small mobile trailer stabilizers to steady the scope. worked great. I did sell it and finally went to a EQ mount so I could track objects. The new owner is really happy with it.

Great video thank you for sharing Ed .

I have a 1999 16"f4.5 Nightsky truss dob with a Meade mirror, Sky Commander DSC & a Servocat. I like it a lot. It's been all around the country from Stellafane to the Grand Canyon, to Big Bend and my driveway. It was my first telescope 20 years ago and still my favorite. The reason I got it was because I looked thru an Obsession 15 at a star party and knew that those were the views I wanted to see. The secondary mirror in the video has 4 adjustment screws. I think that is the only way to go and recommend that style of secondary mirror holder. I think it makes collimation easier.

Hi Ed. Great video and review as usual...and perfect timing: with the help of “Kriege & Berry” ‘s book, I’m currently in the middle of the building of my own 12”, and your video was like a big push of motivation!!! Greetings from Milton, ON

Finally l found one that has more telescope then me, very good presentation, thanks.

Ed, your videos are the best! Now I want a bigger DOB. I'm fortunate to live close enough to the Orion stores in Cupertino and Watsonville. (A 3 hour drive each way.) I got a chance to pick up most of the telescopes in both stores. I wanted 10", but found out my personal limit was an 8" DOB. Even the 10" was too much. But after seeing this 12.5" Obsession, aperture fever is kicking in. I would love an Obsession Telescope, but I know it will never happen. Most of us amateur astronomers dream about having one.

A great review Ed. Since I just bought an 8” SCT last year, I’m not going to move to anything bigger yet. There’s really a lot to see with smaller apertures and the portability of the 8 is also a big plus for me. Just take it outside, let it cool down, do a star alignment and it’s ready!

Ed - just found your channel and I love it. been reading your scopereviews site reviews for many years. My favorite article by you was the 1999 S&T "Confessions of a Telescope Junkie" - I related...........Name suggestion for the 36": instead of "Godzilla", he should name it "Dobzilla"

Nice review, I enjoy the channel

WOW.That a beauty.

I’ve owned a 12.5 since 2006 and I love it!

Looks like a beautiful piece of furniture one would be happy to decorate the living room

I like the size/image comparison at 3:49.

I saw the iss for the first time today, i know not a huge achievement, but it kind of made my day!

I have a nice entry-mid range collapsible 12" from skywatcher. I've been thinking about what I can upgrade to in about 5 years and this vid has convinced me it will be this obsession dob. Thank you for the great vid, it is very informative and full of real info straight from long term experience.

@edting

9 ай бұрын

The "classic" series of Obsession Dobs has been discontinued. You'd need to go to the new UC series. Check out the 15" UC review. Or, see if you can find one of these Classics on the used market.

@georgewashington7444

9 ай бұрын

I just made a deal on a Obsession 12.5 classic picking it up in 2 weeks and a 8 hour roundtrip drive to get it. I’ve always wanted one can’t wait to hunt DSOs!

My wife found your site Ed, and, suggested I should check it out! Yep, great advice, great presentation, thankyou. I can thoroughly recommend David K's book too. I built a 6 inch mini obsession that goes with me around West Oz, when we travel in our caravan. I've had one fellow tell me it is better than his 12 inch dob. (I doubt that very much!). Any way David's book was instrumental in its construction. I still have a read of it, just to remind me of the nitty gritty about telescopes.

Thanks for uploading. I had the chance to see a rocket launch in 2018. Amazing experience. I shared a pretty fun montage of the trip to my channel.

I have one of those and I love it.

Looks like a monster compared even to my 8”. 🤣😂 Great video Ed

@stevenkelby2169

3 жыл бұрын

I wish I had an 8"! 😂

@myfishingadventures1509

3 жыл бұрын

I have a 126mm power seeker lmao

@iamaghost7971

3 жыл бұрын

@@myfishingadventures1509 😂😂 That was where I started too lol

@ishanr8697

3 жыл бұрын

@@stevenkelby2169 So does your wife!

@iamaghost7971

3 жыл бұрын

@@ishanr8697 ok dude, don’t get dirty

i own a 15" Obsession Ultra Compact. I've had it for about three years and couldn't be happier. It packs up very nicely in the rear compartment of my KIA Soul and it's traveled with me to locations from Big Bend Texas to Riverton Wyoming. I was also looking at the 18", but I'm glad I went with the 15". The mirror assembly weighs 45 pounds, right at the limit of what I can comfortably handle by myself. The eyepiece height at zenith is 59", so I can comfortably view in the standing position without a step stool or ladder. The 18" UC has a zenith eyepiece height of 70", so a step up is required for higher elevations. Climbing up and down ladders or step stools in the dark is not my idea of a good time.

@taraswertelecki9586

2 жыл бұрын

I too have a 15-inch F/4.5 Dob I built back in 2011 that's patterned after the Obsessions. I wanted to build a 20-inch, but realized I would not be able to get it in and out of the house, let alone transport it. I am very happy with a 15-inch, from a dark site the views are fantastic. I have looked through very large Dobs, and do not like climbing ladders in the dark. I do that on the job. A 15-inch F/4.5 lets me sit while looking at most of the sky, and stand while looking overhead. For me, 15 or 16-inches of aperture is enough for a lifetime of observing.

Thanks !

They make some great telescope's and have viewed through a few. They are pricey though. You can get a Meade 12" ACF f10 with all the electronics for over a thousand dollars cheaper. But they are beautiful to look at with the wood work and they really are nice!!

Hello Ed, I am a member of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society (Utah). We have had some (a few) Dobs show up for star parties, prior to Covid, and we always referred to anything over 10" as "light-buckets." I have an 11" SCT and a 127mm APO triplet; both on excellent German EQ mounts. I have been impressed with some Dobs (I was participant at Great Basin Star Fest, a Dob there was 20"!), and their light gathering power. My Dad taught me "always get the best possible, or you end up paying twice for cheap." I can say this is what I have in my present scopes/mounts. I can see that Obsession is definitely quality. My question: are there drives available to keep the scope on target, and are there "go-to" drives (computer driven) to 'go-to' selected views? I have been into astronomy since the 1960's, and I LOVE being able to program in a destination and have the scope go right to it. Is this possible with Dobsonions? Or is this an "add-on" feature? I have only seen one Dob in my experience that was computerized, and I was too busy (star party) with my own scope to go over and ask questions. Thank you for your excellent videos, and the clarity of your explanations.

@danycosta970

3 жыл бұрын

It's an add-on ... And an expensive one. I got the DSC and the Servo-Cat goto/drive system installed on my 20" f/5 Classic. I wish I hadn't. The only time I used it was initial set up to verify proper operation. It worked fine. I searched for half dozen objects or so and all were within the 0.6° true field of a 22mm (115X) PanOptic eyepiece. I guess its "cool" to hear the whiz of the telescope slewing to it's target, but I wish I had saved the money. I don't use it.

@buttlesschap

3 жыл бұрын

Homemade go-to systems are possible with raspberry pi's/arduinos these days.

The curved secondary mirror holder will still cause diffraction spikes in your photos, albeit a different shape to what we are accustomed to

Hi Ed, great video. Do you have any information on/link to the 'Aus Sky/Sky Safari' group down in Australia? Will be there shortly and would like to reach out to them while there.

Yes, they are ultra premium and just inquired about the "classic" series and they are discontinued. Only the "ultra-compact" (UC) models are available now and start at over $6K. :-(

Do a review of Teeters, New Moon, and Starmaster- someday I’ll be getting one of ‘em

I do not own an Obsession, but have looked thru several, including a 25in beast at GSSP in Nor Cal. They are well made and are a crafted work of art. The views were spectacular. I have settled for an Orion xx12g (it was affordable for me), but maybe when I retire, I'll shell out the bucks and get one of these!

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. There's an XX in our club and I'll try to get hold of it. I'm curious about it.

@aemrt5745

3 жыл бұрын

@@edting Would love to hear your critique of it. Mine is arriving in early April (ordered Jan 2).

Very interesting video. Thank you. One question emerges. If a truss tube is just a big reflector is there not a massive collimation issue every time you collapse or move it?

@edting

2 жыл бұрын

In theory yes, but in practice it's surprising how often these things stay collimated even through multiple disassembly cycles.

Maybe a review on an equatorial platform for dobs :)

You're 'The Man,' and this is what 'The Telescope' should look like! Hands down my favorite of your fantastic videos. Much appreciated.

@edting

2 жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks - glad to be of service.

@OkieBobby

2 жыл бұрын

@@edting I just ordered the book. I'll let you know if I build one, but pretty sure - I will. Looks to be right down my alley.

@OkieBobby

Жыл бұрын

New plan, while shopping for mirrors came across a second hand classic Obsession. I’m set. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

@georgewashington7444

9 ай бұрын

OkieBobby I know this is random but are you the OB Paradox builder? If so I am building one and a Telescope addict also!

@OkieBobby

9 ай бұрын

@@georgewashington7444 I've owned a Paradox second hand, but haven't built one (at least didn't finish the one I started). Good luck on the build.

Ed I have a question. If you were to use a refractor to look at the planets (or use a newt or big dob) would a large aperture increase the resolution or decrease it? I know technically that resolution improves with aperture but I have heard that a larger aperture will be more affected by atmospheric seeing conditions than a smaller one. I have a hunch this is not true but I assume you can shed some light on this issue. No pun intended!

Ooooooh I want one

Hey Ed, great video :) I have been using my 6 inch reflector for awhile but I really want good views with the naked eye. Is a reflector over 12 inch worth it in your opinion? In your experience can you resolve significantly greater detail in deep space objects? Moving it around shouldn't be an issue for me and I am already used to long setup time, I have just never had the opportunity to ask someone that has experienced a big dob first hand. I am looking at the Meade Lightbridge 16 inch. Hope you see this, and thanks for your time :D

@georgewashington7444

9 ай бұрын

It all depends on your location a 6” dob from a dark site/clear air will blow away a 10-20” from the city. Of course a 10-20” from a dark sight will bring crazy views not attainable in the 6” For a suburban astronomer a 6” dob is all you need for searching for faint fuzzies and will keep you busy for years. Small bright planetary nebula (ring, cats eye, blue snowball, Eskimo, raspberry etc) are fun to find from suburban skies via “star hopping” no go to cheating!

Overall the telescope has lasted very well, the woodwork shows no warping or splitting the dovetail joints are still tight the varnish hasn’t faded or worn off.

I just found a 12.5” Obsession within 4 hours drive and will be picking it up next week $2700 with a nice 2” Teleview eyepiece/coma corrector included!

@OMaMaRMY

4 ай бұрын

IM JELLY

@georgewashington7444

2 ай бұрын

I actually did a 900 mile round trip and picked up a mint condition 20” Obsession when one popped up shortly after posting about the 12” After 4 dark sky trips The 20” blows away my 10” Orion. I store it in my garage setup. It takes less than 5 minutes to wheel out-collimate and start observing!

@OMaMaRMY

2 ай бұрын

@@georgewashington7444 do you need a ladder or anything of the sort?

Wow,obsession..My first observation Obsession Classic 18" with ES 14mm EP 100° was blown my head away,looks like window in the skies. Get obsession UC 18" with 31mm Nagler mostly and done 2 night sessions at Deosai National Park North pakistan @13500 ft.

@taraswertelecki9586

2 жыл бұрын

That's high enough in altitude for your vision to weaken from the low oxygen levels there. It must have been intensely cold as well.

Very good video. Thanks for posting. I would, however, want to point out the altitude bearing design is not always "bigger is better". It is dependent upon the height of the pivot point of the mirror box or tube in relation to the ground. When Obsession and others designed their mirror boxes low to the ground, they were forced to make the altitude bearings bigger than the original design by John Dobson. If not, the telescope would be unstable. Since the movement on an Obsession is made at the front of the secondary cage, there is plenty of torque to achieve movement in altitude. However, the "rule of thumb" you are using for diameter of the altitude bearings does not hold when elevating the pivot point higher up in relation to the ground. Case in point is a particular design that is selling now with big "Obsession-like" bearings mounted higher-up like your trusty Orion 8inch. The big bearings on that model don't work well, because the torque required to move the telescope is too close to the large diameter bearings, and it is jerky. It would have been better to use smaller bearings. Anyway, I wanted to make this point, because ES apparently didn't do any serious engineering on the altitude bearing issue, but instead make the incorrect assumption that "bigger is better" for altitude bearings - when in fact that is not necessarily the case.

Ed, after watching your review I'm sorely tempted to get a 12.5" Obsession. But before I do, I'm hoping you'll do a review of the 15" Classic or -- better still -- the 15" UC (Ultra Compact). Please !!!!

@edting

Жыл бұрын

I have a review of the 15" UC elsewhere on this channel. Obsession only sells the UCs now.

@AstroGuy99

Жыл бұрын

@@edting I found the review. Thanks Ed.

Great review - Would love to see your review of the Explore Scientific 10" Hybrid Truss seems to be an 'affordable 10" Obsession" mass produced - and benefits (from personal experience) from all of the same design concepts - and also glides in motion, with f/5 optics that are very crisp (at least on my one), with fine diffraction cross spikes on the brightest stars - which isn't a negative, it means the scope is doing its job. Very much would like to see you review it - with the caveat that its included reflex finder needs to be removed and its coating polished off with Autosolv, since a light-obstructing silver coating is the current design's one Achilles heel. Coupled with an ES 50 degree 40mm Erfle, it feels like you are spacewalking...the supplied eyepieces are good optically, and of cheaper body material, though not optically inferior - they are actually pretty good for the money.

@edting

10 ай бұрын

Don't buy the $650 Explore S 10" Dob being blown out by places like Costco, B&H, etc. There is a reason they are being reduced for clearance. I've seen them sold for as little as $188 on Amazon. They didn't get anything right. On the other hand, the new Explore S First Light series is quite good.

@martinlagrange8821

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Ed, really appreciate that point of view - however, I actually do have one ! Here in New Zealand, it is considered a BIG telescope, outclassing those owned by most amateurs! With the aluminium caravan-step mount and correct cage orientation 'vertical' it is a superbly usable and comfortable instrument. The optics are actually very crisp (on my one, lucky me), and the scope is very tunable by an experienced owner - me, again. Its definitely not a beginner's scope, it's more for the hands-on experienced scope user unafraid to make it their own, and get to grips with it. Common mods include an annular strap for the mirror straps, improved adhesion with car black silicone for cell pads and and side clutch teflon pads, plus making your own shroud for a few dollars all-up. Mirror cleaning is a breeze with a squeeze bottle and micro-fibre below the mirror surface to catch isocol run-off. Doing so is deeply satisfying. That said, the Crayford focusser, smooth and damped axial motion, and construction is very good, and a big step up in terms of aperture from sub-6" typical in NZ. Collimation is super-easy, taking just a minute at most, and can be done by hand with great ease. No telescope is perfect, and this one imho has the virtue of being perfectable with effort and care, in a manner of speaking. With thanks for the reply, and very kind regards.@@edting

Ed, Is there a difference between Orion or Skywatcher vs Obsession scopes? I saw really big ones

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

The Obsessions are much more well built than the commercial stuff and have better mirrors, yes. But whether the difference is worth it to you...that's harder to answer, and a personal decision.

@cryptojihadi265

3 жыл бұрын

O agree with Ed that the Orion XT8 is THE ultimate beginner scope because for many it will satisfy them for a lifetime. It kind of does it all: planets with great detail on good seeing nights and gets you deep enough into space to get a real taste of what's out there. But if you've outgrown that and are ready to get all into deep sky territory, then I think you owe it to yourself to go premium. I would say don't go less than 14 to 16" and either Obsession or Rob Teeter. He still uses Zambuto mirrors. I've been wanting a large dob with a Zambuto for 20 years, so finally just pulled the trigger on an 18" Teeter Telescope. Wanted to go Starmaster, but they are no longer produced and good luck finding one in the used market. Teeters look to be as well built as the illustrious Starmaster and maybe even better. Obsession is obviously good too, but you can't get a zambuto mirror and he. O lingrr makes the classic design. The UC for ultra compact is nice and portable, but I've seen people have issues with them going out of collimation from low to high angles. They have youtuve videos with weaks you can make to them to hold the collimation better, but that along with no Zambuto Option is what made me decide to go with the Teeter Telescope. They both use the Zambuto mirrors, so that's that's critical part.

When you have a fast scope (f5-f4.7) How much coma is there if your not using an expensive corrective eyepiece? trying to decide between an 8" and 10" Dob.

@danycosta970

3 жыл бұрын

I have the Obsession 20" f/5 Classic with Galaxy Optics mirrors and I always spend extra time on collimation. Coma isn't an issue.

I'm going to have to say it: I'm now "obsessed". :-) Or would like to be.

That is a stunning telescope, Arrgh, I may be obliterating my wallet soon! "I'm not entirely sure that i did see it" lol I think we've all said that at least thrice.

That's a strange looking refractor Ed :)

Really wish they would make a 10 inch or even 8 inch.

@johnbarry5036

3 жыл бұрын

When the big boxes sell an 8" dob for $399, theres no market for bespoke 8 or 10" (it's the hardcores with the deep pockets that will go for 12"+). There is one I know of, its not cheap ($3300 for an 8" dob), but it is a beauty. newmoontelescopes.com/product/8%E2%80%B3-f-4-5/

@chainsawcharlie2

3 жыл бұрын

At 8 or 10 inches of aperture you're really better off with a solid tube design. However if you want to spend lots of money, New Moon and Teeter's will make a truss dob in those sizes.

Hi Ed which eyepieces do you use with the 12 1/2 f5?

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

Mostly the 27mm and 19mm Panoptics, and the 13mm and 11mm Type 6 Naglers.

I live in a city that has severe light pollution. Is there a telescope filter that will overcome the light pollution?

@edting

2 жыл бұрын

They make "light pollution filters" but I wouldn't expect miracles. Those things work best under mild light pollution (for reference, I never use those filters). The only real solution is to get out of the city. If you must observe from the city you can still enjoy looking at the moon, Jupiter, and Saturn.

8:56 Pretty presumptuous of you to say that targets don't move in just one axis, Ed. What about those of us freezing our butts off observing at the South Pole? :)

I'm sure a lot of people have a 12.5" Obsession !!

Dang it Ed. Everytime I watch one of your videos I want to spend money. Waiting for my dream deal on a used 16" sonotube.

@taraswertelecki9586

2 жыл бұрын

You'll be happier with 6061 aluminum tubing and Baltic Birch plywood.

Vintage questar scope

If you ever get a chance to look through a TEC 140 or 160 I would love to see that comparison to the mighty APs and a Rob Teeter large dob compared to the venerable Starmaster. I've got both on order. 10 to 15 month wait on them.

U should review a new moon telescopes 36 or 50 inch dob XD 🤣😳

What is difference (visual) between this Obsession and Orion xx12i?

@georgewashington7444

9 ай бұрын

Craftsmanship for one and superior optics. For general DSO observation differences are subtle but noticeable.

Do they they import to India. Btw great video

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

That's a good question. You can ask them. Be prepared for sticker shock, these things are huge. On the other hand, that guy in Australia managed to get them down there.

I wish I had never sold my Portaball 12.5”

wow Ed, that book for building a dob costs a fortune.. £138.00 in the uk from a well known online superstore

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, sadly the publisher went under a few months ago. Many of their books are now collector's items. We are hoping someone will revive the brand.

Where can I get this

@edting

2 жыл бұрын

Obsession sells direct. The 12.5" Classic has been discontinued. See my review of the newer 15" UC elsewhere on this channel. If you really want the 12.5" check out the classifieds at Astromart or the Cloudy Nights Classifieds. If you don't mind a Chinese-sourced product check out the Orion X series, or the Sky-Watchers.

Wouldn't large mirror making be more akin to an exact science as opposed to an art, due to the high precision and exact shapes? Art reminds me more of artistic freedom and hand crafted imperfections.

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, good question. Machine made mirrors are getting very good these days. But the final figuring in the last grit stages is still best done by hand. Reading the foucault test and the resulting final corrective strokes are done by a human. Watching a good mirror maker work is a thing of beauty. I made one mirror in my life, and I won't be doing it again. I don't possess the patience or temperament for it.

@aemrt5745

3 жыл бұрын

In the recent past, I worked as a Tool Design Engineer, and worked with tool makers that had incredible skill. I was amazed at how important their hand crafting skills came into play, even when using modern, computetized machinery. The human factor was especially needed when it came to creating precision tooling. Listening to them and seeing how they fabricated my designs made me a better engineer by adding applied manufacturing to my learned theory.

i thought the title was about your obsession with 12 inch telescopes

@danycosta970

3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣Good one !!!🤣🤣🤣

3:50 - Isn't that diagram just magnifying M13 slightly more with each bump in aperture?

@danycosta970

3 жыл бұрын

He did say, "simulation."

@Mandragara

3 жыл бұрын

@@danycosta970 Hmm, I'm not sure about how I feel about that "simulation". I feel they could do a more apples-to-apples one.

@darkwood777

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, that is a bad simulation.

@louisxiiii

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, that is one fo the effects of going to a larger (longer) telescope - for a given eyepiece, the magnification will increase. I don't know that the simulation is showing an exact simulation of the view through each with the same eyepiece or not. But the stars do get brighter, which is shown in the simulation too.

@Mandragara

3 жыл бұрын

@@louisxiiii I agree but I think they should have held the magnfication constant. Also do the stars get brighter? To my eyes in the picture it just gets more magnified

They have cancelled production of the Classic (as in your picture). Now you can only buy the low profile metal versions. RIP Classic.

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that, Dave!

@aemrt5745

3 жыл бұрын

Unless you have inside information, that appears to be incorrect. Their website lists the 12.5, 15, 18, 20 and 25 inch Classics as available for purchase.

@cdavidhord

3 жыл бұрын

@Aeromarmot I just got an email from Dave K (owner) that they discontinued them as there was more demand for the UC versions. I think the classic look premium and are made well. The UC version are much more portable and I’m sure are well made though look not premium. I was thinking of ordering a classic and requested a DVD and got the response this morning. The website has not been updated.

@aemrt5745

3 жыл бұрын

@@cdavidhord Dang. I was hoping you were wrong. That is unfortunate news. I was planning on buying a classic 18in in a few years.

@SodaAnt7

3 жыл бұрын

I can confirm this too. Got an email from the owner saying the Classic line has been discontinued in favor of the UC. That was weeks ago and the website still hasn’t been updated. That’s too bad because I was planning on buying a Classic this year. I suppose the market has spoken and people want the lightest and most compact scope possible so they can stuff it into their compact car. My use case is different-mine will sit in the garage and be wheeled out 10 feet to my observing slab, so I’d prefer the rigidity and looks of the Classic over the UC. :-( I guess I’m back to looking at other makers of premium Dobs that still build models like the Classic.

Skywatcher is cheaper and i think basically the same but other truss system xd

Ed Ting is the Astronomical Pope

@edting

3 жыл бұрын

Oh my! Thanks!

@RSTI191

3 жыл бұрын

@@edting No, thank you. Do you have any idea how many of us you have introduced to the Heavens? A friend Daniel Mounsey introduced me to your reviews about 15 years ago. Been following you since... =)

Bill the Sky Guy in Hilton Head has an 18 inch Obsession. I was fortunate enough to be down there during the Mars opposition and seeing it through his scope in their dark Sky, and it was breathtaking. Wonderful instruments. Billtheskyguy.com. Check out his Astroblog-fun and educational.

Donate any telescope to me. I dont have the means. Dreaming since the past 6 years to get 1. With love and respect from India 🇮🇳 ❤️

36IN JESUS CHRIST how do you need that? What do you need to see that you need that for?

@aemrt5745

3 жыл бұрын

I looked thru a 25 in at GSSP and the views were breath taking. Saw the Whirlpool galaxy and M13. They looked like Hubble images. I totally understand why someone would want a 36in.

@myfishingadventures1509

3 жыл бұрын

@@aemrt5745 oh wow do you can see basically see anything

@aemrt5745

3 жыл бұрын

@@myfishingadventures1509 Not exactly. You will see things that cannot be seen with smaller instruments. For things visible with smaller scopes, they will appear brighter and with greater detail.

Not for me.