Almost ready to pull the trigger!

[xphile]

First off I would like to say that I really appreciate these forums. Everyone is real helpful and quick to answer questions. I look forward to not only getting advice, but hopefully someday getting enough experience to be of some help to others! As I related in my intro post, I am getting back into AA after many years. I have only owned a cheap refractor(a long time ago), and after perusing the Astronomy Forum for a while I have decided on an Orion XT8i. I currently am not going to pursue astrophotography (not yet, at least) and I have more interest in DSOs.Those are my main reasons for going with a DOB. I am trying to walk that fine line between aperture and portability, and figure that I could handle the weight of this scope. I was originally thinking about getting an Ultrablock narrowband filter, but have decided not to based on previous recommendations made to noobs like me. There are a couple of accessories that I am still thinking about getting, and would like opinions on them. First is a 13% moon filter. That seems like a pretty standard thing to purchase.? The second is the carrying case for the XT8i made by Orion. Does anybody have an opinion of these? Are there alternatives that you might recommend? I plan of taking this scope along on camping trips, so that is the reason for the case. I know that the base does not go in the bag, but I will transport it some other way. I am more worried about the OTA. One other thing that I am looking at getting is an observing chair. I was looking at the Astro Chair , but wanted to see if anyone has another idea. Being 6ft 245lbs the Astro chair should hold me up ok!

So that is my plan. I look forward to any comments.

Thanks!

X

[OleCuss]

Good choice for a telescope. I don't claim to know about the case.

Moon filter is a good idea.

The chair is an excellent way to spend your money. A lot of different ways to go. Ray's Astro Chair is a bit flimsy but works OK (I got one). Given a do-over I'd probably fork over the extra dough to get the Stardust chair. Don't forget, however, that you can make a Lybar chair. For that matter, lots of people have made Denver chairs and the like.

BTW, the AstroChair is a "Jumbo Hobby Chair" or something like that. He's just selling it as an astronomy chair - it's not purpose built for that. Even though I think I'd be happier with the Stardust, I'm also not throwing mine away - I figure I'll get several years out of it and then make or get something else. For that matter, I've already made a couple of Lybars and they're probably going to get as much use as the AstroChair.

FWIW.

[samgray1]

I looked at this chair in the San Diego Scope City store and it looked and felt like it was well built, yet it was small enough to easily transport. I didn't buy it because I have a Denver chair that my son built for me.

Black Adjustable Observing Chair by Starbound

[ioflying]

Hi & congrats on the new scope decision

In regards to the chair.... I dont know if your handy with tools but...I have seen some really nice plans online for free when googling astronomy observation chair.

Good Luck

[GRB1984]

Good choice, thats a nice scope! A good chair is important, get something both comfy and sturdy. I just use a small step ladder.

[TCA]

Love my XT8. It will keep you busy for a long time.

I own the carrying case. Unless you want to carry it around like a duffel bag you can go without it and save the money for something else. Not worth the $70+ IMO, but I didn't know any better at the time. You can always use an old sleeping bag or comforter for basic backseat transport.

Get the variable polarizing moon filter instead of the 13%.

[jenniferchristine]

I'd get a dentist's chair to mount it on - then you can lie back and enjoy the views and spin to whatever angle you need - they can be a bit pricey though so look in the Dentist's 2nd hand Apparatus for Sale column of your local paper....
LOL

[deaman49]

I like the Dentist Chair idea. Maybe a Hair Stylist Chair could do the same thing. Good scope choice.

Lee

[xphile]

Thanks to everyone on their input.... I will definitely give a first light report when I get it!


X

[Maverick199]

I second TCA's choice of a Polarizing filter rather than a 13% moon filter which will hardly be useful against a Full moon.
A Chair is needed for comfortable viewing. You can also try to find a 'Bar stool" the one which has the up/down lever, very comfy and sleek.
Later on you it would help to add a Telrad, just in case.