First telescope confusion??

[FlyingComet]

I recently got into amateur astronomy and got my first binoculars (Celestron 15x70) and i am planning to buy my first telescope in around one months time when the summer is good and the skies are clear

I want to buy a dobsonian and I have narrowed down 2 of them :
- Orion skyquest xt6/xt8
- Zhumell z8

I have heard that a Z10 is also a very good purchase but its more expensive as compared to the Z8..

What do you think should i get as my first scope ? which one is better...

Thanks in advance.

[wintermute]

Where do you intend on observing? How much storage is available in your home and vehicle? Are you able to easily lift and carry 60 lbs?

[FlyingComet]

Where do you intend on observing? How much storage is available in your home and vehicle? Are you able to easily lift and carry 60 lbs?

well i would say i have a good amount of storage in my house but i have a standard sedan car .. i know i need to do more research on the weight and size of the dobs before i go into quality. Storage at home wouldn't be a problem but transport might be.

What is the general dimenstions of a Z8 as compared to Z10 and xt6 ?

Thanks.

[wintermute]

Here's some specs I found.

Z10:

Total height: 55 inches
OTA length: 48 inches
Base height: 25 inches
Base diameter: 22 inches
Weight: 60 lbs

Z8:
Overall Height = 51 1/2 inches
OTA = 45 1/4 inches
Base Height = 26 3/4 inches
Base Dia. = 19 1/2 inches
Weight: 54 lbs

XT6:
Maximum Height Overall: 50 Inches (with lens cover)
Maximum Height to The Eyepiece: 45 inches
Length of Optical Tube Assembly: 45 inches (with lens cover)
O.A. Diameter of Optical Tube Front Cell: 7.2 inches
Weight of Optical Tube Assembly: 13 lbs
Weight of Carriage: 24 lbs

[roverich]

Hi Comet ..If transportation space is at a minimum You could also take a look at the collapsable truss dobsonian scopes ...

[FlyingComet]

@wintermute : Thank you for posting the dimensions and values, i would say i should go for a Z8 or an xt8. I have a medium size car so i am sure transport shouldn't be a problem.. is it ?

@roverich : I am also looking at my budget and a Z8 or a xt8 fits well money wise.. i am not sure how much the collapsable dobs cost though.

I am planning to become a memeber of our local astronomy association and look at dobs which other people have. That would help me deciding .. looking at the actual size.

[TCA]

I have the XT8 and love it, IMHO it's a sweet spot for large aperture for cheap and portability. The Zhummels might come with more goodies and I imagine they (Z8/XT8) are both Synta manufactured and therefore nearly identical in performance.

[jimt]

Long story short, you cant miss with either of those scopes. It just boils down to which size is going to fit your needs the most. Either way you will have a great telescope. Good luck with your decision and clear skies.

Jim

[FlyingComet]

Thanks all for the replies, I still have some to research and will choose the best once I get well versed with the sky