Holy moly! Orion now has 36", 40" and 50" Dobs!

[redshifter]

Wow! A bit out of my budget though...http://www.telescope.com/control/dob...ian-telescopes

[RickJ]

Looks like the two largest are out of their budget as well. No picture! Email I got shows a guy beside the 36" but nothing about the larger ones nor does the web site. Shades of my Cave 10" f/5. When I ordered that Cave listed it in their catalog but no picture. The month after I got delivery of it there was a picture in their catalog. It was my scope. Apparently the first they ever made! I know it was mine as I had a couple special order features not in the catalog but Tom Cave agreed to. One was in the picture as were the mounting holes for the other. it's still my main scope but unrecognizable today as only the Parks tube and 8x50 finder remain unchanged. Looks like Orion is waiting someone to order the larger ones before even building one.

We have one 30" Obsession in our club. Being atop that ladder at night on soggy ground with legs sinking in at different rates is a real good way to lose interest in a fantastic view. Maybe when I was 20 and immortal but I really don't find the view worth it any more. Apparently he doesn't either as he rarely gets it out any more.

Still the view of low objects I can see when only a foot or two off the ground and my knees not shaking like crazy are fantastic. Color in the horsehead! The red and blues of M1. Just like my CCD images! A scope that really does deliver those dime store telescope pictures on the box.

As you say, a bit beyond the budget! Finally some scopes my wife doesn't have to worry about me considering buying and blowing the budget.

Most of the houses around here go for less than the 50", many are priced below the 40" as well. 2 bedroom telescope?

Rick

[Buttercup]

Wow! :surprised

I'll bet they're a bit of a pain to handle, though. Lately I'm preferring to star gaze (unaided eye) and just look at swell pics on the 'net.

[skintigh]

Once I become a millionaire I'll get some of those and set them to take pictures all night so I can discover new things to name after myself.

[iniaes]

Says that the 50" mirror weight around 500lb (and you have to pay the postage for it!) so I would guess at the minumum you would have to install it and have a rolloff roof for it, or a forklift in your back garden. . . .

[Siguy]

This is a bit of a deviation from the market Orion's filled to this point, isn't it?

I like this disclaimer:

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

"Alright, Billy, looks like you're going to have to wait until your 13th birthday to get that $123,000 telescope."
"But Ma, I want it now!"

[RickJ]

How about a binocular version of that 50"? Only $246,000!

We have a club member with a 30" Obsession, he uses a huge trailer and has the scope mounted on a huge wheely type device. Rolls it down a very long ramp so the angle is slight then sets up a 16' ladder to reach the eyepiece. Probably would need an electric "wheely" for the 50". Delivery was his driving to the factory with the trailer and picking it up and driving home.

Rick

[mahesh]

Oh, what fun!

I'd rather like that two-bedroom telescope, MrJ!

Perhaps you should copyright the phrase. Excellent
I love your sense of humour too