I have been using Portaballs (8-inch and 12.5-inch) for more than 10 years. These telescopes have served me well, being very compact, relatively lightweight and extremely convenient to use.
I'm, however, interested in getting a larger aperture scope, maybe 16 - 18 inches. Since local observing conditions are far from perfect I need an instrument I can take with me by plane.
There is one interesting option on the European market, the 16-inch Traveldob (www.traveldob.de). It is constructed specially in order to facilitate transport by air. The total weight is 17kg and can be collapsed to a very small package. I assume, though, that this means sacrificing some stability. The drawback is the price which is 5350 Euros and a delivery time of a year or so.
I have also noticed the Ultra Compact versions of the Obsession telescopes. I'm not sure about if these scopes can be taken along as air luggage. I assume they are more stable than the German Traveldob, but even these scopes cost quite a lot.
Are there other options available today? Is there anybody around building compact Dobsonians? Any new smart solutions?
I'm, however, interested in getting a larger aperture scope, maybe 16 - 18 inches. Since local observing conditions are far from perfect I need an instrument I can take with me by plane.
There is one interesting option on the European market, the 16-inch Traveldob (www.traveldob.de). It is constructed specially in order to facilitate transport by air. The total weight is 17kg and can be collapsed to a very small package. I assume, though, that this means sacrificing some stability. The drawback is the price which is 5350 Euros and a delivery time of a year or so.
I have also noticed the Ultra Compact versions of the Obsession telescopes. I'm not sure about if these scopes can be taken along as air luggage. I assume they are more stable than the German Traveldob, but even these scopes cost quite a lot.
Are there other options available today? Is there anybody around building compact Dobsonians? Any new smart solutions?
