Orion's New 50-inch Dobsonian

Anyone thinking about this? I have always been impressed about the "savyness" of orion for linking with other brands (vixen, celestron, etc) but this is MAYBE too big for the amateur market? On the other hand, I would seriously consider a Celestron C20 or a Parks H.I.T scope on the secondary market, so maybe this ends up selling??

At the moment it is still vaporware. Time will tell if someone actually orders one. If Orion does make a 50", I sure hope some ambitious soul will bring it to a convention and folks will get to see it.

Me, I'm holding out for a 72".

In reality, I think something in the 25" to 30" range makes a lot more sense. The 28" StarStructure is certainly quite manageable and provides fine views. I note the eyepiece height of the Orion 50" is about 16 feet at the zenith. I don't think I'd want to climb a 20 foot step ladder in the dark.

Clear skies, Alan

I thought about it. I'd say it's pretty bold of them. Did you see how tall it is?
Did you see how heavy it is? these will not likely travel much. Unless someone is considering an observatory placement I'd be surprised if these sell at all.
I think Webster's F3.6 scopes are much more practical for "large" & "portable".
And did you see the price? Orion sure is proud of these, a .9m for $50K and $80K for a 1m. wow, outa my league. But their management must think there's a market for them though. I hope they sell some.

Clear Skies
Leif

I agree that it's bold of Orion to try this. I also agree that they won't sell many to individual astronomers. I hope that some astronomy clubs purchase a few. That's where the market is, I think.

I've climbed 12 or 14 feet up in the dark to see through a big scope. The view was worth it.