Dan Huang said:
I'm looking for a super portable premium truss tube dob that is airline portable or close to it, and preferably on the lighter side (~30lbs). I assume this maxes me out at 6 to 8 inches or so. Just browsing the web, I see things I like, e.g. Custom Telescopes by Plettstone and Infinity Scopes, but these dealers are no longer making scopes. I basically want a no hassle, quick setup scope that'll give me decent DSO views. Thank you for any input you can give me.
Budget = < $4000
Dan, are you sure Michelle is no longer making her Plettstone telescopes, or did you just mean of that size?
At any rate, Starmaster Telescopes has apparently one more Versa series 8 inch telescope that is capable of being broken down to be carried on a plane, at a 20% discount, as they are discontinuing that line of scopes. It is likely that Rick Singmaster is traveling to some star parties this weekend, but you may want to check that out as it is within your budget. You may be able to find a used Versa here on Astromart as well.
I have an 8 inch travel truss dob, and while it is not ultra light, it works as checked baggage, and has gone to several star parties. A small scope under very dark skies is fun to use.
Bill Jensen
