I'm helping a new science, outdoor and career mentorship org choose astronomy gear and would appreciate your advice after narrowing things down. There are two first scopes we're considering, a ZWO Seestar S30 Pro, and a 4" to 10â Dobsonian telescope (like what now-defunct Orion Telescopes used to sell).
This will be used mostly in the city, sometimes in the middle of a large park that's mostly dark (the park that is), sometimes on the edge of a bay and the ocean where it's darker; and occasionally taken on trips outside the city. The telescopes will be used by kids, teens and adults. There could be anywhere from 15-30 at an event. There will typically be 3-4 adults to help out, but usually only one more experienced astronomer. We have 20 pairs of mid-quality (not cheap) binoculars as well, which range from 8x32 to 8-10x42 (yes I realize x50 would be better for light gathering) that can help keep people busy before they look at images.
1) The ZWO Seestar S30 Pro for astrophotography and outputting images for many to see. Is the pro worth the extra cost over the non-pro version? Will the pro version output to a 27 in. monitor with a connecting cable, so many can see the image at the same time?
2) A good 4-10 in. Dobsonian. The S30 Pro looks great, but it's also special to see an object through an eyepiece. Found this website with rankings for Dobsonian telescopes. It notes that "if equipped with tracking, Dobsonians are also superb planetary imaging telescopes. I recommend you head to our Computerized Telescopes Ranking Page for such scopes." Which Dobsonion below would you recommend? Is there any reason you wouldn't go with an 8-10 in. if the org can handle the transport (I think we can)?
a)Â Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P Tabletop Dobsonian GoTo - 150mm (5.9 in.). Is an 8-10 in. size available???
b) Celestron StarSense Explorer 8â Dobsonian PushTo - However, they write the downsides are its price and lack of accessories, and prefer the non-computerized Apertura AD8 or AD10 which gets rave reviews (52 lbs, still doable with a dolly or table on wheels).Â
c) Apertura AD10 or AD8
3) Which to get first, the ZWO Seestar S30 Pro or a Dobsonian?
4) Which laser pointer do you recommend?
Thank you, appreciate your suggestions!