🚀 go-pugleaf

I guess I'll ad my $0.02 in.  As far as bang for the buck, the
dobsonian can't be beat.  I would reccomend buying the components
and building it yourself, however.  The earlier Odessey's were great
telescopes.  Recent models, however, leave a little bit to be
desired.  A friend of mine bought one last year.  The telescope
came with the mirror duct taped to a round block of wood with
a hose clamp tightened around the mirror so that the duct tape
would not loose it's grip.  This was the primary mirror mount.  
Needless to say, this is NOT the best way to mount a mirror.
Also, the focuser consisted of a plumbing fitting that you stuck
an eyepiece into.  Focusing was a GREAT pain.

After buying a rack and pinion focuser and a primary mirror mount,
the telescope worked great.  For the money, the optics are a good
buy.  You will have to spend some extra money on the Odessey telescope
to make it usable.  Older Odesseys have good mirror mounts and 
real focusers.  

I don't have any expierence with the other company that you mentioned.


Whatever telescope you end up with, I highly reccomend the Telrad.
I consider this the best product to come along in amateur astronomy
since I started taking notice.  I have one on my dob and I can
find objects in seconds where my comrads are taking several
minutes.

Clear skies...


			-Matt Neely
			neely@iowasp.physics.uiowa.edu