Question 1

Is this scope good for planetary viewing or is it just a wide-field instrument?

Accepted Answer

Members consistently report excellent planetary performance despite the f/5 ratio. Users regularly achieve sharp views at 150–200× magnification on Jupiter and Saturn, with some pushing to 280× under excellent seeing conditions. The 33% central obstruction is slightly better than a 6-inch SCT, and coma is described as negligible in the eyepiece.

Question 2

What eyepieces should I use, and will a 2-inch focuser be worthwhile?

Accepted Answer

A 2-inch focuser works well if your pupils are dark-adapted and you avoid eyepieces larger than 24–28mm to prevent secondary mirror shadow at low magnification. For most viewing, 1.25-inch eyepieces like a 25mm Plossl, 24mm Panoptic, or 8mm Nagler with a 2× Barlow provide excellent results. Wide-field eyepieces (68–82°) in the 20–24mm range offer the best balance of field of view and usable exit pupils.

Question 3

Does the included red dot finder work, or should I upgrade to a Telrad or Quickfinder?

Accepted Answer

The red dot finder works adequately for beginners with practice, though some users find it can be adjusted too bright. A Rigel Quickfinder is recommended as a better option for this scope size, while a Telrad is considered too large and heavy for the tube. Members suggest practicing in daylight and dimming the finder's brightness to avoid washing out faint guide stars.

Question 4

How quickly does it cool down, and is temperature control an issue?

Accepted Answer

Members report rapid cooldown in 30–45 minutes from room temperature, making it ideal for winter observing. Some users install a small fan behind the primary mirror to further reduce thermal effects and improve contrast. The metal tube can introduce tube currents, but the f/5 ratio and short focal length mean thermals are less critical than in longer focal-ratio instruments.

Question 5

Can I improve the optics and design after purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes—members routinely enhance these scopes by flocking the tube interior, adding a dew shield, refiguring the mirror, upgrading the focuser to a Crayford, and replacing the secondary mirror for lower obstruction. Several users report that even stock mirrors are decent quality, though some arrive with slight pinched optics that resolve after reseating. The short tube and accessible design make these modifications straightforward.

Question 6

Is the tabletop design (table dobsonian) practical for regular use, or should I get a full-height dobsonian instead?

Accepted Answer

The tabletop design requires standing on a chair, table, or vehicle hood to view comfortably, which is awkward and limits portability. A full-height 8-inch dobsonian at f/8 costs about the same, offers more aperture with simpler eyepieces, and eliminates the positioning hassle. Members strongly recommend the full-height dobsonian unless weight and transport are absolute constraints, though some beginners accept the tabletop trade-off for extreme portability.

Aperture	150mm
Focal Length	750mm
Focal Ratio	f/5
Optical Design	Newtonian Reflector
Coatings	Parabolic primary mirror, fully coated

Mount Type	Equatorial
GoTo (Computerised)	No
Tracking	No

Focuser Size	2"
Focuser Type	Dual-speed Crayford (2" with 1.25" adapter)

OTA Weight	5kg
Total Weight (with mount)	13.5kg
Tube Length	670mm
Tube Material	Steel

Eyepieces	25mm and 10mm eyepieces
Finder Scope	8x50 optical finder
Diagonal	No

Bresser Messier N-150/750

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