Quote:
Originally Posted by fireant911
Although I saw conflicting information in my searching, is the primary difference in a Dobsonian and Newtonian type system simply in the type of base?
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Yes. A Dobsonian is a Newtonian telescope with a particularly simple base. Technically, a "Newtonian" telescope simply describes the use of mirrors instead of lenses, but more generally describes the long tube with a mirror at the bottom, an angled mirror at the top, and the light travels 2 ways through the tube.
John Dobson created the mount as a way to get the largest number of telescopes out to the largest number of locations for the largest number of people to use:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dobson_(amateur_astronomer)
A dob requires that you spend time wandering the sky a bit, using maps and notes to find things. More like using a paper map and a compass to drive across country. The equatorial mount, with drives and setting circles and such, are more like using a GPS to get you there. You still find the same town, but one journey requires some exploring and brains, while the other journey just hands you the final result.
Dobs allow you to set up a telescope in 5 minutes, equatorial mounts require setting them up, adding pieces and parts, bolting things together, aligning the whole thing, you might be 30 minutes in before you actually look through an eyepiece.
The 6 inch Orion is a fine choice. I am a hardcore Amazon fan, but you might consider buying from Orion directly, the price will be close to the same, and they will send you lots of brochures/catalogs/info that will help you know what's the next few things to buy. Telescopes are like 911s, you need to keep adding pieces and parts on to customize them as you get more advanced.
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars: Official Site - Telescope.com