1 scope vs 3 scopes

I am sure many have contemplated which scope(s) would make an ideal lineup so I thought I would post to get some opinions about a change I have been thinking of making. I currently have a nice lineup that includes a SV105 (tmb triplet), C8 and a C9.25. I have been thinking of selling all 3 and getting an FS-128 or a TMB130. The SV105 is a great scope and gives wonderful views of the brighter objects and does very well on lunar viewing. It gives very pleasing views of the planets but does not reveal as much detail as the C9.25. The C9.25 is a very nice scope that goes deeper than the SV105 and shows more planet detail but not as asthetically pleasing most of the time compared to the SV105. The C8 is a bit of a smaller version of the C9.25 but doesn't do as well on deep sky or the planets but is easier to setup so I use it a lot. I live in light polluted metro Detroit and observe mostly lunar, planets, open clusters and double stars. I think a 5" apo would be very nice and will welcome any thoughts about consolidating from what I have to either the TMB or Tak 5" apo.
Thanks.

Dave Adams

Dave
I agree with your first thought. For my visual use, I have an FS-128 and a 9.25 Celestron. The 5" APO is the most used. The FS-128 is not a heavy scope and I find it easy to set up. I've got an alt-az mount for quick looks and a G5-ASGT GEM for longer sessions.

Let me qualify that most of my viewing is from the city and includes planets and brighter deep space objects.

Let us know your decision.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

Dave: A few thoughts here...

I do most of my observing from my light polluted backyard in San Diego but I also do get out a few times a month to the dark skies of the mountains.

Someone suggested a good sized refractor and a larger DOB, something that makes sense to me.

If I want to play with the faint fuzzies, aperture is my best friend in fighting light pollution. The views are not always the greatest but it is surprising what I can see with a 12.5 inch or 16 inch scope, not only on brighter targets like globular and open clusters but also galaxies as well.

And when I head for the mountains, well, it is where such scopes really shine.

So, I just don't see limiting oneself to a single, relatively small telescope. Even a commercial 12 inch DOB would be nice compliment to a good sized refractor.

Jon

David,

I have read great things about the TEC140 and it is somewhat of a dream scope for me. I was thinking the FS-128 as they seem to go for $3-3.5K on Astromart so I could save a few $$$. I am learning to appreciate seeing the brighter objects and am getting more fun out of really good images even if they are not as bright.

Dave

Whoa, David. Your post hits close to home. Seems like we've been traveling the same path.

For me: a TV102 plus a C9.25 plus an 8" Discovery Dob plus looking at FS128s equaled Conclusion: Time to stop throwing money at this hobby.

If the three already in the barn don't add up to near perfection then one (or even one additional) probably won't either.
FWIW
Bob (Learning to be content with what I have)

As Sue French and Ron Bee have clearly demonstrated, you can spend a lifetime of viewing with a good 4” refractor, which is at the upper level of portability. So you may want to think about keeping the SV105. A good compliment to that would be a 10” or 12” Dob, which would give you more objective than the Schmidt-Cassegrains you have and you might have enough money left over for accessories.