10" or 12" sanity check

I'm just learning the night sky and looking for a little friendly advice. I'm okay at star hopping so far, but my area has significant light pollution and it makes it tough and frustrating for a rookie to find dimmer objects. So I'm looking to upgrade to an Orion 10/12" dob with an object locator which will help me find the deep sky objects. My question revolves around which is right for me.

I know aperture rules, and I'm not overly concerned about the somewhat significant cost difference. I live in a fairly light polluted area, but I do have access to some darker skies if I'm willing to drive. However, I don't know how likely I am to transport a 12" dob that won't fit in my car all that way and carry it out to the fields (although I am reasonable fit). So am I likely to see more with a 10" dob in relatively little light pollution or a 12" dob in heavier light pollution? Would more time under darker skies or an additional 2" of aperture benefit me most? Can 2" of aperture make up for light pollution in any meaningful way?

To tell the truth I'm leaning towards the 10" right now for portability reasons. My thinking is I can always upgrade to a 16" or larger truss dob after I learn the sky a lot better a couple years down the road. I'd still be able to use the 10" as a larger grab-and-go and pull out big one when I want to do some serious work. Is my thinking here sound? I'd appreciate any council on this matter that you are willing to give me.

To tell the truth I'm leaning towards the 10" right now for portability reasons. My thinking is I can always upgrade to a 16" or larger truss dob after I learn the sky a lot better a couple years down the road. I'd still be able to use the 10" as a larger grab-and-go and pull out big one when I want to do some serious work. Is my thinking here sound? I'd appreciate any council on this matter that you are willing to give me.

Jeff: From my point of view, your thinking is very sound. A 10 inch DOB is a potent scope, there is plenty to see and it really is much easier to move around and transport than the 12 inch F/5. I imagine with some creativity, you could fit the 12 inch in your car, it would be a hassle and an impediment to observing.

My collection includes a fair number of DOBs including a 10 inch F/5, at 12.5 inch F/4.06 and a 16 inch F/4.42, the later two are truss types. The 10 inch F/5 does get a lot of use as a backyard "grab and go" and even makes it's fair share of trips to the mountains. From my point of view, the difference between a 10 inch and a 12.5 inch is noticeable but not huge, most everything one sees in a 12.5 inch is visible in a 10 inch. The 10 inch F/5 is a good planetary/double star scope as well as a good DSO scope.

I consider the 10 inch to be a "sweet spot", potent yet manageable, it's a good choice.

jon

The telescope that you will use the most - at home or away from the city - is the right size for you. From what I've read - it sounds like the 10" is just right so go for it!

Good Luck,