C11 or C9.25

Okay I have decided to simplify my telescopes. I currently have a 16" meade starfinder, a C8, ETX 90 and a 90mm f/15 vixen. I think the 16" doesn't see enough use in Chicago (where I live) to justify keeping it and am going to relocate it to a good home under dark skies that will do it justice. I have a really nice binoviewer setup and this is my favorite way to observe. I am thinking if I sell the 16" and the C8 I could scrape togethor enough cash for either a C11 GPS or a C9.25.

Now as this will be my primary scope it needs to serve the function of the C8 - ie be easy and quick to setup and light though I can carry it, however I can carry a 12" LX200 assembled so I'm pretty sure I could handle the C11 as well. (I carry the 16" alone and its like 200 pounds - am 21)

So I guess its a question of - 1) the C9.25 reportedly has better optics and most of my time is spent binoviewing planets...

The extra aperture of the C11 would be nice to help brighten the binoviewer.

What do you all think? I've heard of people going from the 9.25 to 11 and then back because the 9.25 was better.

Hi Brooks...

Are you just talking about the OTA??? Or the Whole package.

If I had to do it all over again.. I would be really tempted
to get the NexStar 11GPS ... Back when I got my C9.25 on a
Losmandy G-11 mount, this choice was not available...


Really tempting thou...

I have very limited binoviewer experience so cannot comment on which one would "work" better. I would think since you are "splitting" the available light via the binoviewer, the larger C11 would give a brighter image.


Rod of SCT fame speaks highly of the Nexstar C11.

http://members.aol.com/RMOLLISE/index.html


TonyF

I'm also curious as to what people think here, and am
trying to decide between the two. I know that 11GPS has
been getting really good reviews, BUT on scopereviews.com,
Ed Ting puts the C11 tube in the 3) (recommended) category,
and the 9.25 in the 4) (highly recommended) category.

So, has celestron improved the optics on the 11 inch? Or
does the aperture advantage more than make up for the
'better' optics in the 9.25?

By the way Woodland Camera has a $100 off deal on these
scopes through Oct 26th (or 28th?)- plus shipping was
only $55 for the 9.25GPS. Seems like the best price
I've seen.

-bill