I want to upgrade from my current 8" SCT and can't make up my mind whether to go with the 9.25" GPS or 11" GPS. I've heard that the optics on the 9.25 can't be beat, but the extra light gathering of the 11 is tempting. I will use this scope for visual now, maybe someday CCD imaging. I am leaning toward the 9.25 if it will give a significant boost in performance over the 8". I've also heard the 9.25 performs better when the seeing is poor. Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
Celestron 9.25" GPS vs Celestron 11" GPS
Started by agowarp, 08/13/2003 04:40PM
Posted 08/13/2003 04:40PM
Opening Post
Posted 08/13/2003 04:49PM
#1
Hello there!
IMHO, a 1.25" increase in aperture won't be as impressive as a 3" change... no matter how you look at it.
Yes, the 9.25" has a very good reputation, but being that you are jumping from an 8", I don't think you'll GAIN too much in the change...
IF I were you, I would not hesitate to go for the 11", I'm sure you'll like it!
*NOTE:
I suppose YOU are fully aware that the 11" will be bigger, heavier and more expensive than the 9.25".
Good luck!
Ivan
IMHO, a 1.25" increase in aperture won't be as impressive as a 3" change... no matter how you look at it.
Yes, the 9.25" has a very good reputation, but being that you are jumping from an 8", I don't think you'll GAIN too much in the change...
IF I were you, I would not hesitate to go for the 11", I'm sure you'll like it!
*NOTE:
I suppose YOU are fully aware that the 11" will be bigger, heavier and more expensive than the 9.25".
Good luck!
Ivan
Ivan Gastaldo 8)
Coconut Creek, FL
Ivan's Observatory
Lat 26N 16' 48" Long 80W 10' 48"
[COLOR="Red"]Personal Website:[/COLOR] http://www.ivangastaldo.com
CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky - Moderator
I like to complain about everything - Moderator
Posted 08/13/2003 05:00PM
#2
I was in the same dilema. Went w/ the C9.25. I had a 12.5 PDHQ from Discovery and I can barely tell the difference in brightness when looking at clusters and galaxies. However, nebula was better in the 12.5". The contrast and sharpness are excellent in the 9.25, and lightweight w/ the carbon fiber model. Best SCT I've looked through less than 11".
Rob
Rob
Posted 08/13/2003 07:44PM
#3
Allen,
I own a 9.25 and agree with most of what has been said but I question your statement about the 9.25 performing better when seeing is poor. Better than what? Most reflectors and especially SCT's don't do well in poor seeing conditions as compared to say, a refractor. That's why I use a refractor when seeing is poor. I can not speak from experience because I have never looked through an 11". I suspect when seeing is poor the 11" will simply provide greater resolution of what is already a bad image.
I own a 9.25 and agree with most of what has been said but I question your statement about the 9.25 performing better when seeing is poor. Better than what? Most reflectors and especially SCT's don't do well in poor seeing conditions as compared to say, a refractor. That's why I use a refractor when seeing is poor. I can not speak from experience because I have never looked through an 11". I suspect when seeing is poor the 11" will simply provide greater resolution of what is already a bad image.
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