Funny Telescope Comparisons

I love the forums and come here all the time. However, sometimes I can't help but chuckle. This post is not intended as a flame to any of the previous posts but sometimes I have to wonder what the point of some of the comparisons are?

You see somebody write about a 4" refractor this vs. a 8" Dob that and everybody gets all bent out of shape defending "their" scope or "their" opinion. Comparing a 4" refractor and a 8" Dob is like comparing night and day, or a 8" SCT with a 16" RC, or Mt. Palomar with the Keck. All are so different that I can't see how you can objectively do an accurate comparison. In fact, if looked at objectively, sometimes the comparison shouldn't even be made at all. Different designs parameters, cost, aperture, and a million other factors are involved. Then you have to take into account that different seeing conditions will effect the performance based on each scopes unique characteristics. One scope preforming well on one night might not do the same on another night. I think everyone gets the point.

Of course, this is a forum for equipment talk and far be it from me to suggest that people stop the comparisons. In fact, everyone needs to smile now and then. However, people should govern their passions with a little bit of reality.

Paul Atkinson
AstroProProducts

Paul,

I enjoy the posts as well and agree with you 100%. Well said.

Rob

I read Ron's review and made a few tangential comments elsewhere, so I skipped the thread here, though I gather from the number of posts and posts like this that the predictable did in fact occur.

I think for Ron the comparison was natural and appropriate, but I also did not think it was intended as a comparison per se, rather as a chronical of Ron's experience with the new scope using his familiar refractor as a frame of reference. The title was just meant to be provocative.
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Mike