Hubble UL16

Ok. We have all seen and read the 2 or 3 reviews on this scope. I'm about to take the plunge and would be interested to hear any final and additional opinions on the rig. I've owned the following: Tasco 60MM refractor (yeah, I know, had to get something for Haley in 1986...), Meade 8"SCT, Celestron 9 1/2 Equatorial, 11" CPC, and now am ready to go BIG.
Yes, I've had a few scopes. I need more aperture and although I have light polluted skies (red-orange), I am not willing to carry 140lbs to my outreach events. I do have access to a dark site 25 mins away, so portability helps. As far as mirror quality, I can compromise some as long the requirements above are met (aperture, weight).
Lightbridges and skyquests are nice, but bulky. Explore Scientific's light dob has been in the works forever and I can't seem to get a lot of feedback on it. Obsessions's UC at $5K+ are prohibitive, at least at my budget.
So, is the UL 16 at $2k a good choice?

Marcelo.

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Marcelo Barbosa said:

Ok. We have all seen and read the 2 or 3 reviews on this scope. I'm about to take the plunge and would be interested to hear any final and additional opinions on the rig. I've owned the following: Tasco 60MM refractor (yeah, I know, had to get something for Haley in 1986...), Meade 8"SCT, Celestron 9 1/2 Equatorial, 11" CPC, and now am ready to go BIG.
Yes, I've had a few scopes. I need more aperture and although I have light polluted skies (red-orange), I am not willing to carry 140lbs to my outreach events. I do have access to a dark site 25 mins away, so portability helps. As far as mirror quality, I can compromise some as long the requirements above are met (aperture, weight).
Lightbridges and skyquests are nice, but bulky. Explore Scientific's light dob has been in the works forever and I can't seem to get a lot of feedback on it. Obsessions's UC at $5K+ are prohibitive, at least at my budget.
So, is the UL 16 at $2k a good choice?

Marcelo.

I wouldn't go there myself.....but that's me. I would however recommend you give a hard look at something along the following lines.

For a mirror deals on the meade 16" f/4.5's pop up on AM from time to time either original like this one http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=881403 $600 to $800 or refigured as this one may be. http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=887299 at $1250

Then for something to put it in one of the DobStuff kits available at various stages of completion. It would run you a bit more though not terribly much....See here http://www.dobstuff.com/pricing.htm

It wont be instant gratification like the UL16 would be....but over the long run I think you would be happier with the end product. Check out the pics of his truss style scopes....they are indeed still light and I have used one of them and found it to be in great in use and design.....