MK66 vs 12.5" F6 Cave dob

OK guys,

Make the choice for me. I have an opportunity to trade my TV 85 for either an Intes MK66 Deluxe with cash or even for a 1960's 12.5" F6 Cave dob with a newly recoated mirror. What do I do? I am looking for something to cover both planets, some DSO's, and sometimes lunar. Thanks for any input.

Bob

If the bulk of the Cave did *not* bother or concern me, then -- assuming the mirror was a good one -- I'd go for the big boy.

If, however, excellent portability was required, then the MK66 would hold the advantage. My own MK67 does quite well when conditions allow. Its performance advantage over my Pentax 75 EDHF is undeniable. Low-contrast deep-sky performance of my MK67 under "blah" suburban skies (l.m. ~5) is roughly similar to the 75's performance under very dark skies (l.m. 6.5+). The MK67's advantage with regard to planets & high-contrast deep-sky targets -- regardless of l.m. -- is significant and always visible.

Best wishes and luck.
-Dan

OK, let me refine my question here. If I am primarily concerned with planets and lunar, with little DSO(Orion Nebula and M57) and the 95lbs OTA and the 50lbs for the rocker box of the dob makes it much less portable. Maybe I answered my own question.

dont assume the dob will give you better images until you test it, that is unless the mirror is signed by Alika Herring