I started off with many pairs of binoculars. Then came the Edmond astroscan, the Meade 4.5 goto reflector, the 90mm meade refractor, and finally my Orion XT-8. All were bought used, at an affordable price. I have recently sold one of my posessions and have the money to finally move up to a more serious performer.(about $3000 to spend, maybe a little more if I have to.) I was always told, aperture aperture aperture. As much light grasp as I can afford. Yhe choice seemed obvious. The biggest Dob I could afford. Until I finally got a chance to look through a 20" Dob. My first impression was, man this thing is big and bulky. My second impression was, I really don't think I like latters all that much. And finally, the faint fuzzies I see in my 8" are much easier to see through the 20", but, I was not that impressed with the back ground glow or skyglow. In my little 8", you get that," diamonds on black velvet" effect. Not with the big scope. Now I'm confused on what to buy. I would like a good scope for deep sky objects, but with the ability to do some planetary observing also. I guess, seeing stars on a black background was more important to me then I ever thought it was. PLEASE help me. I need your opinion. Should I just go with the ever popular 4" apo ? Or would I be better off trying one of the newest craze Russian Mak - CAS or one of the MAK - NEWTs Please give me your opinion. I need it. I have between $3000 to $4000 to spend. (less is better) And I'm NOT apossed to buying used equiptment. I hope you can help me out. Please. Kindest regards, Mark.
What scope to buy? - opinion PLEASE
Started by stellardog, 09/22/2002 02:04AM
Posted 09/22/2002 02:04AM
Opening Post
Posted 09/22/2002 02:25AM
#1
If you don't like ladders but still want sweet DSO and planetary views, a good choice would be a Starmaster 12.5 or 11" ELT. You will get a Zambuto mirror and truss tube portability. Feet can stay on the ground.
A 6" Mak-Newt will do everything the 4" apo can do but brighter with only a cool down penalty. If portability is prime, skip to the Tele Vue NP101.
A 6" Mak-Newt will do everything the 4" apo can do but brighter with only a cool down penalty. If portability is prime, skip to the Tele Vue NP101.
Posted 09/22/2002 02:35AM
#2
I fear ladder myself, Mark ;-). A 4" APO would make a nice companion to your XT8. But why not consider **high
quality** (APO is quality)? What I mean is have you thought about a Zambuto like the object of desire 8" or 10" Portaball?
Ron B[ee]
quality** (APO is quality)? What I mean is have you thought about a Zambuto like the object of desire 8" or 10" Portaball?
Ron B[ee]
Funding Member
