Wise move?

Hi! I am a long time AM user, but this is my first forum post.

I have a premium 12.5" dob with a tracking platform, and I am thinking of selling to upgrade to another premium 15" ultralight dob with full goto. I am visual only and have a pretty general interest in all aspects of amateur astronomy with no particular specialty. Do you think the moderate aperture increase coupled with the advantages of goto, which I would really enjoy, is worth the effort? (I have not mentioned the brands involved so as to keep the question away from the advantages/disadvantages of the different brands).

Thanks for your ideas!

Gordon Gower
Tucson, AZ

Personally, no. The light grasp advantage will not outweight the difference in extra weight of the larger scope. Also, the goto, albeit nice, is not a big enough factor.
Of course, all this is one mans opinion. Others may be more inclined to want the goto and extra light.
More than anything, it depends on what you want/expect out of your equioment.

Walt

...you may find a scope with integrated tracking a LOT more convenient. Will you see more with 2" of extra aperture? Probably not, but that depends on the quality of the scope's mirrors and other factors. The GOTO is also fun and convenient.

There is no substitute for aperture. Having built everyting from 3" to 20", the advantages of a 15 over a 12.5 are marked, especially with galaxies and a dark sky. You can probably upgrade quality, stiffness, and smoothness of movement while you're at it.
I say fie to all ye nay-sayers who doubt the power of light grasp!