8-inch GEMs- recommendations?

I am new to the equipment but have gained a lot of experience in the last year. I was very pleasently surprised by the view in my C6N- Advanced series Newtonian. In thinking of moving up to an 8-inch, I had some questions. The reason for 8 is portability- I find 10 simply too large. I prefer the GEM as well.

1- Is there a real difference in the view between the Schmidt-Newtonions by Meade and the Advanced series by Celestron?

2- Are there other brands/models I should consider?

I know these questions give away my skill-level, but I am learning. What I am trying to do is avoid reinventing the wheel, or telescope in this case by listening to the advice of the experienced, and perhaps opinionated.

Thanks, Rich

>>>2- Are there other brands/models I should consider?

I know these questions give away my skill-level, but I am learning. What I am trying to do is avoid reinventing the wheel, or telescope in this case by listening to the advice of the experienced, and perhaps opinionated.

Thanks, Rich
-------

Hi Rich:

I have some experience with the scopes you mention as well as quite a few others. I do have an 8 inch F/5 Newtonian on a Celestron CG-5 ASGT mount as well as various smaller and larger DOBs and EQ mounted Newtonians etc...

A few thoughts/opinions:

- For visual work, I would go with the 8 inch F/5 standard Newtonian over the SN. The 8 inch SN has a 38% CO vs a ~25% for the CN8. It is also F/4 rather than F/5 which makes it tough on eyepieces, I think F/4 to be avoided unless there is good reason to choose it specifically. The corrector leads to slower cooling.

- Given the choice between the 8 inch F/5 on the GEM and 10 inch F/5 DOB, most nights I will choose the DOB. It is easier to setup and the 2 inches of aperture more than makes up for the lack of motorized tracking. If I am driving to the mountains for an long evening, it is often my choice over not only the 8 inch F/5 but other larger scopes like a 12.5 inch F/4.06 and a 16 inch F/4.42, both Truss/Strut Dobs.

The 10 inch OTA is 48 inches long and weighs about 35lbs. It fits across the backseat of any car I have owned including an old Nissan Sentra.

So that's my two cents, based partially on opinion but with a lot time at the eyepiece included.

I think you can see the 10 inch DOB and the 8 inch F/5 in this photo...

Jon

Attached Image:

Let's get down to basics.

How much do you want to spend? 8)

What's the max length you're willing to lug around? 8O

Jeff