I have a 16" and a 20". There's a noticable difference between the 2 in image brightness, of course. A fairly big difference, too. I love the views my 20 inch gives of deep sky objects - easily brighter, more detailed in the 20. My 17 mm T4 nagler in my 20" focuser has given me some of my favorite views ever...truly "Wow" stuff. But...
...It's a pain to transport. For one thing, it doesn't fit through the doors of my house. When I do move it, I need to use composite ramps to get them into my pickup. There's no way I can use that 20 without the ramps, so I have to take them with me. Even with help, ramps are a must.
At one time I had a "home" for it - the 20 inch stayed out at my sister's house that was in a fairly dark location. When she sold that house, though, I had to find a new "home" for the 20 inch - will probably have to get a tool shed in my city home to house it. Currently it's sitting in my GF' apartment - it's too big to fit through the doors of my house!
Way back in 1996 I bought a Meade 16 inch Starfinder and about 3 years ago found a used Night Sky Scopes truss structure on Astromart and transplanted the 16" mirror into that and it works fine. Fits in my house, too, and I can get it in & out of my truck bed with my ramps quite easily.
But, much of the time I'm not in the mood to wrestle with ramps at all, so I bought Starmaster 11" EL on astromart and that's light enough to get it into my truck withour ramps or help of any sort. It's about the limit for me in terms of how much weight I feel comfortable picking up and moving. Still, kind of a hassle..
So, I'm contemplating an 8-inch fast dob for ease of transport and setup and/or a 4-inch TV 102 on a Gibraltor as a truly "grab n' go" scope.
Do you see a pattern?
But to summarize, is it worth it? Yes, if you are aware of and prepared to deal with the increased setup & transportation hassle with such a large scope, or you have a permanent observing location for it. Storing, transporting and using a ladders with such a beast is something to consider carefully.
K. Michael M.
Scott Ayer said:
Well, Im running a fever again. Any one got the cure?
Im Thinking of Buying a 20" truss dob. Just concerned if it would be worth the cost (stepping up from a 15") Any thoughts?
:S
