Novice reseaching for first scopePosted By Paul Kammueller |
I would second what some others have said, 12" will blow your socks off but it's an awful big size and labor commitment for a novice starting out.
For a first scope, it's not a good idea to get something that's going to be a major production to set up, because it will often end up collecting dust. To start out an 8" f/6 is would be a much more convenient size, and you will be much less hesitant to just dash out the back door to set it up on a whim. That sort of 'instant gratification' is useful in keeping a beginner motivated.
I think you are on the right track to be focusing on the dobs, their sheer ease of use makes them instantly accessible to the novice. But 12" is a bit overkill to start with, unless you couple the purchase with a smaller companion, say a 4-6" 'quick look' scope.
For a first scope, it's not a good idea to get something that's going to be a major production to set up, because it will often end up collecting dust. To start out an 8" f/6 is would be a much more convenient size, and you will be much less hesitant to just dash out the back door to set it up on a whim. That sort of 'instant gratification' is useful in keeping a beginner motivated.
I think you are on the right track to be focusing on the dobs, their sheer ease of use makes them instantly accessible to the novice. But 12" is a bit overkill to start with, unless you couple the purchase with a smaller companion, say a 4-6" 'quick look' scope.
