Help a newbie out....Posted By Pat Plunkett |
Hi:
I've used all types of scopes and have owned everything from a Pronto to a Meade 16" equatorial. Currently, I have a truss-tube 12.5" and think I've finally hit the mark (between portability and resolution). I have owned both 8" and 10" SCTs and feel confident in telling you that the 10" is SIGNIFICANTLY more of a pain to cart and set up. The images are better, but not that much better. Personally, if I had $2000 to spend (and wanted the same things you want), I'd buy a decent used 10" Dob AND a used Pronto (or equivalent). You'd be amazed at the images the little refractors give on most "stuff" and the wide fields are incredible. BTW, I would recommend staying at f/5 on the Dob - I think it'll still fit in a Jetta. If you were to get a truss-tube 10", I'd go to f/6...
Good luck and keep us posted!
Pat
I've used all types of scopes and have owned everything from a Pronto to a Meade 16" equatorial. Currently, I have a truss-tube 12.5" and think I've finally hit the mark (between portability and resolution). I have owned both 8" and 10" SCTs and feel confident in telling you that the 10" is SIGNIFICANTLY more of a pain to cart and set up. The images are better, but not that much better. Personally, if I had $2000 to spend (and wanted the same things you want), I'd buy a decent used 10" Dob AND a used Pronto (or equivalent). You'd be amazed at the images the little refractors give on most "stuff" and the wide fields are incredible. BTW, I would recommend staying at f/5 on the Dob - I think it'll still fit in a Jetta. If you were to get a truss-tube 10", I'd go to f/6...
Good luck and keep us posted!
Pat