Maybe we should all just agee to disagree!Posted By Floyd Blue |
You know it seems to me that these discussions about aperture are getting nowhere. I realize that each person likes to think they have made the best possible choice of scopes in their purchase.
The fact is that just as each person likes something different in an automobile, so they make Porsche to Fords, people will like different things in scopes as well.
I think that if you find a better view with a smaller scope in your area, then that is very good for you because you don't need to buy a bigger one. But if you really like to go to places that have great viewing you will find that you would like more aperture in the end. I usually view at a site in the mountains nearby at 8,600' called Mt. Pinos. When I go there can be 150 scopes set up and maybe several hunded or more people there to look through them. You find all sizes and types there, but the larger scopes always get the most attention. People want to look through them to see the view. Maybe it is the shear size of the scopes or the beautiful designs and fantastic setups they have going for them? Maybe it is the great views they provide? I am not sure but I still like to look through them.
If I had the money I would have an observatory with a 200" reflector in it for sure. Heck, I might even throw in a 20" Refractor for good measure, but I am not a rich man!
:^( Because of this fact I must settle for the 8" SCT and the 15" DOB that I own. Could be worse! I could just have a pair of 8x50 binoculars like I had for many years. :^)
Why don't we move on to a subject that is less opinion and a little more fact. Opinions are just that and it seems that everyones is different. Even the pros can't seem to agree on this issue.
I think that conditions and darkness of sky is much more of a issue than aperture. We need better skies not telescopes IMO. Sky and Telescope just had a great article about this, Dark skies or aperture who rules? Darks skies rule every time! If we don't do something to preserve a few dark skies areas our fine scopes will become worthless! I hate to think that I will have to drive hundreds of miles to get to use mine.
Floyd
The fact is that just as each person likes something different in an automobile, so they make Porsche to Fords, people will like different things in scopes as well.
I think that if you find a better view with a smaller scope in your area, then that is very good for you because you don't need to buy a bigger one. But if you really like to go to places that have great viewing you will find that you would like more aperture in the end. I usually view at a site in the mountains nearby at 8,600' called Mt. Pinos. When I go there can be 150 scopes set up and maybe several hunded or more people there to look through them. You find all sizes and types there, but the larger scopes always get the most attention. People want to look through them to see the view. Maybe it is the shear size of the scopes or the beautiful designs and fantastic setups they have going for them? Maybe it is the great views they provide? I am not sure but I still like to look through them.
If I had the money I would have an observatory with a 200" reflector in it for sure. Heck, I might even throw in a 20" Refractor for good measure, but I am not a rich man!
:^( Because of this fact I must settle for the 8" SCT and the 15" DOB that I own. Could be worse! I could just have a pair of 8x50 binoculars like I had for many years. :^)
Why don't we move on to a subject that is less opinion and a little more fact. Opinions are just that and it seems that everyones is different. Even the pros can't seem to agree on this issue.
I think that conditions and darkness of sky is much more of a issue than aperture. We need better skies not telescopes IMO. Sky and Telescope just had a great article about this, Dark skies or aperture who rules? Darks skies rule every time! If we don't do something to preserve a few dark skies areas our fine scopes will become worthless! I hate to think that I will have to drive hundreds of miles to get to use mine.
Floyd