A question for opinionated people...

Hi all,

I was out with Michael last night, and we got onto talking about scopes, as you do. Generally revolving around how much use a particular scope would get.

I was wondering what people think is the best scope? Now I know that question is basically unanswerable, but let me continue. I want to get a good handle on, if money was no object of course, which scope would get the most use with the biggest aperture. Its all well and good if you had the money for a 26" monster but would you really use it that much with the hassle that would accompany it? Also, its easy enough to bring out a 5" to a dark sky, but would the views really keep you coming back out for more?

I'm thinking of a scope that wouldn't involve any astrophotography. Just something to take out easy enough but with a fair whack of a primary that you get some detail on DSO's etc. For the last year I've had my heart set on a 16" Dob (which I would buy from Stephen if I went for it of course). I currently own a 12" LB by the way.

Any responses much appreciated.

Sean

Hi Sean

a question I have asked and been asked many times.

For me its simple, hands down, money no object I would get a TEC APO 200mm F8 Fluorite APO

They don't come up very often, and the cost the earth, but for me mirrors just don't do it. Has to be a lens ( or 3 of them )

Ah easy, a 16" Flextube :laugh: :bricks:

Lift it out, pull up the secondary, check collimation, and away you go. No assembly, no trusses, no messing.

Ask Roy Stewart about the 12", very easy to use, and according to many at Skelligs Star Party, the optics were brilliant.

If I had my way, Id have a 16" one off the shelf in a flash

Im a big fan of mirrors for aperture, the bigger the better! But as you say, it should be manageable, and make you want to drag it out and use it, with minimal fuss, and I think Skywatcher hit it on the head with the collapsible dob.

Anything I can't afford now.

Paul

As with cameras, the best one is the one you have with you. In terms of use I get far more out of my Celestron 80ED than I get out of my 10" Dob (which is 2nd on the list). My LXD75 with either 6" Newt of 8" Schmidt Newt tubes come out far less often and generally for photographic purposes.

Paul.

I have to admit that I get the most use and value out of my.....wait for it.......12" Lightbridge. It is very easy to set up and take down, fits nicely in the back seat of any car, has good to great optics and doesn't break my back taking it outside. I can carry the whole optical tube pre-assembled outside from my study if I am pushed for time. If I had a 16" I would think twice about hauling it outside on anything but a guaranteed clear night. Not much advantage in having a 16" over a 12" unless you live in a dark area or plan to travel with it a lot. Then you need to plan your vehicle.....
The 16" goto dobs are nice though.