Just wondering

8" is 8". Should be good for DSO's which is really the way i wanna go with observing. It does planets and all that too.

You have picked a good scope there Paul, 8" is more then twice the light gathering power of a 6 inch so its worth the effort if the cost is right.
I had a look at those Vixen scopes at the eurpoean astrofest in london last year and they look very good.

Dave my initial thought was to only go upto a 6" because as far as i knew anything above that started to gain weight, and the cost was within my means.

Then Jeff pointed out the Vixen 8" really isnt that much dearer then a 6" SCT....................and the best part is that for an 8" it is pretty light weight (thats the biggest selling point for me).

Not to mention a whole 2" more aperture.

I've read that 6" is ok for DSO's but to really start observing them.........8" is the starting point.

This upgrade when it happens................maybe 2 months time..........maybe 12, will most likely be my cut off point as regards to upgrades (hahaha i say that now) so i really dont wanna end up with an inferior 6" scope for the rest of my life when an 8" scope costs just a fraction more.

And as i said my future lies in DSO's.................and the 8" will give me that....and the rest.

So it really makes sense.

Also i have read reviews of Vixen scopes and people seem REALLY happy with them.............so when Jeff came up with that link it just really sealed the deal.

Shame the website is all in German cuz i'd love to find out the shipping costs etc.

I'm happy with what i have now.............but it's nice to have a plan and know where i'm going.

You have picked a good scope there Paul, 8" is more then twice the light gathering power of a 6 inch

I think its only 50% more powerful (8" over a 6"). But a big jump for 2 inches of aperture all the same.

Seanie,
The way I look at it is that 6x6=36 and 8x8=64, so 64 is 1.78 times the size so thats 1.77 times the light gathering power, its not quite twice..

Hhmm... I see where you've come up with that analogy Dave, but you're think like a square, NOT a circle my friend!