A QUICK QUESTION...

QUESTION........ Which is better ....: 10in reflector, 10in refractor of 10in smith cassegrain (assuming all similar quality and using same eyepieces etc)??

Hi Kevin

The problem with asking astronomers anything is you will never get a straight answer

To answer your question a 10" refractor is best, however if you need to ask the question you need a 10" reflector.

Damon

When I was a kid the recommendation for a "useful" telescope was either a 3" refracter or a 6" reflector and there really much of a choice of instruments affordable around.
Nowadays, if you don't have a least a 20" dob nobody takes you seriously. My 11" sct would have been considered a large telescope 20 odd years ago, now it is a medium sized scope (or a decent finder scope )

When I was a kid the recommendation for a "useful" telescope was either a 3" refracter or a 6" reflector and there really much of a choice of instruments affordable around.
Nowadays, if you don't have a least a 20" dob nobody takes you seriously. My 11" sct would have been considered a large telescope 20 odd years ago, now it is a medium sized scope (or a decent finder scope )

Pardon my writing, it should read " not much of a choice of affordable instruments at that time" :oops:
This is always the problem with sending a quick reply on IFAS when in fact I should be working!! :evil:

I'd go for the refractor any day providing all expenses, dome, and bits and bobs were covered!

An Obsession 15 inch Dob with a 2.6 inch central obstruction is the equal of any 12.4 inch apo refractor for planetary detail, and far superior in light grasp for deep space work.

You have to optically illiterate (and rich) to purchase an inferior 10 inch apo refractor for about ten times the price .

Superior Obsession 15 inch Dob: €5k (all in)
Inferior apo 10 inch refractor: €45k (excluding P&P)

No contest.

Peter.

When I was a kid the recommendation for a "useful" telescope was either a 3" refracter or a 6" reflector and there really much of a choice of instruments affordable around.
Nowadays, if you don't have a least a 20" dob nobody takes you seriously. My 11" sct would have been considered a large telescope 20 odd years ago, now it is a medium sized scope (or a decent finder scope )

That explains a lot. :roll: My biggest scope is a 6". But the budget conscious folks do 'respect' my Hyperion eyepieces.