Quote:
Originally Posted by xelasnave
Near $1200 for an eight inch mirror.
I wonder just what different you would notice if say I changed out my GSO mirrors...would photos be much better?
Alex
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Just pointing out that $US 1,200 is to buy a new 8" mirror, not to get one coated, which is what Col's thread is about. Coating prices on < 12" mirrors are $US200, which is reasonable.
In answer to your question I have a 10" GSO scope with a very good GSO mirror (better than .90 strehl). I also have a 10" SDM with a Mark Suchting mirror. I can guarantee you that Mark's mirrors are as good as Zambuto's because I also have a 14" Zambuto for reference.
On nights of less than excellent seeing the differences between the 10" scopes are very subtle, but detectable. On nights of excellent seeing the differences are clearly evident to an experienced discriminating observer, but not monumental. To a less experienced and discriminating observer the differences would be barely detectable. But that is based on my 10" GSO mirror, which is a very good one and they aren't all this good.
It really comes down to how good your GSO mirror is. If it's a good one the differences will be subtle at best. A premium mirror, will invariably be smoother with less light scatter than a mass produced mirror. If it's not so great the differences will be enormous. You really need someone who knows how to properly assess your current mirror to do that first.
Cheers
John B