130mm mini Dob or 100mm APO ?

[skysurfer]

I have a Televue Genesis and am very happy with it as a travel scope. But the 13cm Skywatcher Heritage (http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p2705_Skywatcher-Heritage-130P-FlexTube-Dobson---Parabol-Optik---ab-6J.html) for only $189 is very tempting due to its larger aperture which means about 0.5 mag brighter, and portability (7 kg incl rockerbox). The Genesis + SP mount + tripod weighs 10kg and provides very crisp virtually color-free images.
What is the catch ? Central obstruction ? Less contrast ?

[AG Hybrid]

I would stick with the TV. A $189 reflector with only a smaller increase of aperture won't throw up a much brighter view.

[astroboy]

The advantages I see in the little dob is you don't need a separate tripod and mount so its light , compact and easy to use .
But like Adrian I would pick the TV for a better quality view .

Zane

[mental4astro]

They are very different beasties really.

The APO is a better scope, but you need to drag around other gear to use it (mount, tripod, batteries, cables, diagonals, [photo gear]). The Heritage is a 'plonk down on the table & use it' scope. Portability wise there's no comparison, is there.

Image quality wise, one's an APO refractor the other a Newtonian. Different optical systems. The trade off with the central obstruction of the Newt is that it will show no fainter stars than the refractor, despite the slight aperture gain.

A fast reflector can show coma. A fast refractor field curvature. Other than the mount, the differences are marginal (not knowing the quality of the mirror).

For me it comes to two things: mount & focuser size. Portable, the Heritage wins. But are you taking pics!? Focuser, the Heritage's is 1.25", I'm guessing the APO is 2" (?).

Do you want a grad'n'go (Hertiage) or photo capability (Genisis). That's what you need to decide for yourself. For me a "Travel scope" is a purely visual instrument. For others it's a small EQ photo rig. What do you want it for?

If you've got the Genisis already, the Heritage could be a nice complimentary ultra easy travel scope alternative. Heck, you've dropped a bundle on the Genisis & mounting it, & you're questioning the price of the Heritage?

Like I said, two very different beasties.

Mental.

[skysurfer]

Thanks, I'll stick to the Genesis as this one is already Grab&Go as it weighs 11kg incl mount+ tripod and does not require a (sturdy) table and I can also 'plonk' it onto a Balinese beach or an outback desert.
The 2" vs 1.25 inch is not an issue, despite the Genesis is equipped with the 2" Starbrite mirror diagonal, I only have 1.25" (Televue) eyepieces and no bulky and heavy (but very good) Ethos jars.