Need help buying a scope

[simple_legate]

I have a couple of 114mm/f8 reflectors and a couple of 60mm refractors that I have acquired or rescued from various second hand stores.

I have been thinking about getting scopes better suited to my needs and was thinking about an 8-10 inch reflector and a short tube 80-102mm refractor for taking away with me when I travel. I don't have a lot of money to spend, and so I need to get the best value I can.

I was looking at the scopes at Andrews, which seemed to be pretty good deals, so my question is, should I pony up the extra $200 for the ST102 or $250 to get the 10 inch?

I would really appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance,

Matthew

[glend]

The best value for money is probably a dobsonian. Andrews has some good buys in these scopes. A 8-10" reflector (unless its a dobsonian) will need a mount, you don't mention that in your post.

[simple_legate]

Thanks for picking that up, I should have mentioned I was looking at a dobsonian.

I shoul also mention that my favourite objects are primarily deep space (globular and open clusters).

Regards,

Matthew

[brian nordstrom]

:thumbsup:Keep the best 114mm for a quick look scope and grab an 8-10 inch Dob for those nights that are good and you have more time to observe .

I would then donate the remaining scopes to young up and coming amateur astronomers ,:D like what happened to me many years ago , this started me on a life long love of all things telescopes and space . I have also donated many scopes over the years , its a great feeling .

Brian.

[simple_legate]

So that's a good plan and I like the idea of donating. My wife would also appreciate it. She thinks I get more fun out of tinkering with scopes than I do observing through them and giving some away would make space for some new ones.

It does, however, return me to my original question which was whether the 10 inch scope is worth the extra $250. I am very wary of aperture fever, but I also want something that will be good for me for the longer term.

The other consideration is that I would probably have to put off buying the scope for a few months to save the extra cash - which can be harder than you think when you are keen.

Finally, I have always been a little nervous about second hand reflectors but I wonder if this is warranted?

Thanks again for the help this far.

Regards,

Matthew

[brian nordstrom]

:thumbsup: Yes the 10 inch would be worth it and buying 2nd hand is really not a problem especially if you buy from here , you just have to be fast as the 8-10 inch Dobs go very fast when advertised here in the classifieds.
Oh yes its always good to keep your darling on side .
Brian.

[simple_legate]

Thanks for that opinion, Brian. Time for me to start saving, I guess.