Used Celestron C8 SCT or New Skywatcher 250 F/5 Newt

[Astrobserver99]

Hi,

I have a choice to purchase a Used 1990's Celestron C8 Ultima with Starbright Coatings or a new SkyWatcher 250 F/5 Newtonian. I am putting the scope on a HEQ5 MOunt with SynScan. I plan to use the scope for visual observing and imaging. The compact size of the C8 appeals to me but I am concerned the mirrors may need recoating in the near future or will they have a long life in them yet?. Is it difficult to recoat these mirrors? THe Newt has larger aperture, will I be able to see better planetary detail and fainter deep sky objects? How will the C8 and 250mm Newt compare?:help:

[netwolf]

I have a C8 now and have had a 10" dob in the past. The 10" is far better for visual use. But the C8 is just so compact, easily carried under my arm. Also is going to place a smaller load on your mount. It will also have smaller turning moment arm than a 10". And the C8's from the 90's are considered to be quiet good optically. And with a Hyperstar kit you can produce some fantastic images. But there are a few issues wth the SCT design, mirror flop and longer cool down times.

Visually you will not beat a 10" with a C8, unless your 10" has really bad optics or your C8 has uniquely exceptional optics. And many people have produced fantastic images with a 10" newt.

But i think the main concern will be that tthe load of a 10" on the HEQ5 maybe to much. The EQ6 would definetly be better for the 10".