10" vs 12" dob

[mac]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about buying my first semi-large scope - at this stage either a GSO 10" or 12" dob.

Here in NZ, the 10" is $1200 and the 12" is $1800. What I'd like to know is whether the 12" is worth the 50% price premium over the 10" or will the 10" be able to view 99% of what the 12" can? Size and weight aren't really an issue for me.

The conflicting scenarios going through my head go something like:

'If I buy the 10", I'll always wonder whether I should've bought the 12"...'

'If I buy the 10", I could use the $600 difference to buy a couple of nice Tele Vue eyepieces the next time I'm in Australia...'

'Maybe I should forget the idea of a dob and just get a 125mm SW Mak GOTO!...'

Any thoughts?

-Matt

[CoombellKid]

Hi Matt,

Ex ChCh boy here :D hope the Box get slaughtered today :thumbsup:

NZ$1800.00 for a 12" you can get them here for AUS$799.00. I know
the exchange rate will make a difference. Perhaps you should check
out Andrews Communications in Sydney and see what he can do
shipping one to you. Or perhaps get someone here to check freight
costs for a 12" and get them to get it for you. You might find for
NZ$1800.00 dollars you can get a 12" as well as a nice Tele Vue.

My advice go for the biggest aperture you can afford. Dont go the
125mm Mak.

Cheers,CS

[CoombellKid]

You will also want to check out import limits/taxes and such on the NZ
side.

Cheers,CS

[seanliddelow]

Im getting a skywatcher 12" for $1200. Maybe you should import it from australia?

[mac]

Thanks CS, I'll see if I can get in touch with Andrews Comms for a shipping price. It looks like they're sold out of the $799 models, but even their super deluxe model (with 5 eyepieces) is over $500 cheaper than I can get here for the basic model in NZ...

Import taxes are usually just the 12.5% GST (I've imported Canon camera lenses in the past).

[mac]

I'm still very interested to know how the 10" and 12" scopes compare for visual use... anyone?

[ausastronomer]

If you don't have to transport the scope and can just wheel it out of a shed etc, the 12" is definately worth the money. If you need to transport the scope to observe I would take the lower cost and greater portability/transportability of the 10" scope every time.

Cheers,
John B

[mac]

Thanks John,

I'm feeling a twang of envy at your 18" Obsession... :) The UC version would fit nicely in my station wagon!