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Shaun - they are very different instruments. The 8" Dob is much cheaper, only takes a few min to set up, can rapidly slew to objects (provided you know where to point it), and has a relatively fast F-ratio. But in everything else, the 8SE is way superior.
The 8SE has great optics, tracks (Alt-Az), is compact (easy to transport), is great for planetary work (ok for DSO too), and can accommodate quite elaborate setups (you should see all the fandangles I have for mine!). The GOTO system is great (I control mine via my iPhone using SkyQ). I have a focal reducer to take it from f/10 to f/6.3, and can use its Fastar feature to take it to f/2 and get great 30 sec exposures of DSO without being concerned with field rotation. A highly flexible instrument that, used well, has huge potential. But it all $$$ big time - you have to really know what you want to make a large investment, IMHO.
The 8" Dob is a great starter scope. My first serious regular use, way back, was with a 12" Dob with an Alt-Az positioner and a high quality wide field lens. Learnt a lot of the sky that way!
Last edited by Amaranthus; 29-01-2014 at 05:02 PM.
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