Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesilver
Thanks again for the replies, Lots of great information and greatly appreciate it all.
If you don't mind me asking just one more question, as this has been playing on the mind also a little after reading through the replies.
Say i have a 14 inch Dobsonian which has a, aperture of 355mm with a focal length of 1650mm F4.5 and a Clestron C14 with a aperture of 355mm with a focal length of 3910mm F/11 ( only using these two as they both have the same aperture )
Would the Clestron be better suited for planetary viewing compared to the Dobsonian, and the Dobsonian better suited to viewing galaxies, nebular?
Just thought i would ask while sort of on the topic.
Would really appreciate any information on this.
Thanks again.
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In a word, Yes. However ...
The planets are small and bright. Really small, and really bright. You need a long focal length to see them clearly, but don't need a "fast scope". However, it is possible with the use of a Barlow/Powermate to get the focal length of the Dob up to that of the SCT. However, the question is, is the optical quality of the 14" Dob equal to the 14" SCT? Probably not. However, is it "good enough"? Only you can decide.
Nebulae are big and dim - really big and (mostly) really dim. You need a short focal length and a fast scope. However it is possible to turn your SCT into a fast(ish) scope by using an f/6.3 focal reducer or (if you really want to spend some money) a HyperStar attachment to turn your f/10 SCT into an f2 scope.
Just my 2c.
Andrew