Upgrade Dob to Goto or something else?
Hi everyone, I'm just trying to decide on my next upgrade.
I am primarily interested in visual observation ( mainly planetary ) and already have a 12" bintel dob ( manual).
I am going around in circles between a few options and was hoping I could get some guidance regarding the best way to go forward equipment wise.
I'm happy with the dobs visual performance although it is a bit of work .
My main upgrade was going to focus on having tracking and Goto abilities.
My budget is around 2k AUD and I was considering a
1: 100 or 120mm ed refractor with skyscan on an eq5
Refractor will compliment the dob, sharper focus, easy grab and go .
2: upgrade dob to a Goto mount ( not sure if bintel ota is compatible with skywatcher Goto mount)
Can use existing eyepieces etc
3: nexstar 8se used.
My biggest dilemma is that if I upgrade my dob to a Goto mount I will still only have one scope ( although optically it will outperform the other two options)
If I go the refractor I'm afraid that optically it will be a let down compared to the 12" dob .
Although I would enjoy its fast setup , resilience to atmospheric conditions and sharp views that the reflectors and scts can't reproduce.
If I go the nexstar 8se I. Worried that optically it will be a let down due to the mount being poor , central obstruction and vulnerable to atmospheric conditions like cooling time and dew issues. collimation looks like a hassle .
So for visual observation ( mainly planetary) it seems to me that a good refractor is a solid choice .
But the convenience of Goto on the 12" dob would be really nice too. But for the price to upgrade the mound I could have a whole other scope... Maybe I should wait for a used Goto dob and buy the refractor or SCT so I have a second scope for now... Arghhhhaha here I go again.
Cheers
I'll try and add a poor picture of Saturn taken with my phone up to eyepiece of the dob. Would the refractor or nexstar be a huge letdown compared to this?
Any assistance to help me decide on the best choice would be much appreciated.
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