Quote:
Originally Posted by LX200
A 12" has immense light gathering capacity with a visual limiting magnitude of approximately 15 and 45% more light gathering capacity than a 10".
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To put that 45% figure in some sort of perspective, it equates to me taking one of my scopes for a drive from where I live 20km from Melbourne CBD to about 4km farther from the city. If I drive to a dark sky site well away from the city (90km or more) I'm looking at the equivalent of over 600% increase in brightness. Where you observe from is by far the biggest factor in how deep you will be able to see.
Big scopes are big and bright until you look through bigger ones. An 18" will make the 12" feel rather dim. And a 25" will put them both to shame. But you have to consider what is still a practical size for you. Nothing can substitute for hands on experience there so I would again strongly encourage you to go along to some viewing nights with amateur astronomers in your area before buying a scope.