Quote:
Originally Posted by tailwag
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Despite owing a 6" refractor, I am sorry but I don't consider this as a 'real' scope, it was something to ease me in. I do consider the Dob I am trying to buy as my first 'real' scope and to be honest fully expect to sell it in a couple of years to upgrade when I know more about them from personal use.
I can't gain the experience I crave and need from my 6" as good as it is for what it is. My real learning curve will begin when I get the Dob, It certainly won't be the last scope I ever get, I wouldn't imagine.
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Assuming I get something reasonably good I can use it for a couple of years, learn the sky develop my own tastes and then think about something more expensive and more permanent. Spending 20K to 30K is from all I have read and my own instincts, a silly thing to do straight up as a rank beginner.
So there you have it, I am not in a hurry but I am by nature impatient, I don't expect the Earth but would like the best telescope I could get within my budget. The factor that the telescope is used has not been mentioned in this or the other thread and it makes me wonder if the same rules of buying and selling that apply in the real world also apply in the astronomy world.
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While this discussion might be better suited in the another area (equipment, general etc.) and while I thought that comments were suppossed to be limited in this particular area, I'll add my comments anyway...
A quality well cared for telescope may not "devalue" or depraciate like a car (or other consumable good) as it does not necessarily get "consumed" through use...there is no reason that a well crafted and cared for optical system could not be or should not be valued as much or higher than contemparary bits of gear (or the price it was when it was made). If I take care of my Pentax/Nagler eyepieces they should last a lifetime...yes, they may be displaced by newer/better technology or coatings and lose relative value but, the eyepiece itself (assuming appropriate care is used) should last and perform the same tomorrow as it does today...so I am not sure that the "age" of a quality dob (or other telescope) will reduce it's cost...
Yes, you may find an astronomy widow who does not know the value of the gear her deceased spouse left under the tarp in the garage who will sell a quality piece of gear for a great price but I am not sure that you will find that at IIS...maybe E-bay is a better shoppinig site for that...
If your strategy is to "jump in" with a big scope and then trade up in a few years time I would introduce you to the "Lightbridge" (or future GSO scopes)...I think they are /will be well suited for what you want to do...gain experience and then splash out on a top end machine...
But having said that, over a lifetime what is the real cost of getting a high quality custom made scope now?...If you keep it and use it 20 years won't you be ahead in enjoyment by getting it now?
Just my thoughts...good luck!