Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorW
Refractor APO 5" way more expensive but IMO far superior
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+1
You can import a 127 APO from China at a bargain-bin price now
Optical performance is sort of 'semi apo', the focuser is fairly stiff and the build quality detail is pretty 'China' but not bad for the money.
In my opinion, The Meade 8" SCT does not gather much more light than a decent multi-coated 5" refractor. Remember the central obstruction is nearly 40% and the mirrors' reflectivity even with UHTC is less than 89%. You will get less than 2/3 of the light at the focus point with an SCT, the rest was lost in the process of getting there. It doesn't have the superior contrast & sharpness of an APO either, and don't forget the SCT's notorious mirror flop & shift.