Quote:
Originally Posted by Kal
The 8" RC with a 45% CO will have 200% the light gathering capability of a 5" APO. A Better comparison will be against a 7" APO.
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I have to disagree, but I guess it's just a matter of opinion. I tested my 5" refractor side by side with a near new well-collimated 8" Meade SCT (with less CO but plus the corrector plate compared to an RC), and the light gathering capability looked pretty much equal to my 20/20 eyes. But the refractor of course had more contrast and sharpness. When I put the 8" SCT against my 6" refractor, the 6" refractor clearly showed better definition.
I don't see a reason why an 8" RC with its larger secondary + its holder (adding diffraction spikes) should make any significant difference over an 8" SCT in terms of light-gathering capability. I'd rather test different equipment myself than just read what other people write when possible.