|
Welcome Andy to the forum.
The 10" is on the limit IMO in terms of portability and lugging it in and out of a car - thats if your planning to cart it around to dark skies. Its not so much the weight being the issue, its the fact that they are somewhat cumbersome to handle.
The 12" (solid tube) doesn't lend itself to portability and is more geared for someone who can 'wheel' it out of say a garage/shed on a trolley and start viewing after collimation.
I can't remember the % difference between a 10 and 12, someone will need to enlighten you and I on that (I can't remember the formula).
If I had to choose, I'd go a 12", but a collapsible type, something like the Lightbridge, Skywatcher or maybe Orion Intelliscope (albeit the last one is expensive). This gives you the portability and extra 2".
One of the most valuable accessories you can get for your scope is an ArgoNavis. At approx $1200 (argo + encoder kit), its not cheap, but it can take your viewing experience and enjoyment to another level - and literally exponentially.
I'll also throw in the saying ' the best scope is the one you will use the most'.
Cheers, Norm
|