[Benboy (Ben)]

Hi, I just registered for this forum.

I am new to astronomy and looking at getting my first scope.

I'm in New Zealand and the options here are pretty limited and expensive. I was considering getting an 8" skywatcher Dob but have noticed that the bigger you go with apperature on a Dob - the small the focal length ratio. For example the 6" Dob is f/8 whereas the 8" is f/6 and so forth. I know mostly people say apperature is king but I was wondering if I would get better looks at planets etc with the 6" dob because of the greater focal length ratio? I'm not really wanting to have to buy another scope down the track if I can help it and I am sure I will be interested in both DSO and planets.

The other thing is that I can probably get a good deal on 6" near new skywatcher dob at the moment - but if I go for the 8" I will probably have to pay close to double what I can get the 6" for.

So am I better to pay more and go for an 8" Dob (will that give just as good images of the planets with less focal length ratio?) - or go for the cheaper 6" Dob - (or will I regret not having more aperature for DSO viewing later?)

Also if anyone is in NZ and knows anyone with a telescope for sale (even other types) let me know.

Thanks for your help

Cheers
Ben