[Pi]

Hi all

I am looking to get my first scope and it’s a toss-up between a Skywatacher 10” or a GSO 12”. I intend to have a look at a wide spectrum of objects but I’m most excited about looking at DSOs.

It is only around $100 more for the GSO 12” from Andrews ($200 difference between the GSO 10” but the SW 10” I can get locally ), it is bigger and comes with a bunch more EPs and on paper looks like the better deal.

However, I have not seen a 12” in person. I’ve had a chance to look through, pick up and play with the SW 10”. I drive a Toyota Camry Wagon so it is well within the manageable size range and appears to be an excellent scope.

1. Can anyone comment on any pros and cons for either of these scopes or brands?
2. How considerable is the size increase from a 10” to a 12” (1200mm to 1500mm) in the practical world? I am a standard 6 foot lad in my 20's.
3. I am told there will be little aperture advantage in bright suburbia but how noticeable is the difference in viewing at a dark location?
4. Is there much difference between the Pyrex and BK7 mirrors in terms of optical quality?
5. I will probably get a laser collimator but are there any other goodies I should grab straight away?
6. I would like to stick to a closed tube because I may decide to mount the OTA onto a EQ mount at a later stage, is this feasible with a 12” or will it be too heavy and difficult to stabilize?

Thanks in advance