[bluechucky (Charles)]

Hi Guys,

Long time reader, first time poster.

I'm looking at purchasing my first telescope, so have read many threads in here which seems to indicate that the preferred beginners scope is a 8 - 10 inch Dobsonian.

This suggestion satisfies my brain, but my "gut instinct" is leaning me to consider a 6 inch Dob.

Why?

I guess I want to test the waters so to speak, make sure its something that I will do regularly before investigating more funds into the project. I also have a dicky back so I'm more likely to pull out the six inch while I'm learning than a 10 inch.

Having said all that, I don't know what I'll get to see with a 6 inch. I've read that I should be able to see the bands on Jupiter and the ring division on Saturn with an 8 inch, but what would I see with a 6 inch? What about deep sky objects?

Is starting with a 6 inch a bad mistake?

I guess what I am leading to is that I'm ok with spending $300 ish now and then spending $2000 in six months time if I love it, but I'm baulking at the possibility of spending $800+ now and finding out that its not really me.

Thanks in advance.