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Old 20-01-2012, 09:19 AM
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renormalised (Carl)
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Townsville
Posts: 9,698
An 8" F8/10 scope with a ED80 or ED100 would make a nice combo but you're going to need a pretty good mount, like the new LX80 (when they're out and if they're any good) or at least an EQ6 to carry that load. I'd suggest a Meade SCT OTA in that size and any refractor brand you might like in the sizes I suggested. The problem with an 8" f/8 newt is its physical size. Even though the mirror isn't large that scope is going to be rather long and fairly heavy. When it moves as its tracking, its going to have considerable rotational torque and act like a big lever, especially if you get a breeze blowing. It could literally lever over your mount or put that much strain on it, the bearings may give out after awhile. The SCT being a lot smaller will mean your mount will be a lot more stable and more enjoyable to use. If you tried using a 10" scope of the same design, it would be even worse and you'd also need a larger mount even if it was an SCT as the added weight would be pushing those other mounts close to their limits. A G11 or larger would be needed.
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