Rick
Welcome to IIS!
You are exactly right that aperture is one of the most important things for a telescope. Bear in mind this applies primarily for Deep Space Objects (DSOs), which are faint and extended so need aperture. However I would extend and say that it is the MOST important factor when picking a scope.
Generally, aperture is the most important factor in the views you will get and more aperture is bigger. Also you must consider that the size of a scope overall varies dramatically with aperture. An 8" scope is easy to fit on the backseat of a small car and is easily handled. A 12" is going to nead at least a small wagon and I have built a trolley to assist me transport mine into the back yard each night.
To give you an idea of scale a 6" or 8" scope lookes like a large drainage pipe, a 12" looks like a hot water tank!
Beside the scope itself, the mount is the next thing to consider. I have owned both a small EQ mounted scope like th eones you mentioned, as well as an 8" and 12" dob.
For a beginner I wouldn't recommend an EQ mount simply based on my experience. At this price bracket even the Celestrons are very basic mounts, best described as "wobbletronics". They result in hours of frustration. I was lucky to see more than half a dozen objects in the year I used my EQ mount. Once I got a dob I was viewing dozens each night.
Save some money for the Dob that suits you size wise, it will be worth it.
Malcolm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick_SR
Thanks for the reply Allan
1 of the main things i read when looking up online was that aperture size is important for being able to see things at a distance, those 2 were the biggest in the price they are now, would have been nice to be able to get something on sale to start with 
I might keep an eye out more for a 2nd hand of the type you mentioned, ill add it to the list with the guitar i want and the new tires and servie for my car lol. That way i can go for the 8" or bigger sized scope.
As for 2nd hand, how much wear and tear does a scope get over the years? Has there been much advancement in the design of them over the last 5 year to make a big difference in them? |