Quote:
Originally Posted by MILD
I have looked on Bintel and taken a look at the 6" dob for around $330 and the 8" for close to $500. It seems the 8" does have better accesories. With $500 to spend would I be better off buying the 6" and picking up a few other things or given that the $170 wouldn't get me far am I better with the 8", learning my way around and then upgrading eye pieces, filters etc as appropriate later down the track?
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If the choice was just of the two, I would go the 8". Aperture rules, generally. You can buy other little bits and pieces as you save up for them, but the scope will be with you for a while.
The other option I usually recommend to newbies is to buy a planispher and a good set of binoculars. Binoculars are a great way to start and no matter how long you stay in astronomy or how big your
scopes get you will always use them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MILD
To be honest, I'm primarily interested in looking at the moon and showing my sons (6 and 8) more than DSOs etc. Looking at other planets and general star gazing would be handy for a little later on but I have no goals towards astrophotography or anything like that.
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Yeah, yeah... we've all said that...
An eight inch scope will make the moon look spectacular, and start making the brighter DSO's quite attractive - once you get hooked on DSOs though, aperture fever will set in. Don't fight it... you won't win
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MILD
Is there a better option than what I have described above for what I am hoping to do? I know $500 is a very small budget so I am well aware sacrifices and compromises will need to be made!
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Hmmm its up to you. For me the decision would be good binoculars or the 8" dob. The 8" dob has more WOW potential as long as you don't get discouraged by the learning curve (collimation etc).
Good luck!
Al.