[Dan31415]

Hi All, fficeffice" /><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/<o:p></o:p>
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I have been cruising the forum now for a while and finally feel comfortable to post a question... I am considering a first scope and have decided on either a 6 or 8 inch dob from Andrews. From the posts that I have read I know that size counts (also from viewing with a pair of 20x60 binos). I expect to purchase a larger scope later in the year, perhaps a 16 inch GSO/Meade if they ever come out. What I would like to purchase now is a smaller 'grab and go' that is good enough to keep for the long term. I would expect to flock the scope as well as well as replace the spider with a curved spider from protostar or something similar.<o:p></o:p>
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So far the advantages of the 6 inch is the longer f ratio (good for planets and lunar) and smaller size, but the disadvantage is the 1.25’ R&P focuser. Whilst the main advantage of the 8 is the larger aperture and the 2 inch Crayford focuser (on the $449 model), the only downsize I can think of is the additional size and the extra $150. Having said that, size isn’t really that important. I have had a look through a 8, 10 and 12 inch dob and liked the view each provided, but have not looked through a 6 inch. (I must admit I didn’t see a large difference between the 8 and 10 or the 10 and 12 – but I put this down to inexperience). The skies where I observe are almost completely black, with the milky way absolutely breath taking to the naked eye and M42 always a nice shade of green with the binos. <o:p></o:p>
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I would also like to make a f5 dob over the next 9 months and would expect that I would make either do a 6 or 8 inch depending on the choice I make now. Any advice that you could offer would be greatly appreciated. <o:p></o:p>