four inch refractor .. or .. ?
Another first telescope question
I don't have a home with much possibility for home observation so if it isn't somewhat portable (taking it for a weekend trip), it just won't get used. Having a photography hobby, I'm going to be drawn to astrophotography but viewing is the priority for now.
I'd like to get a better view of the planets first, Despite observing from Sydney (on the coast) the other week I spent an hour flat on my back looking at Saturn through IS binoculars, I could see the rings, at least the two bumps they made in the orb, and watched the atmosphere cycle from that heat haze wiggle, to still again. I've been on some star gazing tours as well, the last one was in Hawaii where they setup a bunch of scopes and bus you to the top of the mountain. That was memorable. Clubs are not really my thing though.
I'm drawn to 4" refractors like the Tak 102, or the Tele Vue NP101 because I often read "if I was only allowed one telescope" it would be this kind. I enjoy even the pleasure of possessing some quality Japanese kit.
On the other hand I also read aperture wins, so it isn't clear to me if (or why) an 8" meade SC would be actually be less practical to use, and then maybe I'd enjoy planets/moon equally, trading off quality for size but get more DSOs ?
Oh also one last wrinkle is since I do some wildlife photography, the NP101 is an interesting option because I buy a telescope but get a free pin sharp mega zoom lens thrown in for free.
Should I go for a Takahashi complete, or start with a much cheaper higher aperture scope that is still portable, but spend on the mount?
thanks
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