|
I have used various scopes similar to what you are thinking about and will give you my opinion.
I have a 127mm refractor and it is sort of portable. It has a big box to protect it and the mount needs to be carried as well. All of this fits in the back of my SUV or a hatchback but I wouldn't like put it across the back seat of a sedan. I have also used a 120mm refractor and it was more easily transported.
Both give similar views. Nice crisp but small views of the planets. Deeps sky is pretty diappointing though. Viewing planets is OK but there is often only 1 visible and it gets pretty boring after a while.
I also use a VC200L. It is lightweight and when matched with a mount like a GP or GPDX mount is more portable than the refractor. It does fit on the backseat of a car. I just seat belt the OTA in the seat.
It is now permanently in my observatory so isn't moved any more but has been in the past.
I have also used a 10" dob. It fits in the back of a car just and is the quickest to set up.
The views through the 200mm or 10" is much more pleasing than the refractor. Many galaxies are identifiable along with lots of planetary nebs.
The smaller refractors essentially restrict you to the messier catalogue only.
Planets are also OK through the bigger scopes. Maybe not as crisp as the refractor but take magnification better.
I hope this helps.
Cheers
Terry
|