Thanks to everyone for your replies! They have been helpful.
I have had a look at SDM telescopes, they look awesome and undoubtedly premium class scopes. But unfortunately even a 16" would be above my budget. The new Australian ultra lights sound very interesting, but I'm assuming they too are premium scopes with a premium price.
I only wish there existed some dob telescope makes that are one or two steps above in quality over the mass Chinese produced scopes, while being a lot more affordable compared to a premium class telescope make. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mental4astro
Hi Joe,
* Where will you be keeping your scope at on the property. Unless these conditions are dry, regardless of the build quality of the scope, it will deteriorate, structurally and optically alike. Keeping it in a shed without any from of protection from big fluctuations in heat, damp, condensation, etc, it just won't last.
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I plan to keep it in a shed. For protection I was thinking of insulating the shed and fully covering the scope when not in use. Would this be enough protection?
The Orion looks good. If they had a 16" version it would have been at the top of my list at the moment. But a 14" is not much of an upgrade over a 12".
I understand that optically there is no difference between the GSO and Meade, but are there any mechanical reasons to prefer one over the other? If not, I'm prepared to pay an extra $200 for the Lightbridge because I find it looks much cooler than the GSO
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Also have people here had much experience with Discovery Telescopes? I could possibly order a split-tube 17.5" f 4.1 for about $3700 AUD (not incl. shipping & taxes). Are these scopes worth it? A search on the web indicates there will be a very long waiting time, but that's fine with me if it's an above average scope.
In the meantime I will continue with some more research and keep a look out for a second hand quality scope. I'm not in any hurry.
If all else fails, my fall back position will be a 16" Lightbridge or GSO, I admit overall they are not that bad at all. I was just hoping that for a little more money there may have been something a little more special and better quality out there, while less than premium in quality and price.