Ed Ting does have some interesting choices of telescope. I like one of the first comments ... the best telescope is the one you use most. Could not agree more. I have had some great scopes but it comes down to personal preference of what you are going to use it for.
Not sure of the budget with a Tak FS102 / FC100 (4 inch Tak flourite), Celestron C9.25 and an Orion XT8. The cheap one won out as that is what he keeps going back to. I agree with you, opinions will differ and it is subjective to experience, those unique moments you share with others when using scopes, etc.
I do like the fact he makes comment about an EM200 mount cost and then mentions how many Taks he has had or still has) ..
