Sky-Watcher Pro 120ED v. EdgeHD 8 SCT

[william123 (William)]

Of these two, which would you suggest as a first telescope for visual work only? I'm thinking that my preferred viewing objects will be the Moon, planets, open clusters, and double stars. I love globular clusters, too, but I recognize that globulars generally require considerable aperture. I'm not too keen on the really faint fuzzies.

Perhaps the EdgeHD, with its greater aperture, would be very much better at lunar and planetary? But perhaps the 120ED, with its greater sharpness (?) and contrast (?), would provide a more pleasing observing experience overall?

Of course, I recognize that someday I may own both telescopes; the question here is which should I go for first.

Thank you.

[Terry B]

Big difference in focal length and aperture with both scopes.
The 8" gathers much more light and deep sky will be much better.
For planets the refractor will have better contrast but less resolution due to the smaller aperture. The big difference is the need to use very short focal length eyepieces to get decent magnification with the refractor. Short focal length eyepieces are much harder to use than longer ones and much less comfortable on the eye.
For visual aperture rules almost always.

[TheFacelessMen (Rob)]

If you are looking at a refractor I would also consider the new Vixen's. I had the chance to use a friends recently and the new refractor is very nice, japanese made and 5 year warranty! If you want to look at other price brackets Williams Optics and Takahashi are good options.