To be truly honest. The thread has turned out to be exactly what i believe confuses beginners looking to find what scope suits them best. But this time around it was slightly different, not as confusing, since i saw the whole discussion unfold.
The last couple of posts is where it gets confusing. Different experienced users claiming opposite to each other. If it weren’t for the start of this topic, where posts felt more balanced and objective, i still would’ve been left with confusion. The take-away for me is, even though some might back their claims with research, that the choice between a big dob or refractor depends greatly on seeing conditions, quality of equipment, the objects being observed and maybe most leading of all: personal preference..
What seems to be agreed upon at least, is that dobs can achieve the same or at least close to performance as the refractors for a fraction of the price. Though be it the views would be slightly different due to their differences in design.
All in all I don’t think there is any good or bad choice to be made and it all comes down to what works for you. It kind of stinks i’m not able to “see for myself” as easily these days. But i think a reasonably sized dob, let’s day 12”, companioned by a high end 5” APO would be a nice versatile couple to have. Separate as wel some might say.
Price always plays a factor and i’m not in a situation where i can easliy finance an APO 6” or above. So the claims of 7” do-it-all APO’s don’t apply to me. Also portability wise it’s a no go. As i said earlier: it’ll probably come down to personal preference and what you like to see and consider nice views.
If we’re being real i’ll probably save up for a nice 5” APO and buy a 10 or 12” dob not long after because i’ll wonder what views i’m missing.. or vice versa.
Thank you all for the great insights and please add to the topic if you feel like there’s more to add.
Best,
Ruben
I suggest spending a few hundred dollars to buy an inexpensive, good quality 80mm ED scope and using it for a couple years. It will give you the personal, hands-on experience to evaluate the many different opinions given here, and an 80mm doublet is often a handy, lifetime scope for people who own big dobs and big refractors.
Edited by gwlee, 27 September 2020 - 06:41 PM.