In my lifetime, I would suspect that it would be the various Questars, 3.5”, 7”, and 12”. Certainly so per inch of aperture I would think.
I've never seen even an estimated price for the 12" Questar. Anyone has one?
The 3.5" and 7" were certainly very expensive. The Zeiss Meniscas 150, and later 180, were also eye-wateringly expensive. In Denmark, the Meniscas 150 cost as much as a new VW Beetle in the mid-60'ies. That was for a fully equipped scope, though, with pier, mount and eyepiece turret with five eyepieces.
Clear skies!
Thomas, Denmark
Edited by Astrojensen, 24 January 2025 - 11:19 AM.