Worthwhile upgrade?

[skywalker]

I have a Skywatcher 150 Newtonian at the moment and I'm thinking of upgrading to a Skymax Pro 150. Is outlay worth the gain I would see visually?

[Pete Presland]

depends what you want to use it for ?

the newt has a Focal Length of 750mm and is quite fast (f/5)

the mak has a Focal Length 1800mm and is quite slow(f/12)

the mak is a excellent lunar/planetary scope.the newt more of an all rounder including astrophotography

[skywalker]

Thanks for thr reply.

I'd like to get better views of the planets and deep space objects.

[brantuk]

Hmmm.... the requirements are kinda contradictory. For viewing dso's you need large aperture wide views and faster f-ratios - for planets you need a narrower field and sharpness/contrast with a longer focal length and slower f-ratio.

I think you may want two different scopes

[skywalker]

Oh dear!!! :s

Maybe I should stay safe and think about a Skywatcher 200/250 newtonian (??)

[nicnac]

its easy enough to slow a fast telescope, thats what barlows are for

some will say you can buy reducers for slow telescopes but..... its not for me, i would choose an f5 every time and a decent barlow, all bases are covered then.

if you want a bit of everything, i would say go for a newt or fast frac

[ronin]

Same diameters so they collect the same amount of light. They should see exactly the same items.

The Skymax will enable greater magnifications somewhat easier, the newtonian will enable wider views.

The Skymax is more compact.