Scope help

[gooseholla]

Guys,

Looking at getting a new scope to go out and about with.

Interested in looking at planets and DSO.

Seen two or three that fit the bill, but which would be better?

First Light Optics - Vixen A80MF Refractor

First Light Optics - Vixen VMC110L

Sky-Watcher SKYMAX-127T (Tube Assembly) 127mm (5") f/1500 MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN

What benefits would a 5 inch Mak have over a four, as there is a huge jump in price? In real money terms, from a dark site, would it make a huge amount of difference to what I see?

Thanks

[FrankieValley]

Hi,

A 5 inch Mak will gather more light. I'm not sure how much difference (if any) you will see with the good old naked eye. The refractor is an achromat, rather than an apochromat. Therefore, I'd go for the Vixen VMC110L for it's portability, less cool down time and wider star fields.

The Mak is 4.4kgs according to this thread and so is heaviest - http://stargazerslounge.com/discussions-scopes-whole-setups/141802-how-heavy-skymax-127-a.html

[gooseholla]

The weight doesn't really bother me! I have to move 225kg tubs of potatoes every day!! 5.5kg is nothing to carry and manouver around.