80ED frak or 6" newt ?

[spaceboy]

Visual only, would the 80ED stand a chance ? Is the added contrast and coma free views worth the sacrifice in aperture ?

[g0ibi]

Look at the Altair Astro site, I've just bought a Starwave 80mm ED and it's fantastic! For £295 you could splash out on a better mount! I have a SW 200PDS and it's difficult to choose!!

[Capricorn]

I prefer refractors and taking that into account I would probably myself opt for the 80ED, for as you say the better contrast. I find that I prefer a good image with good contrast. I see more in the image.

An 80ED is a very good all round scope and manages to do most things pretty well. Many regret sell an 80ED they have owned.

A 6/8/10 inch will collect more light, but lose contrast and bit more difficult to transport.

Somewhere on CN is someone with a decent Orion Dob, they have ended up getting smaller and smaller scopes and didn't use the Dob for some time owing to the convenience and ease of the smaller refractors.

I suppode of the two sayings I tend to side with: Your best scope is the one you use the most.

Not an obvious choice I will say.

[earth titan]

I have both an 80mm ED and an 8" newt for imaging and the 80mm is easier to use and set up. Captures less light though, so both have drawbacks.

Ho hum....

[spaceboy]

Thanks guys. I was leaning towards the 80ED but can't help thinking when I'm under dark skies would I be wishing for the extra aperture ?

[kniclander]

I liked my 80 ed but found it lost out significantly to my 6" dob on pretty well everything but close double stars and low power wide fields. not enough focal length for moon and planets and not enough light grasp for anything faint.

[spaceboy]

Thanks Kniclander. Makes a lot of sense what you are saying.