Skywatcher explorer 6" or 8" ?

[Caz]

The 6in skywatcher explorer with some good eyepieces?

or

The 8in skywatcher?

Bascially I'm asking you lot to make my mind up for me.... , (don't worry I won't hold anyone responsible if it all goes pair shaped.....   I shall be taking the plunge tomorrow and purchasing a scope, so tomorrow is D-Day. :?

Please don't throw spanners into the works by suggesting anything else, its one or the other.....

I'll be glad when this is all done and dusted, I'm having sleepless nights......

Caz  :sunny:

[GazOC]

8" without a doubt, it will show you much more in the way of faint DSOs that the 6 could never reach.

Good choice BTW. You always get a lot of Newt for your money.

[mark RD]

If you go for the 8inch you can always get some better eyepieces at a later date.

Mark

[OXO]

Yep the 8" scope for sure having owned two i know i will be getting another next year just a great all round telescope.

James

[tom.yates]

You have got to go for the 8" always

Tom.

[GazOC]

Where are you getting it from Caz? And on what mount?

[GazOC]

Sherwoods are usually cheap for Skywatcher gear.

I've got a version of the EQ5 heavy duty deluxe and it's a good mount for the money, big enough to take the 8" OK.

Gaz

[GazOC]

Matts a nice bloke as well!

[spudicus]

Please don't throw spanners into the works by suggesting anything else, its one or the other.....

5 inch refractor every time

[CELESCOPE]

good luck whatever you get my little twinkletoes ehhehehe , you know we will be on hand for any help you need GO GET IT GAL .

Rog

:sunny:

[The Warthog]

Either of these are fine scopes. A friend of mine has the 6". I have looked through it, and it is very good, but for the slight difference in price, I would get the 8", just because. The 8" gathers almost twice as much light as the 6", which is about a magnitude, and is still light enough to move and set up easily. I keep up my subscription to SkyNews magazine because they put your name into a draw for an 8" SkyWatcher. I check the mailbox every day, but sadly, they haven't sent it yet.

[GazOC]

I think 8" f5-6 (I prefer f6!) Newts are the best alround scopes going.

[Ant]

I've owned both the mentioned scopes... The difference between the 6" and the 8" is astounding.

8" all the way.

Ant

[GazOC]

Hey, we all agree for once!!! :clouds2:

[russ]

I've owned both the mentioned scopes... The difference between the 6" and the 8" is astounding.

8" all the way.

Ant

Hey Ant, and you reckon you'll get by on 80mm!!!!

Russ

[GazOC]

Well I think your both kidding yourselves....... :clouds2: :clouds2:

[Ant]

I'm more into imaging now - can't remember the last time I looked through the EP! Seriously!!!

So the plan is to have the 80mm F11 and the 80mm F6 mounted next to each other and then guide through one and image through the other.

So get rid of the 8" F/5 with fantastic crayford focuser (I'm shameless ) and buy the Antares 80mm.

Ant

[GazOC]

Do have permission to post a smug, "told you so" thread in 6 months or so if I'm right?

[russ]

Well I think your both kidding yourselves....... :clouds2: :clouds2:

You maybe right there matey

But like Ant, I suppose i'm aiming for an imaging setup really. But unlike Ant I still have an interest in the planets and that's what worries me about selling the C8.

Russ

[russ]

If we get a good run of clear nights i'll start missing the C8 definately and then you can post your smug smiley while i'm searching out a light bucket.

Russ

[Ant]

Yes you can Gaz

But I honestly can't see it happening. If I had a permanent setup in a shed or something then I would even consider this swap but alas I haven't so I am!

I've got the 80mm F11 for the planets - should give views *Almost* as good as the 8" F/5

Ant