Big dobsonian vs Mid refractor

[StevieH]

I’m looking to buy either a 12” dob or 700mm refractor both f5 scopes which would you recommend for observation of nebula and galaxies? Don’t have a big budget and will be buying second hand. 

Edited June 20, 2020 by StevieH

[Peter Drew]

A 12" Dob would be better for nebulae and galaxies than any refractor any of us are likely to own.  Aperture is important for this class of objects.    🙂

[Stu]

I would agree with Peter, although out of interest, which refractor are you referring to?

Hard to beat a 12” dob on most things though.

[John]

I think you would need a refractor of around 10 inches / 250mm in aperture to equal a 12 inch dobsonian on deep sky objects.

The budgets would not be comparable for such instruments

The refractor you are think of must be 140mm in aperture ?

 

 

 

[Limerick John]

The Dob wins here unless portability or space is an issue. For the same money you are looking at say a 100mm doublet refractor. I have both. The refractor gives lovely wide field views and good views of the moon and planets at lower powers. The 12" Dob just goes much deeper.