Skywatcher Explorer 150p, 150PL and Skyliner 150P

[Bone_Idle]

One thing is confusing me a bit. There are a few threads on the Explorer 150P vs the 150PL, and people say the 150P is the more versatile as it's got a shorter focal length. Fair enough, I understand that it will be better for wide views and will be very capable at higher mags.

However, people also recommend the 150p dob as a good all-rounder, but isn't this the same FL as the 150PL? I don't understand why this is a good all-rounder but the 150PL isn't? The only difference I can see it that the Skyliner has a better 2" focuser, does this make a difference to it being an all-rounder?

I really like the idea of the Explorer 150PL, the tolerance to less expensive EP's, the tolerance to collimation etc are all big plus points.

Very confused!

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

The PL is a good all-rounder too. I actually prefer it slightly to the P for visual use, and planetary imaging. Putting the 150P F/5 optics on a dob mount would require the mount to be rather tall, and therefore maybe a bit wobbly.

[Bone_Idle]

I'm almost certainly going for the PL, I'm visual only so not sure the new focuser would be a massive benefit for me, the extra FL and less maintenance would be a big benefit of the PL though.