Jeff Hopkins wrote: >Back to Stan's dilemma, I think if he want to attend events where >solar system objects or double stars re view, a refractor will be >great. If he wants to use the telescope at dark sky star parties, a >larger DOB would be a better choice. > > > Well, actually my dilemma is not whether I want a telescope to attend events where solar system objects or double stars are viewd vs. a telescope at dark sky parties, but instead to determine which of the various makes, f-ratios, objective sizes, and optical design of refractors would give me the most all around satisfying image. I am sure others would be interested in the same thing. For example, an RR (which I doubt anyone in Arizona has) is reported to have a much sharper image than a Synta, but just how noticeable is it? We all read Jack's report of his new 100mm ED, but just how does it compare to other refractors? We not know, and written descriptions are difficult to visualize. What I want to use it for is not the issue. Whether it should be an issue is valid, but I am already aware of this and am not seeking advice on whether to get a refractor or reflector. It is a given that I will get a refractor. Determining which refractor would give me the best all around image can only be truly determined by a comparison of various refractors at the same time on the same object or part of sky. Would a Asto-Physics be best? I do not see how the cost can justify it. Would an f6 be good, or would an f8.3 give a significantly better image to justify a significant loss in field of view? How much does an f6 of the achromat design degrade the image of the the moon or planets compared to an apo? Yes, there is some color, but would I, or others, think it that objectionable to justify the cost of an apo? One might be able to make a statement, but individual case statements are difficult to visualize. let's see, for example, in actuality how an Orion f6 compares to an A-P (or other make) of the same f-ratio or near f-ratio. It may be stated that the figure on an A-P refractor is better than an Orion, but just how noticeable is it on the actual image? One may be able to make a statement, but statements are hard to visualize. It may be that after using a refractor extensively I may be very unhappy with one, but that is another issue. However, I must say that the dark sky view through Jacks 80mm Orion refractor at the last Messier marathon was great. Stan -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.