Re: Dobsonian Aperature Question

>
>Dennis,
>I am exactly where you are. Jon brought up some very good points about size,
>but I am still unsure about how much of a difference the 2" makes.

>If it is
>the difference between spiral and no spiral as you mentioned, then the size
>would be an after thought for me.

It is my experience that viewing conditions as important if not more important
than aperture.  

There is no doubt that I do see more with the larger scope when I use it. 
There will always be targets that are beyond the reach of one scope and within
the grasp of another.  But moving from a small refractor to a 10 inch scope,
you will be seeing a great many targets in detail that were only faint pin
pricks or smudges.  As Al said, he uses his 10 inch scope more frequently than
his 14 incher.  

The rule often quoted here is that the best scope is the one that gets used the
most, if the scope's size is a hinderance to using it, then it is probably not
optimal.

I try to observe most every night it is at all clear.  But if I am I tired from
work and a 10 mile bike ride home, I am more likely to pull out the 10 incher
than the 12.5 incher, neither is a big chore but the 10 incher is just easier.

My suggestion is to get a look at these scopes or at least similar scopes in
person first before buying.  Easier to make a qualified decision.

jon