Orion vs Discovery

I am considering either an Orion XT8 or a Discovery 8"DHQ. Being what anyone in this forum would call a newbie, is one better than the other? Each has a different or a choice of F/** length. Which is better, a smaller F number or a larger one. I am anxious to get my scope and get started but have these nagging unanswered questions as to how to spen my money wisely. I gues I sound cheap huh?

Jeff

I've got a recent Orion XT-6 and am very happy with it.
Optics are superb. I think the bigger F/ number will
tend to give better images, but the lower F/ number
will be more portable -- depends where your priorities
are.

Hello Jeff,

I have not had much experience with Discovery, but everything I have read, heard, etc. says the optics are about the same. I have a fast Newt from Orion, and it has sharp optics. As for the focal length, it really depends on your viewing preference. If planets, lunar, double stars are your preference, longer is better. If deep space is what you look at, then a shorter scope gives wider views for nebula, clusters, and galaxies. Keep in mind, that the shorter the focal length, the more aberrations creep in. However, this is not as much of an issue on deep space. Hope my ramblings help.

Regards,
Bill