Premium 8" reflector or Celestron 9.25" XLT?

Hi guys,

Assuming both is about the same price, which one would be a better choice?

The Premium reflector would have a superb mirror (say a Royce) but it's one inch lesser than the 9.25". If you were me, which one would you go for?

Vin

Though I haven't as yet compared them side by side I have an 8" f8 dob with a superb mirror and a C9.25 (starbright coatings) that I use frequently. Which is better depends on what you are viewing/ viewing habits and observing conditions. The 8" aclimates to the ambient temperature much faster so it's better for quick looks. My 8" offers a nicer view of the planets on an average night but the difference lessens once the C9.25 has stabilized on a steady night. The dob also much more resistant to dew if you observe in humid conditions (a dew heater may be necessary for the C9.25 if the humidty is really high). The C9.25 is easier to view through if you like to observe seated but wouldn't have much advantage if the dob were shorter (like f5 or f6) or setup on a GEM with rotatling rings. The C9.25 offers better views of deep sky objects as long as you can fit them in the narrower field of view. Photography with the C9.25 is easier. The C9.25 is an excellent all around scope but it can't quite match the views through a newtonian with really well figured set of optics.

Joplin