Mark,
You're not the 1st to ask this.
Obviously no one scope meets everyone's needs any more than one car meets everyone needs. My problem with answering your question is what price range?
That said, my favorite is an AP Starfire. If a 6" APO is too pricey I'd stick with my C9.25 for a mounted OTA. If 'best optics' are your goal, I'd keep my 12.5" Starmaster.
Personally I like using a refractor - like driving a sports car instead of a 4 door. The Starfire is exceptional for planetary, lunar, and terrific on doubles. It's just plain fun to use but certainly not for everyone.
SCTs are often called great "one size fits all" scopes but masters at none. IMHO the C9.25 might be the exception that proves the rule. My C9.25 is a great planetary/lunar scope yet still provides excellent DSO viewing. It's large enough to go after some faint fuzzies but still small enough to be easily handled. Price is reasonable and a mount won't break the budget.
The 12.5" Starmaster with ZOC mirror beats the others on performance. It's a typical truss DOB meaning it takes more fiddling (parts, collimation, etc.). It's not as easy to transport due to volume. The Starmaster with proper EPs is exceptionally for planetary, lunar, & doubles and provides great DSO viewing. It has the typical drawbacks of the DOB design.
Hope this helps.
Clear Skies, Bill
You're not the 1st to ask this.
Obviously no one scope meets everyone's needs any more than one car meets everyone needs. My problem with answering your question is what price range? That said, my favorite is an AP Starfire. If a 6" APO is too pricey I'd stick with my C9.25 for a mounted OTA. If 'best optics' are your goal, I'd keep my 12.5" Starmaster.
Personally I like using a refractor - like driving a sports car instead of a 4 door. The Starfire is exceptional for planetary, lunar, and terrific on doubles. It's just plain fun to use but certainly not for everyone.
SCTs are often called great "one size fits all" scopes but masters at none. IMHO the C9.25 might be the exception that proves the rule. My C9.25 is a great planetary/lunar scope yet still provides excellent DSO viewing. It's large enough to go after some faint fuzzies but still small enough to be easily handled. Price is reasonable and a mount won't break the budget.
The 12.5" Starmaster with ZOC mirror beats the others on performance. It's a typical truss DOB meaning it takes more fiddling (parts, collimation, etc.). It's not as easy to transport due to volume. The Starmaster with proper EPs is exceptionally for planetary, lunar, & doubles and provides great DSO viewing. It has the typical drawbacks of the DOB design.
Hope this helps.
Clear Skies, Bill
