Small apo or large achro?

I plan on buying a new or (used if I find the right scope)refractor, for an apo I have been looking at the vixen ED80Sf 80 on the porta mount. For the large achro I was thinking of maybe the 5 or even 6 inch meade on the LXD75 mount.

I own a small mak, the orion 102mm and a Televu pronto I plan on keeping the Pronto and selling off the mak. The Pronto feels like a work of art and
I just cant bring myself to ever part with it.

I know the Vixen is only a small step up in terms of apature but it seems ideal for fast sky sweeping.And I often find myself running outside for a fast look. My kids and or wife often tag along,so have another scope thats fast and easy to set up is a bouns.

On the other hand Having a large scope would be just great! Help I am lost in limbo on this, Any sugestions or tips?

Hi Tim,

I own an Orion ED80 and an Antares 127mm f9.4. The 127mm, IMHO, is far more useful for astronomy but is a large scope that requires a solid mount. The tripod and mount combo that I use for the 80mm is lighter than the 127's OTA. Have you considered a 6" f8 Dob? They're very portable and generally provide very nice views.

Clear Skies,

Steve

Tim:

I think that the difference between the Vixen and the Pronto will be minimal, probably not noticeable.

As far as a larger scope, have you considered a Newtonian or SCT??

Jon

My frist scopes where a 6 inch Eq mounted newt and an 8 inch dob that picked up on astromart. The 8 inch was just too big for me to lug around. I wasnt impressed by the 8 inch dob at all. The 6 was ok And I have thought about getting another one some day. I have thought about a good sct 8.
I love the pronto for a few reasons, its easy to set up like under 5 min from its case to outside and viewing. I like wide sweeping views of the sky. My dream scope would be anyone of the 102 to 127mm apo's out there. But thats just not going to happen for the next 4 or 5 years.

I decided to post a few facts about myself. I am 45, an artist with mild ADHD (I like to do things fast, get bored easy)I have a few minor ailments, Migranes from a the cervical fusion surgery I had 3 years ago. The simpler something is to use The better I enjoy it. Most of my viewing tends to be in small doses say 15 min to 45 max. If I am going to be stargazing longer than that Its going to be just laying down on a blanket looking up at the heavens.
sometimes I will read about a star or messier object and go look for it, but most nights it just goingto be scaning the sky at random. I do enjoy the moon quite a bit as well.

I bought a Borg 101ED a few weeks ago and it is a great grab and go scope. It weighs 5lbs unloaded and 7lbs with finder, rings, dovetail, diagonal and 24mm panoptic. I have it mounted on a lightweight alt-az mount that weighs only 7lbs and with both being so light, it is easy to set up and carry around the yard if you obstacles.

Dave Adams

If you are looking for a widefield scope an Achro is a good choice, the speed will determine the applicability for other objects. I have a planetary scope so I built a 8" F/6 for widefield and have never been disappointed, pinpoint stars 2 degree field, great for the Messiers and beyond. The bigger the better up to portability maximums. Consider a 5 or 6" widefield and you won't be disappointed. I would consider the 5" at F/6 a grab and go on an AltAz. Watching the weather and pre-set up (get it out to cool when I get home) makes my 8" a great option.
Bob