Got the okay to purchase! Now...

Heard back from my folks. They checked out the prices I gave them and are okay with the Orion xt6 plus intelliscope. So then hubby says well maybe we should put the extra cash in and get the 8". Is there THAT MUCH difference with the scopes? Hubby does want to go with the intelliscope option for assistance after we get used to doing the normal, easier to view things.

To my inexperienced eye, the 6" will be a bit more portable, from what I've read it should cool down in about 1/2 the time or thereabouts of the 8". The 6" may, from what I've read, retain collimation better than the 8". The extra aperature on the 8" will excel with DSO; what may be a fuzz in the 6" will be more visible on the 8".

There is a 6" on the classifieds here in my state, but hubby is nervous about buying used since we don't know what to look for. However, buying used, we could get a good paid of binoculars as well as a few accessories for the same price. Downside is, if somethings wrong with it we could be out a bunch of money.

Decisions, decisions....

I agree with Bob, except to say that there are a lot of very good eyepieces for you in the 1 1/4" size. That would not be a reason on its own to get the 8".

"There is a 6" on the classifieds here in my state, but hubby is nervous about buying used since we don't know what to look for. However, buying used, we could get a good paid of binoculars as well as a few accessories for the same price. Downside is, if somethings wrong with it we could be out a bunch of money."

Look at your telescope purchase like anything else you were going to purchase, lets say your upgrading a new TV, would you buy Used or New? Both new and used items can have problems. The most important things to factor in decision making is warranty and customer service. Look at each item individually, Don't consider package deals a steal if those items haven't been each researched individually as something wanted. Again warranty and customer service in decision making.

Hi Sandra; If you are think of getting a new scope then for about an 1hr drive from Danbury you can go to Hight Point Scientific just about the largest scope shop in the NE, Dave and Grant are goode people and will give you lots of help.
here is a link to there site.

http://www.highpointscientific.com/store/contactUs.asp

2 inches will make a big difference, and the lug factor 6 inch verses 8 inch is minimal. you'll learn to collimate in no time. 1 1/4 eyepieces are just fine. just my opinion, but you will be happier with the 8 inch.

>>>To my inexperienced eye, the 6" will be a bit more portable, from what I've read it should cool down in about 1/2 the time or thereabouts of the 8". The 6" may, from what I've read, retain collimation better than the 8". The extra aperature on the 8" will excel with DSO; what may be a fuzz in the 6" will be more visible on the 8".
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Here are my thoughts....

1. Portability/transportability: About the same. The 8 inch is a bit heavier but the important thing is the length of the OTA, both are about 48 inches, fit nicely in a car.

2. Collimation. The 6 inch will be easier to collimate but neither is difficult.

3. Cooldown: I don't think the difference will be that much. If you need faster cool down, a house fan will do the job.

4. An 8 inch collects 78% more light and potentially has about 33% better resolution. These are the two things that your will notice the most. The few extra pounds, the slightly longer cooldown, the collimation, these will soon be forgotten. But the added aperture will be noticed every time you take the scope out under the night sky.

So if I were in your shoes, I would spend rhe extra money and get the 8 incher, it is really worth it. The larger finder and the 2 inch focuser that allows for a significantly wider field of view are icing on the cake.

Best wishes, clear skies

jon isaacs