I think that you will find that in some ways that your choice is better than the single scope. In other ways it isn't. Total light grasp I think is dependent upon the size of the mirror but on the other hand, having both eyes able to see an object makes for better seeing. Saw a 20" binoc at RTMC for several years and THAT scope was VERY impressive! I didn't do a comparison between that and a 28-30" scope but I think that it probably would be comparable. If you do the binocs, you will indeed have a very nice scope if it is done right. The biggest problem is the EP's for it as the outside diameter of the EP cannot exceed the InterPupilary Distance that you want (at least 56mm). That was the only problem that the 20" had was that the EP's couldn't be some of the newer really wideangle ones. Go for the gusto! Have fun and keep looking up. Bob May