: Well I have to say it is refreshing to hear folks : speak scientifically regarding scopes, well there : seems to be alot of conversations regarding refractor vrs reflector : and Robert makes a good argument for refractor being properly baffeled : and usually reflectors are not may i suggest you aquire : 2 books one is by Harold Suiter on star testing : a scope and the other is ATM book 3, there is a large section : on making a photographic telescope, I realize you are not going to make your own : how ever the information is useful. I have friends that shoot with : astrophisics i shoot with newtonians and a cook triplet, the question is : aperture. Seeing must be very good to appreciate : large aperture viewing, My 12.5 inch i must say rarely is there : a good enoungh night to exploit its potential : I agree wiht robert on the newtonian idea except : the film plane size is small if you are serious about photos : you will want a large flat field. for medium to large format film. : It must be realized that some of the abbirations : do not appear on the film even thought they exist : due to the fact they are a small pecentage of the light in a refractor. : The Best thing for you is to aquire samll 4" refractor and a 8" dob reflector both : being around f7 and observe with them and learn the pros and cons for your self in : your inviroment and situation, Then go for the scope of oyur dreams : also Takahashi?? makes some very fine insturments : that are newtonian schmidt camera combos, that are very good : and worth investigating. : regards : Tom

:::: Thanx for the response. The Takahashi is one I just looked at. WOW! but with a price tag to boot. You get what you pay for tho and if a refractor is what I settle on, looks like big $$$ to satisfy how fussy I am as to image quality. But I knew this going in. Big refractors = VERY BIG $$$

You idea on a side by side comparison of an f7 Newt & 4" refractor sounds like and idea. and besides, like Robert says, I can always use the 4" refractor as a spotter for a large Newt if I go that way for the observatory itself.

What a great message board. Folks here are genuinely helpful.