You mentioned the problem that some eyepieces do not work well with short focal ratio telescopes. Is this a problem that could be erased with a barlow, like a 3X, making an f/4 scope an f/12? Or would I be better off going with a scope that is already an f/10 or so?

I would like to go with a 10" aperture, either the Meade LXD55 Schmidt-Newtonian, or maybe a 10" SCT, but the 10" SCT will most likely not fall within my budget. Probably, my choice would be between the 10" schmidt newtonian or the 8" SCT. Any advice you can offer? Which of the two do you think I would be happier with? Another concern I have is with portability. How large is a 10" Schmidt Newtonian compared to a 10" dobsonian? Is it much smaller?

One thing about seeing conditions. How much of a problem is humidity? I know the less humid the better, but are dew points in the 30's or 40's what you would call a "big" problem? Or is it only a real factor on those humid summer nights when the dew points reach the 60's or so?

Thanks again!

• The above questions - danieldgj - May 26, 2003 - 22:44 UTC
• More direct answer - danieldgj - May 26, 2003 - 22:46 UTC