I've been seriously considering getting a telescope. I've spent a lot of time researching telescopes, what kind of telescope is better for certain types of viewing, etc. so that I don't end up with something that isn't what I want. Initially, I was considering getting an 8 or 10" LX200 SCT, but after further researching, I noticed the Meade Starfinder 16" Dobsonian for quite a bit less money than an LX200. So, I'm considering possibly going with the 16" dobsonian, and gaining aperture at the expense of accessories, astrophotography possibility, etc.

I'm not too concerned about the size because I don't really mind hauling stuff, and I do have a pickup truck, and I would probably do most of my observing on my back patio anyway.

I'm sure the 16" aperture is great for observing the faint fuzzies, but I was wondering if the large 16" aperture is enough to compensate for the short focal ratio when viewing planets?

I have also read that the maximum useful magnification on the typical night is about 25 to 30X per inch of aperture, and was wondering if that holds true for a telescope of this size, or if that only applies to smaller apertures. So basically, could I go about 400-480X magnification or so with a 16" Dob, and higher on exceptionally clear nights?

Thanks in advance!
Scott Nelson
"louieia"

• 16" Dob Magnification - filipowski - June 15, 2003 - 01:38 UTC
  • Planetary viewing, imagine brightness & aperture - louieia - June 15, 2003 - 16:19 UTC
    • Brightness: Big Dob v. Little Refractors - filipowski - June 15, 2003 - 19:04 UTC
      • The 6" Refractor it is!!! - louieia - June 16, 2003 - 23:56 UTC
        • 6" Meade Refractor - hecbom - November 27, 2003 - 06:01 UTC
      • Dobs vs Refractors - danieldgj - June 19, 2003 - 00:35 UTC
        • Re: Dob v. Refractor - filipowski - June 20, 2003 - 14:54 UTC
          • Well, yes and no - danieldgj - June 20, 2003 - 23:35 UTC
            • Well, yes, no, and money! - filipowski - June 21, 2003 - 15:25 UTC
          • Refractors, Dobs, etc. - louieia - June 21, 2003 - 15:28 UTC
          • Star Diagonals, Arizona mountains, etc. - louieia - June 21, 2003 - 15:41 UTC
            • Re: Star Diagonals & Leviathans - filipowski - June 21, 2003 - 19:16 UTC
              • Agreement--at least on diagonals. - danieldgj - June 22, 2003 - 14:13 UTC
        • How about a planetary dob? - astrowizz - April 28, 2008 - 04:40 UTC