Who Makes the Best Reflector Telescopes?

[speaker]

Who makes the best reflectors for the amateur market? Why is your pick a "best"?

[Xlovacus]

I'm no authority, but my experience with a Meade DS-10A Eq has been fairly positive. It's got some slop in the clock drive and doesn't star test that well (to be expected with an f4.5 mirror I suppose), but it's easy to set up, and steady enough for visual fun. I've had it for 14 yrs and am getting ready to jump into the SCT club (woohoo!) this summer, but my vote is for Meade.

[Falcon]

I don't own one, but a friend does. My pick would be the Starmaster truss tube DOB in 16" with Zambuto mirror. The 16" is probably the best merger of huge aperature, portability, and ease of use on the market. Research grade mirror, one person setup/takedown, high quality construction throughout, and investment grade equity, (ie. high resale value). The 16" is the largest scope that one can use without a ladder and at the same time is transportable in a small sedan. To get meaningfully "deeper" one has to go substantially over 20", and at that level setup/take down and transport are non-trivial.
Unfortunately, the demand for these has caused the price to skyrocket in recent years. Perhaps that proves the point, or perhaps it is but an argument for DYIers to try as best as possible to emulate the better features of this most capable instrument.

[philip d]

Parks Optical. I have the 8" precision bottom of the line w/o drives. But it has an excellant mirror. If I could use it at home I would get the Superior 10"(about$3600) or 12.5" ($4600) with drives. My 8" will outperform a 10" sct and hang in there with a 11 or 12" sct. A Meade would be ok with a mirror upgrade. Like LT says 15-16" dob is a good size. Obsession makes some nice truss dob's. I'm assuming you will be using it at home with dark skys I'd go for a 18-20" obssesion. They have drive systems for the dobs.

[powerwindows1985]

I have to vote for Orion because that is the only one I am familiar with. They do provide a good scope for a relatively low price (which is important if your wife keeps you on a budget - and if she is less than thrilled about your new hobbie).

[EVERYTHING]

Orion for the Win! Orion is the best telescope producing co.!