Fun topic... I'd have to go with my current 16" truss dob. With its lightweight design and build, it is not hard to move. Believe it or not, the most physically demanding thing about that telescope is taking out the back seat of our minivan so it can ride there. The 'scope itself is not too heavy and though it does take about 15 minutes to set up, that just gives the mirror time to start cooling down. As Chuck has already mentioned, off-axis masks are a great thing. I have one and sometimes use it with this 'scope. Having a relatively slow (for a dob) f-ratio of 5.5 gives me outstanding views of everything from the moon to tiny planetary nebulae. Yes, I need a ladder, but that is no problem for me. I made the scope myself, mirror included so I know the quality of it, and I would be happy with it for the rest of my time here on mother earth. Okay, now for the funny part... if anyone wants to buy the scope, it is for sale so that I can finance a 24" dob! :) If my plan works out, I will probably eventually downsize to a 16" or 18" again, but I'm still willing to haul a 24" around for now. Keep looking up! Mat -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 7:20 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Pick one and stick with it A hypothetical question. If you had to pick just one telescope to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? Explain your reasoning. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message and any included attachments are from Siemens Medical Solutions and are intended only for the addressee(s). The information contained herein may include trade secrets or privileged or otherwise confidential information. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or using such information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you received this message in error, or have reason to believe you are not authorized to receive it, please promptly delete this message and notify the sender by e-mail with a copy to Central.SecurityOffice.Healthcare@siemens.com Thank you