CELESTRON C90 Mak or C130 Mak

trgo · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 1

I am considering buying either the Celestron C90 Mak or the C130 Mak.
I want a scope primarily for terrestial long distance (over the ocean inlet) viewing, from my deck, at my cottage in Nova Scotia, but the fact that these scopes can also be used for night sky use is very appealing.
The Nova Scotia night sky is virtually light pollution free.
I will only use this scope for two months each year, so do not wish to invest a huge sum of cash ( who does? ).
Should I buy the C90 Mak, or the C130 Mak, or should I buy something else entirely.
I can buy the C90 for $192 (incl. ship) plus $75 for a SunPak 757 tripod, or the C130 for $299.95 (incl. ship) plus $75 for a SunPak tripod.
I am leaning strongly toward the C130, but I am looking for unbiased advice also.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5669

Hi

If your main use is daytime, the C90, with its shorter focal length will get you down to more daytime friendly magnifications. Not going to get down lower than 50x on the C130 because of its focal length.

If your main use is astronomy, the C130 gets the nod with its larger aperture. Definitely a plus when you start to hunt for faint nebulae, galaxies and star clusters.
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