Celestron 11" EdgeHD Vs. 10" or 12" Dobsonian For DSO

[Refractordude]

I am not in the market for another telescope at this time. I am asking this question to learn from different opinions. I would choose the EdgeHD with focal reducer. The EdgeHD will give sharper images and is less cumbersome to handle. I also like the eyepiece position on the EdgeHD. The EdgeHD will also make a great dual mount scope. There are devices that could cut an EdgeHD's cool down time by two thirds. Perhaps the dob will show a brighter image, I really do not know. Of course the dob is less expensive. If money is not an issue, what scope would you choose for DSO. Click the images below. Thanks to you all.

[notFritzArgelander]

I directly compared a 9.25" Edge (when I had it) to my Z12. On bright galaxies it was a near draw with a preference for the Edge's images. On fainter objects (identifying individual nebulas and clusters within M33) the Z12 was to be preferred.

For ease of use the Edge had more dew troubles of course while the Z12 stayed clear of it. The Edge was handier to manage on the Sirius EQG mount with wide to narrow adapter plate. It is nominally near the limit but was just fine visually. The CG5 couldn't manage it although the load specs are the same.

I plan to reacquire an aplanatic catadioptric scope in the 9.25-12" aperture range. There's a hole in my scope collection there.

[Bigzmey]

Don't forget that the Edge is also an excellent AP scope. Another advantage of slow scopes is that they are not fussy about EP quality. Even simple designs work well.

In this aperture range 9" to 12", I would go with SCT over DOB. In fact my next scope will be either 9.25" or 11" vanilla SCT. However, if I ever get in to 14-20" range I would go with DOB.

[notFritzArgelander]

Don't forget that the Edge is also an excellent AP scope. Another advantage of slow scopes is that they are not fussy about EP quality. Even simple designs work well.

In this aperture range 9" to 12", I would go with SCT over DOB. In fact my next scope will be either 9.25" or 11" vanilla SCT. However, if I ever get in to 14-20" range I would go with DOB.

The non aplanatic SCTs give me fits visually. I'm perhaps really sensitive to field curvature. The Luminos eyepieces that come with the Edge series do work well but the TV Panoptics are just a touch better.

I'd likely sell the provided Luminos as part of the acquisition plan, but not because it doesn't do the job just fine.

[Bigzmey]

The non aplanatic SCTs give me fits visually. I'm perhaps really sensitive to field curvature.

I noticed. I see FC in fast fracs, but not in my 8" and 6" SCTs. I could be less sensitive or my EPs correct it for me.

If I find 11" EdgeHD one day under Christmas tree I would take it. But used 11" SCTs prices are so low, it is hard to resist. I can always drop in reducer/field flattener to correct FC.

[yobbo89]

The edge is the top shooter of the bunch, more robust I would say, long native fl, focal reducer, hyper star, planetary imaging, weighs less. Corrected optics/no messing about with coma correctors. Only down fall is dew on the correcter glass, mirror shift, which can be solved with using a crayford and locking the mirror down. If price is an issue then the others would be second option, all scopes have cons and pros, a 10 and 12 " newt is just fine as well

[JayTee]

One other advantage the Edge has over the vanilla SCT is that the Edge has mirror locks to minimize mirror shift. This is actually a big deal for AP. As to a scope this size on an EQ mount, I would go with the SCT every time. A 12" Newt on an EQ mount is a monstrosity!

Cheers,
JT

[notFritzArgelander]

One other advantage the Edge has over the vanilla SCT is that the Edge has mirror locks to minimize mirror shift. This is actually a big deal for AP. As to a scope this size on an EQ mount, I would go with the SCT every time. A 12" Newt on an EQ mount is a monstrosity!

Cheers,
JT

I sometimes think of that monstrosity as desirable if permanent installation at a dark site is in the cards.

[JayTee]

I sometimes think of that monstrosity as desirable if permanent installation at a dark site is in the cards.

Oh, to dream. JT

[AntennaGuy]

I've noticed that the non-Edge HD versions of the Celestron SCTs seem to go on sale more often, and with bigger discounts, than the Edge-HD versions, which don't seem to go on sale at all (unless you include mounted versions that I don't want). In some cases the price difference for the OTAs is large. Compare:
Celestron 14" SCT OTA on sale (nearly 1K discount) for only $4050 [https://www.highpointscientific.com/tel ... -91038-xlt ]
Celestron 14" Edge HD SCT OTA, for $5999, no sale/discount. [ https://www.highpointscientific.com/cel ... -91060-xlt ]
I'm currently dreaming of the 14" Edge HD version, on a Losmandy G11GT mount, to be housed in a 3m ScopeDome observatory... but one step at a time. In regard to the two 14" OTAs above, the $1,950 difference is pretty substantial.

[Mick]

when I started I had 3.5", now I have 8", and your talking about 11" and 14"
But as you can see my bits and bobs are growing.

[Bigzmey]

I've noticed that the non-Edge HD versions of the Celestron SCTs seem to go on sale more often, and with bigger discounts, than the Edge-HD versions, which don't seem to go on sale at all (unless you include mounted versions that I don't want). In some cases the price difference for the OTAs is large. Compare:
Celestron 14" SCT OTA on sale (nearly 1K discount) for only $4050 [https://www.highpointscientific.com/tel ... -91038-xlt ]
Celestron 14" Edge HD SCT OTA, for $5999, no sale/discount. [ https://www.highpointscientific.com/cel ... -91060-xlt ]
I'm currently dreaming of the 14" Edge HD version, on a Losmandy G11GT mount, to be housed in a 3m ScopeDome observatory... but one step at a time. In regard to the two 14" OTAs above, the $1,950 difference is pretty substantial.

Even wider gap on the used market.

[notFritzArgelander]

I've noticed that the non-Edge HD versions of the Celestron SCTs seem to go on sale more often, and with bigger discounts, than the Edge-HD versions, which don't seem to go on sale at all (unless you include mounted versions that I don't want). In some cases the price difference for the OTAs is large. Compare:
Celestron 14" SCT OTA on sale (nearly 1K discount) for only $4050 [https://www.highpointscientific.com/tel ... -91038-xlt ]
Celestron 14" Edge HD SCT OTA, for $5999, no sale/discount. [ https://www.highpointscientific.com/cel ... -91060-xlt ]
I'm currently dreaming of the 14" Edge HD version, on a Losmandy G11GT mount, to be housed in a 3m ScopeDome observatory... but one step at a time. In regard to the two 14" OTAs above, the $1,950 difference is pretty substantial.

To my eyes, it's worth it too. For a short time after acquiring the 9.25 Edge aplanat I still had a plain vanilla 9.25 SCT. In comparison the Edge won easily.

[AntennaGuy]

To my eyes, it's worth it too. For a short time after acquiring the 9.25 Edge aplanat I still had a plain vanilla 9.25 SCT. In comparison the Edge won easily.

Your past remarks about this difference are a key factor in my current (long-term) plan for purchasing an Edge HD.

[helicon]

I'm also planning on picking up a C11 for planetary work. The images in my big dob were not satisfying on these objects and since I sold it I've earmarked the funds for the purchase. Have not decided on Edge or non-Edge.

[Bigzmey]

I'm also planning on picking up a C11 for planetary work. The images in my big dob were not satisfying on these objects and since I sold it I've earmarked the funds for the purchase. Have not decided on Edge or non-Edge.

Clearly Edge is better machine than plain 11". Is it $2,000 better? If I would do AP, I would go Edge. For visual I am still contemplating.

[notFritzArgelander]

I'm also planning on picking up a C11 for planetary work. The images in my big dob were not satisfying on these objects and since I sold it I've earmarked the funds for the purchase. Have not decided on Edge or non-Edge.

Clearly Edge is better machine than plain 11". Is it $2,000 better? If I would do AP, I would go Edge. For visual I am still contemplating.

To my eyes, I'll get the Edge. Perhaps another 9.25 rather than the 11.

[helicon]

I'm likely to go for the Edge as I am planning to get into AP ( )

[JayTee]

I'm likely to go for the Edge as I am planning to get into AP ( )

Michael, sit down and take a few deep breaths and this feeling will pass. It's for the better. Trust me.

Merry Christmas,
JT

[bladekeeper]

I'm likely to go for the Edge as I am planning to get into AP ( )

Michael, sit down and take a few deep breaths and this feeling will pass. It's for the better. Trust me.

Merry Christmas,
JT

And if that doesn't work, bash yourself over the head with a 2×4 a few times. If nothing else, you'll know what a typical imaging session feels like.