These are my current instruments of choice. In the many years I have enjoyed this hobby, I have found that periodically my tastes change and telescopes seem to follow course. In the past I have had larger instruments for those deep-sky fuzzies. However, in recent years, double stars, sun, moon and planets are my targets of choice and large light-gatherers have made way for high-contrast smaller instruments.

I truly love the views through a refractor. If I could afford to buy and mount an 8”, I probably would, but I chose to be a bit more practical and build a quality 8” reflector instead. Having been raised on equatorial mounts, I truthfully didn’t consider a dobsonian mount (I have never owned one myself, but have used other’s). I guess I’m a bit lazy and enjoy being able to track what I am viewing without the constant nudging.

My “workhorse” is the 4”, it sees more light than the other three combined. Rather portable, but still with enough “wow” factor to make viewing a real pleasure. The 76mm is my travel scope, mounted on a modified Teegul with slow-motion controls, it’s a pleasure to use. I’ve had the 80mm f/15 the longest of all four scopes, it gives the sharpest, highest contrast views of any scope I have used. There is something about using a long focal length scope that really appeals to me. Not completely sure what it is, but not having to use barlows is surely a plus.