On 16 Oct 2003 15:29:04 -0700, (Patrick) ...reflected:

I think I've decided on a 6" f/8 dobsonain as my first real scope. 6"
is enough aperture to start to do deep-sky, and the long f/ratio
should make it less likely I'll get one with bad optics. I'm still
considering an 8" f/6, but I think I'll go with the 6" due to its
lower cool-down time.

Oh, phooey on the cool-down time; treat yourself to the 8",
as it collects 73% more light than the 6", according to my Orion
Telescope catalog.

You'll be glad you did.

Now...it seems my choice is between a Synta or Guan Sheng built dob. I
read in a couple of places that Guan Sheng is generally slightly
better optically. WHich brands are Guan Sheng? The only one I know of
is Sky Mentor from Khan Scope Center.

Syntas are made in mainland China, whilst Guan Shengs are
made in Taiwan. "Oceanside Photo and Telescope, Hardin Optical,
Hands On Optics, Murnaghan Instruments and others" reportedly
carry the Guan Sheng Dobsonians.

Orion used to be, but are Syntas now.

Alan