[ATM] Mirror size recommendations?

["Alan Scott" <alanne1956@hotmail.com>]

I am starting to dream of making a new scope.  I currently have a 12" (Deep 
Space 3), and want to go to something a bit larger.  I am thinking along the 
lines of a 15" or 16".  I want this scope to be easily transported in the 
trunk of a hatchback, to not need a ladder, and to be easily transportable 
(i.e., liftable by me).

Questions:
  * should I go for a 15" f5, or a 16" f4.7ish?
  * Does one inch change in diameter (about 10% additional glass area) make 
any difference visually?
  * Is there a visual quality difference between an f5 and f4.7, assuming 
the same quality of mirror and the same focal length?  Is it very 
noticeable?

Thanks!

alan scott
http://www.xmission.com/~alanne/Astronomy.html
http://www.xmission.com/~alanne/PcMaintenance.html

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