Expensive Small Aperture Refractor?

I'm new to astronomy, but I've been reading allot and a number of things
confuse me. One is that most advice from magazine's "How-To" editorials say
the same thing; that aperture size is important. So if aperture is so
important, what's with the 3-5" refractors that cost as much (or more) than
my car? Are these so much better than similarly sized newtonians, etc. Or are
they just of such high build quality that they command that kind of money?
Who is buying a $7,000+ 100mm refractor, and why?

Just curious.

Glen

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Expensive Small Aperture Refractor?
    ... confuse me. ... One is that most advice from magazine's "How-To" editorials say the same thing; that aperture size is important. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • How come no high speed triplets?
    ... Imagine if you will a market void has been ... Right now, the only fast, large aperture ... refractors are Chinese 6" f5 achros, ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: the refractor craze??
    ... > bet close to 70% of the scopes there were refractors. ... > certainly can't be DSO's as an 18" Dob would win that battle hands down. ... > their appeal especially when you compare the cost per aperture differences ... Just like other folks have different hobbies, ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Expensive Small Aperture Refractor?
    ... but I've been reading allot and a number of things ... that aperture size is important. ... what's with the 3-5" refractors that cost as much (or ... large fully illuminated field of view. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: the refractor craze??
    ... the Price and size of HQ 8-14 inchers!! ... > splitting and measuring double-stars refractor is the best, large aperture ... >> a trend towards refractors. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)