Except T8 is more efficient with less character that T12s
I wish more 8' and 4' two-lamp T12 striplights were still around, along with the 400w and 250w MV/MH recessed fixtures...
I find rapid start magnetically ballasted T8 has the best of both worlds, you get the energy savings from T8 and the startup and character of T12. Only problem is that the magnetic ballast dosen't like super low mercury lamps aka Alto II.
Apparently they were quite common around 10 years ago. My old high school had a wing built in 2000 and it was filled with F32T8 magnetic ballasts. I only have one F32T8 magnetic ballast though, they also show up on eBay when I get home I'll see if I can find some for sale.
Sylvanias are this shape, Philips have the green dimple, and GE's look like Philips lamps, but without the green dimple.
I wish more 8' and 4' two-lamp T12 striplights were still around, along with the 400w and 250w MV/MH recessed fixtures...