Upgrade Orion XT8 to what?

I currently have a XT8 dob. Looking to upgrading the scope (vs replacing all the major pieces - focuser, mirror, etc - which would cost just as much and I'll still have a ugly shell).

New scope (dob) requirements:
(1) 8" to 10" mirror with better coatings (96%+ vs 88%)
(2) Better mechanics - fit and finish, bearings, focuser, etc.
(3) f/6 or slower preferred
(4) small enough to move out from garage to backyard easily and observe and move around yard (to get different viewing angles to avoid lights) and tear down within 2 hrs (excluding cooldown)...
(5) Under $1.5K unless extra cost REALLY justifies what you get...

So what should it be? A Discovery 8" or 10" PDHQ? Or what?

How portable is a 10" PDHQ?

In answer to your last question... The 10" PDHQ is (in my opinion) the top end of "relatively easily portable". I was able to carry it around fairly easily and it JUST fit into the back of my Jeep Grand Cherokee. At f/6, it's a great scope. I've since moved up to a 12.5" truss...

Pat

Tony,
I went through the same decision nine months ago, with an XT-8 that I wanted to upgrade more for quality than for the big jump in aperature.

I ended up with a 10 inch, F/6 AstroSky truss dob with Discovery optics. Both optically and mechanically it has been a big improvement (and I thought the XT-8 was pretty decent). I have been very happy with it.

While the price has gone up, it's not much more than a 10 inch PDHQ, and it's much easier to transport. I think AstroSky is offering a 10% discount now for AM members this month.

Jeff Bennett

It looks like an SCT fulfills all five conditions.

Dmitri