ST-8XE or New ST-2000XM?

Hello,
I am about to upgrade my ST7e to either the ST-8XE or ST-2000XM. If I was to break out in percentages the types of imaging I do I'd say that it would be 30% wide field at around f4 AP130, 25% at around f6 AP130, 25% using my C9.25 (either at f6.3 or f10) and 20% with a very short small refractor at say 300mm (like my Tak 60c). I'd say 40% of my imaging is done using H-alpha filtering. Because of the latest upgrades to the ST-2000XM, I am finding it hard to not purchase it over the ST-8XE, especially given the $2500 price difference! Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!!
Thanks
Chris Woodruff

Chris,

If you're planning on using the short focal length scopes, I'd suggest a CCD with the smaller pixels.

I'd suggest the St2000XM over the ST-8 for the smaller pixels. You can always bin for the long focal length shots.

I'd also suggest the Starlight Xpress SXV-H9, which is my camera of choice. It's low thermal noise and low read noise allow the taking of shorter exposures and no dark frames are needed whatsoever, even at my ambient temps of 95F in the summer. I use a FS60, Epsilon 160 f3.3 and a 7" f6 MakNew. You can see my shots here:
http://www.ricksastro.com/SXV_H9.htm

Plus, it's a little cheaper and much lighter.

Rick Krejci