Posts Made By: Arne Flones

I agree with some other recommendations here.

The Orion XT12i with object locator may be the way to go. Lots of bang for the buck. My view on portability is that if you get a 10" Dob only because of portability you'll have wished you had gotten the 12".

An alternative for the best bang for the buck is an entirely different tack. That's the Orion SkyView Pro 80ED GoTo Refractor. These also are very wonderful. If you don't believe this, check out the Yahoo Orion ED group and look at some of the pics there. This scope will enable you to get into some very serious astrophotography without breaking your wallet, although that will require a higher budget than you specified. At least you can get started, though. Orion also sells the 80ED on the more robust EQ-G GoTo mount for about $1,600US.

But if you just want to look, I'd recommend the XT12i and get some accessories, like some eyepieces, a Telrad, and a carry bag. Aperture is everything! You can always do things to make it easier to move.

Not because I don't know the sky, not because I'm lazy. Unfortunately, I have had double vision for going on a decade. So even knowing the sky doesn't help me point the telescope accurately enough for some objects. Walking across the heavens works well since I'm at the eyepiece and am controlling movements from there. However, coordinating the visual fields from my two eyes is near impossible.

I need, at minimum, DSCs. I'm in the process of getting a new mount with GoTo because it will enhance my ability to be at the eyepiece enjoying the views. After all, isn't that what we are all after?

About any perceived GoTo/DSC controversy, just like the FCC removing the Morse requirements from HAM licensing, any technical advance which expands the ability of people to get into this wonderful hobby is *good* for the hobby. If that means that people don't need to learn the sky to become active, how can that be bad?

Peace, and clear skies to y'all.