Thanks Barry...I was always interested in the Nexstar range: I'm not really into photography and am learning the hard but best (?) way where to find things; and for sure, a Dob is a great way to start...will certainly upgrade to 12" in the near future; I suppose even a 130mm nexstar slt would also be a good instrument? If I could invest in an expensive scope, the 8SE would definitely be up the top of the list...but then again, a 16" Dob would also be up there! But yes, loving my 8" dob at this stage (I started with a Celestron Firstscope...so...hey...!)
