Paul , if you want a very good APO refractor that 100mm ED in the classifieds is a good buy ( I know Matt and he would probably thro in an eyepiece or 2 ??? if you asked ) , these ride nicely on an EQ3.2 mount , about $400 new from Andrews Communications , great combo . Even that AZ3 in the classifieds would do as a starter and at $90 its another great buy . Its a buyers market at the moment , plenty to choose from .
This would be as good as your old Pentax only with a larger aperture .
My 5c.
Brian.