[Eyebee]

Here I stand on the edge of the abyss .... looking out into space.Another new user, also impressed by the interaction offered by the IIS site.I've read the books, surfed the net, talked to retailers, annoyed one astro mate (C8, Orion ED80, & 15" truss dob - self made), done the dept store scope thing several years ago (got my money back next day!), bought the t-shirt, and I'm ready to jump ... but which way???For simplicity & economy an 8" or 10" dob seems a good start, or maybe a second-hand C8-SCT + CG5 - have reasonably dark skies at home, but would like the option of portability (transport/space no problem).I fear I have little to offer in return, but does the collective wisdom have any definite suggestions (polite and positive, please!) that would encourage me to go beyond the books.Cosmological regards, Ian