Thanks a lot for the responses gents. It seems like a 12" solid tube might be the way to go for a first scope due to the simple, no fuss set-up. I drive an SUV with a fairly large storage space so it'll fit in there no problem.
Now as to brands. I must admit the Orion XT12g is my favourite but it's probably just out of my price range at this stage.
Realistically it's most likely going to be from either GSO, Bintel or Saxon. I like the 5 year warranty from Saxon and it uses Pyrex mirrors which I've read cool down faster than the BK7 which is used in GSO. But I can't find many reports on Saxon scopes. Are they an ok scope?
I have read some reports of the GSO mirrors being a bit hit & miss. Does anybody have recent experience with GSO stuff and do Bintel dobs (being rebadged GSO) suffer from the same problems?
p.s. well spotted Somnium
