Thanks for the discussion guys, i am learning lots.
My main issue on a shoestring/dental floss budget is what to initially buy. Although the Mak Newts appear better, then i need a mount, etc, so $$$ are still an issue. i am currently considering 2 options
1. A HEQ5 mount with a ED80, 2"diagonal and 10x focuser and 1 eyepiece for $1600, local area, or
2. A EQ6 mount with f4 10" Schmidt Newt, with 80mm short tube finder with autoguider, plus telrad, motofocus, variety of eyepieces for $2K, with a 30hr road trip
i am happy to do the road trip if it is worth it, but dont want to waste that effort if not. I am also wondering if this option is getting too ambitious?
If either of these options are going to give me a good intro into the game with the potential to then buy better quality glass later that could also work for me.
I am told the EQ6 is a better mount option for the future potential to add a larger scope as my aperture envy develops. Makes sense to me, however there seems to be a myriad of EQ6 and EQ5 options, so my confusion is growing. Some black some white, then H versions N versions, pro versions, ahhh! A nice comparison matrix would be helpful Skywatcher!
Maybe i just need to learn some patience!
More wisdom and opinions please?
Cheers
Greg