[johnno]

Hi All,
I am considering buying a GSO 8" dob.I have a few questions which I am sure, some of the far more experienced members than I would be able to answer.
1.I am a little mobility limited,due to Arthritus etc,so just how portable is an 8" dob,ie are they light enough to be picked up and carried outside,I live in Greta N.S.W,and dont need to carry my gear by car,Just outside,and moved around the yard.I also have a Tasco/Vixen 5" catadioptric newtonian on a Vixen Polaris mount,which is about my weight limit for easy pick up and move around.
2.I own a Tasco 4.5 inch reflector which is light and portable,BUT due to the short f/r 4.4 is hopeless on planets,and without really good eyepieces,(which I dont have, except for the Vixen .965 18,and 5mm Orthos), not a lot better on DSOs,so would the 8" dob be a great deal better on both DSOs and Planets at f/r of 6.I like both Planets and DSOs,and cannot afford now, to buy a scope for each,so would the F6 Dob be a good compromise.
3.who is best to buy from,(I know who is the cheapest)
Many Thanks for any advice.
Regards.John