Thanks again for all the welcomes!!
Reading back on 1ponders' suggested option of the ED80 plus EQ6 gets me thinking... this sounds like it could be a great option!! So thanks for this...
I haven't really considered the option of 2 telescopes, one for photography and one for visual observing. What this really tells me is, I've got a lot to learn!! I am not familiar with the capabilities of the ED80 type refractors so will need to research this (and ask more questions in IIS!), but this sounds much more sensible than trying balance an enormous tube on three sticks... I guess although the ED80 has smaller aperture, you may just need to increase the length of the exposure(s) or number of frames to layer, to achieve a similar result compared to a larger apature scope??? As I said, a lot to learn in this area, so I will start reading/researching equipment, options techniques etc and maybe just focus on a good visual observing telescope for now.
Manny and Norm, I have thought about the 12" Lightbridge. Looks like a very good option, just haven't heard many people giving feedback on these scopes, 12" in particular I mean. Portability is a definite advantage with the LB I guess, but I'm a little concerned with the collimation, consistency with set up etc. I dropped into Bintel the other day and had a look at the 10" and 16" as they had these on display. They look great, but generally I'm always concerned with the more moving parts etc lends itself to more chance of wear over time and difficulty with optical alignment. Maybe this isn't the case, but I'd guess it's reasonably important to have everything pretty dead on? The solid tube to me just seems more stable, but definately interested in hearing how the LB's are performing for people. Not to mention an approx extra $600 for the LB. Not that great a concern, but definately a consideration (that's almost the cost of an ED80 OTA!!!
).
Lots to consider!!
Cheers
Dez