Thanks to all for advice
In the end, went with 200mm skywatcher (portability, this post
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.p...63,261,0,0,1,0, the look on my dearly beloveds face at the prospect of the extra $500 for the 254mm...
).
BTW I looked at importing one but allowing for exchange rate, P&P, 12.5% sales tax, it didn't work out a whole lot cheaper
It arrives at the end of the month, will have to make do with binos till then...