[programmer]

Originally Posted by iceman

Hi and welcome to IceInSpace!

Thanks iceman.. have read your beginner's stickies (twice). Good angle to come from, criticizing each of your scopes.. love it. Not a perspective a noob will often hear, I'm sure.

Sounds like you're on the right track. For what you describe, an 8" dob would be perfect for you.

I think so. Even if it doesn't get tracked around much in the car (and in reality it probably won't) I think the 8" is a big enough bucket for my first foray!

You can add an ArgoNavis later on to help you find objects easier, and you can add an EQ6 mount later for photography as well.

Yes the ArgoNavis is something I can see myself doing, even if I never get around to doing the photography thing.

Is the lightbridge better than the solid tube? It really depends on the individual. If you plan to travel with it, the lightbridge breaks down a bit smaller and might be easier to fit in the car. But if you want to do photography and put it on an EQ mount, then you can't do that with a lightbridge and you'd need the solid tube version.

I'm going towards the solid tube Bintel for several reasons, not just cost. I notice you didn't say quality of construction, optics, etc. is what differentiates the Bintel vs the Meade, more the practicality.

Keep asking questions!

You know I will Thanks to all on IIS who support me and the other beginners!