[JohnH]

OK here we go again, I have been unable to come to a firm conclusion on upgrading my telescope. I mostly enjoy imaging with my 20D and I would like to work on DSOs Today I am mostly limited to widefield currently by my little ETX90. I would like any upgrade to be able to get 2-3 minutes at prime focus so I can get a decent shot of the brighter DSOs without guiding and an autoguide capable system for the fainter fuzzies later.

I also need a reasonable amount of portability as I do not have a pier or shed to house this equipment so it will get setup/taken down on each use.

My camera lenses (std canon usms) are not really useable for quality imaging so mostly I will want to image through the scope. I will also use a webcam for planetary (secondary interest at the moment).

Therefore I need two OTAs and a good mount. I live in Hornsby Heights, NSW and have reasonable dark skies (except to the south) no problem to see Mag 6 at Zenith on a clear night.

I am budgeting on approx 4k for this.

I am considering the Meade LX90 with an Orion ED80 (can the mount handle this) or equivalent (eg 8" SCT) on an EQ mount, goto is also a need for me as I am still learning the sky...