...and add another US$15k for a Grade 0 back illuminated chip with no defects. Seriously though, you're right...this is where rental scopes come into their own league. Even if I came into serious money to buy my own 24" RC, I wouldn't do it...Why? I simply don't have the environmental conditions to fully utilise such equipment. It would be a waste of time and money. Sure, if you've got a block of land up high up in the blue mountains where seeing is great, go for it. When you crunch the figures, its more economical to buy time on high end gear than purchase it yourself (especially when considering weather etc). Depends on how keen you are...