[Hammer (Andrew)]

Hi all
my first post here, and its another what do u think type,
sorry for that.

needless to say i am thinking quite hard about my first telescope.

Like most people new to this, it involves a few hours per night searching forums and web pages followed by a stiff drink.

At the start i was looking at a meade DS-2114ATS-LNT this seemed to provide reasonable price with some decent features. I then did some more reading and put that idea away.

I have to say I don't think dobs and I will get on, and after reading some guides here moved on to refractors.

Currently i am thinking along the lines of a

Vixen - Porta ED80Sf
this seems to suit my grab and go style and seem to offer decent optics and basic mount.

other ideas are something along the lines of a

Megrez 88 - M88 - Fluorite f/5.6 ota

setup with a basic mount

Any thoughts

P.S. i guess 2k would be my limit for my first setup.

I live in Tasmania with dark cold skies and variable weather.

Thanks

Andrew