Hi Kosh
to IIS ! without any doubt in my mind I would say go the
8" newt . The only other way around your budget would be to go used.
e.g . I think we have at this time a GPDX/Skysensor for sale for $1500.00 and you could pick up a 8" OTA for $500.00 I'm sure. The Vixen is a far superior mount to the Celenstron. Anyhow good luck on your hunt .
Louie
