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If your ultimate aim is imaging, then you will eventually end up with a GEM. I have trodden this path some years back. I started with an LX90, then tried to take images. I had to move to a wedge, but found there was still too much 'springiness' in the mechanical system. The weight of the LX90 basically hangs off the wegde. There is a lot of weight there, and being stiff it shakes with the smallest of wind, or people walking across the lawn or whatever. I even built a concrete pier, but it didn't really improve things much. My conclusion is that the LX90 is fine for visual, and is best suited for Alt/Az operation. The LX90 is 2 metres focal length, and guiding problems are magnified. The LX90 is also only F10, hence meaningful exposures will need to be longer for extended objects, adding to the guiding issues, vibration, and frustration.
You will get far better results far quicker sticking with your ED80 and reflector. When you have developed some experience and competence with these, then consider moving onto longer focal lengths.
HTH,
Brian C
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