[rcheshire (Rowland)]

I think I have settled on the HEQ5 mount - two axis - I will check out prices a little more before committing.

Deciding on a scope is a little more difficult.

So far - Aside from Televue, Takahashi and others in that price range, I have narrowed the choice to the following.
Orion OEN 80mm ED doublet. (Same scope available under several brand names).
Meade 5000 80mm triplet.
Explore Scientific 80mm triplet.
Williams Optics Megrez 88mm doublet (sadly some shortcomings for astrophotography).

It's a mixed bag - the Megrez is the optical choice by name and performance, but some reviewers thought that imaging results were poor and were surpassed by the Orion (receives rave reviews as an astrophotography scope). The Megrez has a poor focus lock and may slip, particularly with a heavy camera near the vertical.

The Megrez and Orion are almost identical in price - just under 1000 (Megrez at Andrews Communications).

Not sure about the Meade and the Explore Scientific.

Have I left any APO's out of the list in the 80mm category.

Why I need a better scope.