Hi Sunday,
Good advise from all so far....
So far, your on track with your questions. The optics between say a Lightbridge to that of a Skywatcher is probably negligible terms of solid tube vs truss/collapsible for portability - each have there merits and weaksnesses.
Scenario 1. viewing from home:
- both can be placed on a board with castors and wheeled somewhere in the yard. With this, at least you don't need to setup the collapsible each time and you can leave it fully extended. So in this instance, the score is the same.
Scenario 2. Portability:
If planning to do a lot of observing outside the home using the car. The collapsible probably edges out in favour. A 10" full tube scope will most likely need to have one of the seats laid flat. Think whether passengers will be compromised here or not. Especially if your planning to bring them along.
Further to this, its usually not just the scope that you will take, you will end up with a case or 2 full of misc. accessories (eyepieces, collimation tools, maps etc).
8" vs 10" I think there is a much of a muchness in terms of weight.
Scenario 3. Astrophotophy:
Certainly easier to mount a solid tube dob (8 and 10") on a EQ mount down the track than a collapsible, but having said that it has been done.
Scenario 4. misc.
With a collapsible, you will probably want a shroud to cover any stray light from the open 'cage' design. Also helps with dew.
You may need to collimate more frequently than a solid tube, but having said that, collimation will be 2nd nature and should not be a deterrent in your choice.
Choice?
If you were to never take the scope outside the boundaries of your yard, the 10" solid wins. However on the odd occassion where you want to take it to dark skies, then go the collapsible - soley for the size reduction and extra portability.
LB versas Skywatcher collapsible - either scopes will do the job fine.
Check the specs, eg, fans, dual focusers, viewfinder type etc.
I'll throw in another one, the Orion Intelliscope 10" - its dearer and may not be bang for your buck, but I reckon it looks the best to date.
That my 3 cents worth
Keep asking questions.
Cheers Norm