[andrew2008]

I'm looking for some advice as I am in two minds about what to get for a second, more portable scope. The 12" collapsible dob is a pain to get in the car with kids when traveling. So the plan is leave the dob at dark sky spot and travel every couple of months.

To give me something to use at home I'm looking at either another bit smaller dob or I could go 100-110mm refractor and get an alt/az mount to make it much more portable. I love the views through refractors but it will be quite expensive relative to the dob. Light gathering isn't really a concern as only 15-20mins from bris CBD only the brightest DSO's show much detail. An achromatic refractor would be cheaper than an ED but I'm not sure if the views will disappoint.

Dob, ED refractor or an achro? Any ideas.