I just got the GSO 12" (arrived on Xmas eve
) and recommend that you check one out in person before buying, as before mentioned, it is BIG. (Look at some other sizes too)
Setup it stands around 1.6m tall and the base is 635mm in diameter. Just the OTA weighs 22kg, I certainly can’t pick it up length ways like I can a 10”. In my opinion, you NEED a trolley because the base has only one handle and I can’t figure a way to pick it up solo. Without my trolley the only way I can move the scope assembled is by dragging it. That said, with the trolley I deem the chore of moving it outside negligible and that includes four steps off the patio.
Optically it’s fantastic however the limiting factor for me is light pollution. The only justification for getting a scope this big is if you are going to use it at dark locations so if you live in the city consider how often your lifestyle will permit you to transport 40kg of optical equipment.
All in all, I’m loving the beast!