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So to summarise people's points of view:
1. A large SCT isn't the easiest place to start astrophotography
Agreed, but I want an all round scope for versatility. I'm prepared to invest more time to learn how to drive it fully to have a scope that has a greater range of use and performance. Too it doesn't have to be that mobile 98% of the time it will be fixed on a second floor balcony in a light drench surburb!
2. If astrophotograghy is a priority go for pointing accuracy over light reach
But where is the switchover point (minutes) between light gathering ability and stability?
This means the Celestron 11" vs the Meade 10" LX200 seems the main game. What do folk think of each and how to decide on against them - pointing accuracy, features and add ons, financial viability of Celestron as a going concern etc?
Secondly is the 12" LX90 really only fit for shots under 3 hours, under 2 hours, under 40 minutes, under 20 minutes etc? Where does it start to die? If it could easily do a shot of up to say 3 hours or even 90 minutes isn't that enough given the light pollution of where I live. So is it actually back on the table as the best choice? The difference between the 12" LX90 and LX200 is about $2,000 - which give the optics and stand are the same its the mount that has soaked up all those extra $ for better / finer gears and actuators. Thats alot of money for gears! I'm sure it is worth it, but when does this factor kick in? What is the cut-off point that says beyond this limit move from greater light gathering to pointing stability?
3. Go to a star party - meet great folk, ask lotsa newbie questions
Agreed, seems like a brilliant idea and a way to reality check all my assumptions rather than just jump in. So far my only experience with 8", 12" and 16" SCT is visiting Macquarie University one cold Winter's night and seeing what each scope could do. No planets were in sight, the Optics were smudgy from many little fingers touching them and even though well rugged up my kids wanted to leave within 45 minutes due to exposure. So call that one a very limited success.
I don't have to rush so I'd rather learn and make better choices. I want my next scope to last for a very long time!
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