Thanks again Rob ... Dobsonian is the key word for today ... or at least that is where I am swimming at the moment
. Thanks Netwolf...that actually raises more questions for me, however that is quite a wise move in itself.
I almost went for a $1300.00 127mm apo ... North somthing, somthing ... aprox $2000.00 to your door and so on. The truth is I really don't feel that comfortable parting with such a large some of money via internet forums. Whilst this one has a VERY good reputation, I just get skidish with such things...especially if they have very little in the way of posts.
Then of course there is the trust factor...whilst we like to think everyone is honest...there is still rather a large risk factor involved. I have used the classifieds to sell and am very thankful to ,,,,, hhhmmmmmmmm, I think it was Mathew the had me chop my last 12" GSO dob at the base and send him the mirror...(that was an experience
) and Jnetttt...I think....got quite a few astronomy books off me...plus there was another polite gentleman that got me ED80..............
I found dealing with all the people, very refreshing ... whilst its true that we tend to be more tolerant when making such transactions ... I did get a real sense of generosity about these folk, however ... I believe these members would rank as senior members having been here for a long time and actively involved ... I would not hesitate buying from such characters.
But alas! I have made a decision................
For better or worse, I am going back to the trusty 12" GSO Dob!
Sorry Giorgio
... That 12" inch dob you have ... imo ... is the sweet spot for our trips on the outer...most people say about 10" ... but we are fat...oops...I mean stocky lads.
I have a passion for many things, and the truth is ... as many of us know ... we never truly reach that point in which we want to stop. As for Astrophotography ... I just can't aford to do it as I like to do things ... I not long ago bought an EOS 550D which has opened a new door into Photography on another level and am happy to stick with that. I do have a universal digi cam adapter that will make for some fun with the moon ...
I could write a huge list of reasons why I have chosen to go back to the Dob ... perhaps the biggest being that I know what a wonderful instrument it truly is...............
My experience with it will also leaves me well placed to purchase the many other accessories I know that give such a boost to performance and ones enjoyment.
Have to go work in the wet toady...
...but will be back to post some more
Thanks again to you all.....My bipolar episodes are only set to begin.
None the less it feels good to have at least chosen the telescope.