thanks for the advice malcolm and stu. I will look into purchasing the shroud and look into dew protection also (I must admit its something I hadn't really considered). i have a bit of an idea of where some of the bigger messier objects are etc, my old scope was a low quality 6" equatorial (always regretted not getting an 8" dob for the same money). although the memory is a little hazy!
thanks also for posting the images, they look fairly good, i'd be happy if i could replicate something like that!
now i can't wait to collect and get into it! I'm sure i'll have some questions later on!
Thanks again
