[AstroJason (Jason)]

Wavy I thought the iOptron45 was a 20kg capacity mount? Otherwise if it is in fact 45kg, for a further $200-$300 I would get one for that extra payload capacity. I read that it’s also lighter than an NEQ6Pro mount so another advantage there for portability.

From what I have been reading, I think while an NEQ8 would be awesome, it would be FAR too heavy for me to move about from location to location.

So on to the Meade 10" LX200 ACF's. That’s what I was thinking, it would be the easiest to carry and is compact and still what I would consider large aperture. Got awesome GOTO capability and a very strong fork mount which could handle more equipment for my future needs. The issue with this is that for astrophotography I would need the wedge. I can’t even begin to imagine how awkward it would be to place the scope with the wedge on the tripod by myself. Anyway I’m thinking way ahead of myself here but need to consider it. Plus at $4699 brand new… the misses won’t be very impressed!

Which brings me to a scope I have been looking at today that might be the smarter option. The Skywatcher 10” f4 Carbon Fibre Newt. Being carbon fibre it would be very light for carrying around to sites as well as for a NEQ6Pro mount. It is a meter long but I think I can live with this as it is relatively cheap. So might just settle for this combo. Just one thing I am unsure on.

Is this scope here http://u-shop.com.au/UShop/Home/CategoryID/15/List/0/catpageindex/1/Level/a/ProductID/1855.aspx?SortField=UnitCost%2cProd uctName

The same as what is sometimes called the Quattro 10CF like in this video? Or is it different? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcvHOHwg1j4&feature=related

Oh mate, if I had a yard I would have a massive dob in a heartbeat. I’d be going straight for the Meade 16” Lightbridge, put some wheels on it and whack in an Argo, away we goooo! But I don’t. I envy you for having a 14” dob! Paragliding huh? Very interesting pastime mate. Bet you wish you could take your dob with you up there above the clouds and seeing! Last nights weather in Sydney annoyed me. Was attempting to do an all night star trail. Battery ended up dying in the 60D after 372 x 30 second images. But yeah clouds came through pretty much the entire time and spoiled it all. Plus the light pollution, the day I get out to a dark sky can’t come soon enough!