Cheers John, I appreciate your thoughtful answers and suggestions.
I'm stating to lean toward looking for a quality unit that is the best performer for planet viewing in my price range. I keep going back to this one
Skywatcher 6" F/8 - hopefully a good balance of price, flexibility and quality?
yt video The only issue here is the tradeoff between portability and optimal planet viewing in terms of focal length - is that right?
If I can get along to a local club meeting I'll ask to look at a 70 mm refractor and a few reflectors up to 6" but I really don't want to look at anything bigger, in case I get sucked in to spending more!
Malcolm- sounds like an idea.. If I do get more into this I might be heading over anakie way to find some dark viewing spots.
cheers,
Richard