Hi John , I have a friend in NZ with a Zeiss 6 inch f/15 refractor in a perminent observatory and the views of the moon and planets thru that long throw refractor are 2nd to none , I have seen mars in that scope like nothing else using Zeiss Othhoscopic eyepieces of .965mm ( better than my old clubs C14 ) .
Thats where these long refractors shine , just beautiful .
Good luck on your journey , sounds like it will be a good one .
Oh yes I have an Istar 127mm lense in a scope I built last year and its very very good , they give awsome service , 10 days from payement to delivery here in Darwin give them a call via e/mail .
Brian.