[Wavytone]

jellies,

You need to clarify your needs somewhat. You want visual, then mention photography, you know aperture wins but you want this to travel... all to some extent conflict as there's no such thing as a "do-it all travelscope". As indicated below it is better to accept that you will need two scopes, possibly three, each optimised for a specific role:

- one that is a travelscope (and I would ask what do you want this for ?)
- one for photography (terrestrial or astro, up to you)
- one optimised for maximum visual fun.

By way of example:

Many years ago I used to travel to see solar eclipses and in many respects the ideal kit for this was a 4" Meade SCT on a camera tripod. It would pass as cabin luggage, and for years was my travelscope. By comparison the 100mm f/7 refractor I now have is too big for a camera tripod and relatively unused - it is big enough to be inconvenient. This is why the small fast 60 and 80mm scopes are popular, but a 4" SCT is even better. It's also the reason the Questar 3.5" will be forever popular, if you can afford one.

For terrestrial photography take care with focal length - anything beyond 700mm is going to give so much magnification that atmospheric turbulence will spoil resolution. A small spotting scope is often sufficient; a 100mm refractor is total overkill and impractical.

Astrophotography... requires an equatorial mount. A good one, at least an EQ6 or better, and bear in mind the optics optimised for astrophotography aren't always optimal for visual - I'm referring to both fast refractors (f/7) and fast-focal ratio reflectors with huge secondary obstructions.

Visual... the best option is either a dobsonian, 8-10" aperture, around f/5 (wide field, low power stuff), or if your pockets are a bit deeper an altaz SCT or a Maksutov which is capable of giving really good high-magification views of the planets and smaller deep sky objects. In addition the closed tube means the mirror coatings will last a lot longer.

Just be aware that cheap scopes aren't designed to last for a long time - many have a limited life before you will need to rebuild them or replace them entirely.