Should I own more than one scope, why do you'll have so many?

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

You'll have to get to Astrofest this year Suzie.
www.qldastrofest.org.au
You'll get a chance to look through some awesome scopes and be able to make a more informed decision about upgrading.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Hey Suzie, do you own a pair of binoculars??
A half decent pair of bino's are essential kit for every Amateur Astronomer.
You can use them to search for brighter comets, look for trails after a bright meteor, or just lie back on a tarp on the ground and cruise the night sky.
I love mine.
10x50 is about the largest you can comfortably use hand held (you can't see much when your hands are shaking from the weight of them), any larger and you should mount them on a camera tripod.
8x42 is a good size. Compact and light weight.
cs

[Suzy]

Nettie, yes I do have binoculars- 7x50, and do love using them!

[RobF (Rob)]

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

You'll have to get to Astrofest this year Suzie.
www.qldastrofest.org.au
You'll get a chance to look through some awesome scopes and be able to make a more informed decision about upgrading.

I think this is great advice if you can manage it Suzy - a couple of nights here learning what a difference dark skies make and looking through other people's gear and talking to them is invaluable. I also agree with Al - there is just so much to learn from your 6". I had a ball for years with only a 4.5" reflector.

Once you have a better idea where you want to go with the hobby, buying 2nd gear in good condition is great if you can do it. You can usually recoup most of the cost when you later sell.