I can't comment really on the Relflector /refractor comparison only having an SCTand a lower to middling range refractor, but I do like the depth of contrast you get with a slower scope, like an f/10 refractor. Plus they are relatively light and portable. Unfortunately without spending around $15000 (thats about the price of a 6 " apo isn't it (shudder)) you just can't compete with the relectors for light gathering power
My mount "handles" my celestron well for viewing but IMHO its too light to put anything else on. I may be able to do a bit of webcamming with it but I'd need to do another overhaul on it. My experience (limited as it is) has been with the eq mounts and I find that the earlier ones just had too much slop in them. They need to be completely pulled down, the glue for grease removed, repacked with something like superlube, and tightened down more than they are off the shelf. I also find they have a lot of backlash that needs to be adjusted. This is only my experience of eq's up to 4. No comment on anything heavier
Its a lot of work for someone just starting out. It almost put me off going further into astronomy when I got my first eq (previously had an old 60mm tasco alt/az).
As much as I like using an eq mount (a good one
) for a starter who wants to experience it all
I'd suggest a good dob. Unless Jimmy you are prepared to spend a bit more (well quite a bit more then $400 really) then the skies the limit, and we can *really* start talking about *scopes*
Good luck Jimmy