Haven't been able to get out with the scope recently due to clouds which only seem to come out at night so I have been thinking about what telescope to upgrade to replace the wobbly Bresser.

I started off thinking of getting an Explorer 150PL, good value for money and a decent focal length to look at planets and forgive the use of cheaper lenses.

Then I decided it would be better to stretch to the Explorer 200P and get a 'fast' scope, later on getting a slow refractor to compliment it.

Then after a discussion on the forums I began to think the Skyliner 200P dob would be the better option. Cheaper, slightly slower and easier to use.

Thinking about this it occurred to me that my garden slopes quite a bit and a tripod would be better. Also the fast set up time of the dob is counteracted by the fact that an 8" reflector would need to cool for 20/30 minutes anyway.

Started looking at semi-apo refractors after this and fell in love with the idea of getting an Evostar Pro 100ED. Thinking it might be better to pay a bit more to get crisp clear images, no need to collimate and no deterioration over time.

I have now returned to the idea of getting an Explorer 200P. I think overall it will be a better all rounder than the refractor and still very reasonably priced.

It will probably be a couple of months before I make a purchase so I expect I'll probably change my mind again, but I keep coming back to the Explorer 200P.

If only I could see something to point my scope at!