MattG1968

Hi James Thanks for your comment. Just because I had the LX10 ten years doesn't mean I used I as much as I should! One of the key reasons for changing was to allow me a GOTO system, also I think it makes sense to chage after a while to see what other scopes have to offer. Thanks for your advice, it was helpful. Regards, Matt

Hi all, New on here - looks like a great forum. A question for you all - all advice welcome. I have just sold my Meade LX-10 SCT, which I had for about 10 years. Great scope in its own way but now I want to step up. My aspirations are to have a scope which meets the folowing criteria: 1.Great for DSO and good for planetary/lunar observing. 2.Suitable for astrophotography (definitely an aspiration at the moment). 3.Portable 4.Great optics and as much aperture as possible. I have done a fair bit of rsearch so far and have ruled out any kind of reflector. I am torn between a reasonably priced refractor - my first choice below: Sky-Watcher Evostar 120ED DS-PRO with an HEQ5 equatorial mount Or another SCT - best choice a Celestron NexStar SE8 Your ideas appreciated. Budget wise I am not really sure - could go up to £2K ish if required but would rather keep closer to £1,500 or less. Thanks guys, Matt or