Asparagoose

Thanks Alan. I ended up ordering the AWB OneSky and will replace the dobsonian mount with a tripod. I realized the tube collapses to about the same size as the ST80, it’s obviously just a bit thicker, which won’t impact portability too much. 

I keep going back and forth but with some of the feedback I may bite the bullet on the AWB OneSky and get a good collapsible tripod to mount it on. Seems like 130mm has too many benefits over 80 if my interest is galaxies 

That’s good to hear, as I’m maybe 20-30 minutes from bortle 4. An hour from notable darker skies too. If I could get some galactic detail in dark skies with the ST80 it’d be perfect since hiking/camping with it would be simple 

I’m in the market for a portable scope that I’d ideally be able to toss in a bag or backpack while I’m out camping or flying. The ST80 seems like a great option for me, but my primary interest is in galaxies and nebulae. Is 80mm enough to see any details in galaxies under relatively dark skies such as bortle 4?

And if not, how much more detail would a 130mm dobsonian show? I’ve seen a couple people turn the AWB OneSky into a travel scope by mounting it on a tripod, so I’d be willing to do this. Still, the ST80 is the perfect size for me if I wouldn’t be disappointed in the views it gives