NoClouds

Thanks for taking the time. I will go the Starsence route and will be in touch for a mount for it if that's ok. Thanks Can I ask the importance of the 70mm having a wider field of view? I have a Slik camera tripod from the late 70's, very sturdy - any use to convert for the StarSense Explorer 70mm or larger? The Bresser is a bit of a jump in price but interesting that you can easily change the mount type Not decided on which dob to go with, a lot to think about.

Again, thank you for all the comments. clearoutside.com says I’m Bortle 4. Clouds on the western horizon do light up though. I thought I might as well get the StellaLyra 8" as it comes with 3 eyepieces which appear to be a good starter set. Then the wife through a curve ball. “Why don’t you just get the StellaLyra 12”, you never buy anything for yourself” Which is true, I only tend to buy tools & things I need. She also wants to try star gazing. I’m still happy to get an 8” but…. If we got the 12”, she would live in a dry out house which is probably only a few degrees warmer than external temps. I may even make an observatory for her, I’ve looked at what other people build for their dobs. It appears that there’s going to be 2 of us moving her now so I’m not bothered about weight, I’m still fit and fine lifting/carrying 25kg on my own. She’ll fit in the wifes car, Volvo XC70. The wife also suggested we could take the caravan to a dark site for a few days when conditions looked promising! Is this what I would be looking at for coma correction on the 12” https://www.firstlightoptics.com/coma-correctors/stellalyra-2-4-element-photo-visual-coma-corrector-for-newtonian-telescopes.html Goto - I was thinking about an inclinometer, degree circle & SkySafari but the Starsense option is brilliant, thank you. Tracking – I’ll leave for just now. Seriously considering the 12” now.

Just been sorting dinner, didn't expect so many replies so quickly. Thank you. Very patient. I'm ok with the weights involved for the 12" and appreciate that the size of the tube makes the weight awkward. Very true. Very tempted. Taking on board the comments on goto's, I'm going to have a more indepth look at Asterion tracking/goto for both telescopes.

I’m totally new to astronomy and don’t even know if I’ll stick with it or not. So for my first telescope I want to spend just enough to be able to see objects of interest that could get me hooked. Alternatively, be able to sell if it’s not for me. To be honest, I’m not sure what will interest me, I’ve just had a notion for years to try it. Now that I’m retired, I’ve got the time. I live in the Ayrshire country side but have a fair bit of light pollution from surrounding towns, however I’m only 45 min from the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. For a first telescope, I’m thinking of getting a Sky-Watcher Classic 200P Dobsonian for £369. According to the BBC SKY AT NIGHT MAGAZINE, I’ll be able to see the Crab Nebula, M81 and M82 in near-full Moonlight and under darker skies a clear-cut Cassini Division and a colour difference between the A and B rings of Saturn. I don’t think I want to spend another £200 for a 10” to start off with. I thought about second hand as eBay appears to have quite a few “unwanted presents” gathering dust but as the primary mirror is open to foreign object damage, I think I’d rather buy new. If I get hooked, then I’d sell the SW and go for GSO’s StellaLyra 12" f/5 Dobsonian for £879. It appears to be a lot of quality bang for your bucks. Could also add an Asterion tracking or push to kit for ~£260. Is what I’m thinking reasonable or flawed? Also, what would be “essential” accessories for the SW 8” and would they be transferable to the StellaLyra 12"? Many thanks in advance.