Many thanks for your two posts Andy, both extremely (disarmingly) funny and wise. I'm planning to buy my first scope in the next couple of months (as savings will allow) and am very heartened at your goto endorsement. The bottom line is this is a cold and wet island at a pretty northerly latitude, and you are the first I have read to make that consideration so plain. I first thought a nice reflector without goto, but with transport also an issue (too many trees in my backyard) I've been eyeing up a nice C4se. My old man has just moved to the Loire valley, so I could in theory get the scope out there to share the fun. Although I might stretch to the 5 if I get the additional expense past my better half.... Do keep your posts coming and clear skies best wishes Roj