Second telescope for observing Messier objects

[Jef Wong]

I am seeking advice of which telescope to get to observe Messier objects. 

Earlier this year I started with a 102mm refractor telescope on a EQ mount. I can see beautiful views of the moon, little dot of Jupiter and Mars. Now I want to buy a second telescope to be able to see Nebula and Star clusters. I live in the Netherlands, at the skirts of a city in a light polluted area. 

I want this new telescope on a go-to mount, I have a roof terrace from where I like to observe, it is easy to get equipment in and out of the house, although I doubt I want to store anything bigger than 12". My budget is Euro 4000 up-to 5000 if included some nice eye pieces. 

With all the information I am a little bit lost, I would like to get your advise on a complete setup. 

 

Thanks 

[Cosmic Geoff]

Observing faint and extended deep sky objects like galaxies from a light polluted area does not work well. You ideally need to be at a dark skies site.  What is the Bortle value where you live?  You will see more galaxies with your existing scope at a dark skies site than you would see with a 12" from a town.

[vlaiv]

Have you ever seen 12" telescope in person?

Telescopes tend to be much larger in real life than on photos.

Maybe best option would be something like 10" dob with goto? Large enough but still - small enough to be transported to darker skies for observing?

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p4338_Skywatcher-Skyliner-250P-Synscan---10-inch-f-4-7-GoTo-Dobsonian-reflector.html

Or if you really want 12" option - it is now in stock:

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p4337_Skywatcher-Skyliner-300P-Synscan---12-inch-f-4--GoTo-Dobsonian-reflector.html

However, do understand that such scope assembled weighs as much as a grown person! This particular one has about 60Kg when assembled. Take a look at this video to get the idea of size and bulk of this scope:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asel5OgDljM

(this is solid tube version - collapsible version is easier to store and transport).