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"Hi, I'm narrowing down my options for my first scope and would welcome any advice / suggestions: Whilst this will be my first scope, I'm happy to go for a decent one to start off.  This isn't a new 'hobby' for me, but until now working away from home (&amp; overseas) has meant a scope wasn't really an option. Binoculars have been my limit. First it's best to outline what I want it to do and a few limitation. Budget: up to £1000 (max). Locations:  Mobile.  Any scope MUST be mobile, so weight, size &amp; setup are important factors.    At home light pollution can be an issue (not terminally), a potentially bigger issue is the restricted of the sky from the garden from tall trees &amp; buildings (can't fell the trees &amp; neighbours unlikely to knock house down!).  The good news is there are some good locations a short drive from home, with easy access by car (Not planning any night time cross country hiking! ), good sky views and very little light . Use:  I'm looking for mixed planetary &amp; DSO use.  I fully appreciate that there will be compromises  - One scope isn't going to be perfect for everything - So looking for a good all rounder. Astro imaging will play quite an important part, so a good, stable mount and tracking would be useful.  Initially I'll be using a Canon 400D. So far I've been looking at Skywatcher &amp; Celestron 6\" &amp; 8\" scopes within my budget.   So here come the questions: Q1. What would be the best choice between something like a 6\" cassegrain or an 8\" reflector like the (Celestron C8-N GT ) A 6\" cassegrain on a good  GoTo mount would use up just about all my budget (Celestron C6 SGT XLT). An 8\" reflector on a good GoTo mount would be cheaper (Celestron C8 NGT), but heavier. It would leave me more £££ for other EP's and filters etc. I've only used these Celestron scopes as an example, because I could compare weight.  C6 SGT = 52lb  C8 NGT = 67lb  Both on the CG EQ mount (I'm guessing much of weight is in this) Celestron Advanced Series Telescopes I've also looked at Skywatcher reflectors like the Explorer 150 &amp; 200 ranges, but can't find any details of weight for the EQ3 or EQ5 mounts.  If the EQ3 is stable enough for imaging this may be a better option as far as weight goes. Q2.  Am I being unrealistic here with the weight of these scopes? The majority of mobile locations close to home should mean I can set up quite close to my Jeep, so I'm guessing handling isn't going to me too much of an issue! At present, I'm inclined to go for the 8\" reflector (or even a 6\" reflector), using the extra cash for things like a power tank, EP's, filters etc. I will have more questions on this ....... but would like to get a view on these two first. Very Many Thanks! Al \n"
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