Steve:

If it is portability you are concerned with, go with the 5i. It is
very portable, the stock tripod is light but stable, and the goto
accuracy and tracking is good, especially if you spend time with the
scope and properly align and set backlash.

You will, eventually, want a larger scope. But, you are correct, they
are bulkier and heavier. That is why I purchased the 5i. I have to
drag a scope over 100' to set up, and an 8" with counterweights,
tripod, and doodads takes more time to set up and cool than a 5i. The
5i can be carried with one hand, assembled. Don't get me wrong, having
an 8" is also worth it, and the difference in views is noticable. But,
the 5i is no slouch either, even in dark skies. I had mine in Central
Oregon at Kah Nee Tah several weeks ago, and it's views were
absolutely great.

I have an LX90 and absolutely love that scope. It has a beefy tripod
and worm gears, and is a cut above an 8i. Mind you, the 8i stock
tripod is the same as the 5i, and that tripod is not stable enough for
the 8i, so you would have to upgrade. Furthermore, don't bother with
the 8i - at that point, go with a better quality 8" scope...like an
N8GPS or LX90...you would not regret it.

Don

"Michael A. Covington" wrote in message ...
For what it's worth, I have a Celestron 5 (vintage 1980) and a Meade 8-inch.
I have owned a NexStar 5 (non-i) and had to sell it due to financial
constraints.

My Celestron 5 gets a *lot* of use, especially when portability is involved.
Not only is the telescope a lot more portable, so is the tripod.

For years it was my only telescope and I saw all the Messier objects with
it.