Florian-
I'd prefer not using a filter if I didn't have to also-that coming
from an amateur photographer's point of view-keep the view clean.
However, after reading your's and these replies it looks like I may be
out another $100 in the near future. This hobby is a wallet killer.
Then Stephen reminds me about the OIII filter...I believe what he &
Tony say about that...I'm open to that one as a 3rd filter, but would
wait a while...

I had been noticing all the planetaries & galaxies-looks like a
zillion-when you zoom in using the Sky software. Seems like there is
allot to see right now. Tonight would be good for viewing, but have
to re-lign up the XT4.5-my @#$% primary has one collimating screw that
has no adjustment turn left to it, so have to re-square/re-shim the
focuser. (I should have left it like I fixed it before...).

Tony,
I will give the XT8 a run through before buying any filter-I agree the
aperture and resolution increase would have to improve detail in the
views. That M57 was interesting-definitely not a hubble twin from my
small scope but interesting enough. Mississippi is about 2 hours
away-how's that? The Deep South Regional Stargaze will be out there
mid October, will try to attend. I observe by myself 99% of the time,
so going elsewhere in this small community to maybe setup the XT8
would get you a bit noticed. I can put it in the field behind the
house and oak tree=streetlight blocker . Raccoons are cute but they
can have attitude-and rabies. I'm not crazy about running into one of
those...

Chuck,
I'd like one on the roof-just go upstairs and see what's what. That
ain't gonna happen too soon. I also thought about one in the back
field...When you get into this hobby you can't help but look those up
on the internet...I've seen the light blocking screens, those look
okay. Backyard behind the house helps but the tree tops are there-we
can't have it all.

Beats,
I hear you about the stray light hitting the eye/ep/etc. That is
aggravating. I have an eyepatch that I use now & then. In the winter
I use another jacket or so to cover my head, like a photographer's
hood. I have some black felt material, I might use that, I know Orion
has one-the Observer's Hood. Something for everyone. I've had to
watch that the ep doesn't fog from exhaled warm air building up. If
you aren't a salesman you're a good one anyhow.

Thanks for all the helpful advice, I will be penniless.

Regards,
Kerry