"justbeats" wrote in message
...
RichA wrote in message . ..

The ETX weighs about 14lbs.
An 8" LX200 about 45.
A 10" about 65.
Think about that before deciding.
-rich

Rich has a good point.

I followed almost exactly the same path as you propose (except I
started with an ETX90). I bought the ETX new to "check" I was serious
before plonking all my cash on a "big" scope. To be honest, I regret
wasting time doing that - but I did learn the sky a bit better before
getting the more serious scope as an upgrade. My next scope was a
second hand 10" LX200. I selected this as being the minimum aperture I
wanted balanced against my ability to carry it.

After about 6 months of struggling up and down the stairs to set this
beast up, I can honestly report that my enthusiasm waned (something I
wouldn't have thought possible).

I can imagine! fortunately, there is no need for me to drag it up and down stairs. just a few
meters to get it in my backyard.

Thankfully my plan included moving to an imaging setup mounted
permanently in a roll-off roof observatory.

my plan exactly

For I while (prior to
building the observatory, but while buying the "parts"), I used an
Orion 80ED (bought for use as a guide scope) as a quick look scope -
to the total exclusion of the 10" LX200. It got my enthusiasm back up
to par in no time. I wouldn't have believed this either until I
experienced it myself. I really enjoyed the views through the little
scope, and didn't feel the experience was "spoilt" because I wasn't
using the maximum aperture available to me at the time. Guess I was
learning the truth of the advice, like Rich's, that I'd (unconciously)
discounted.

I am not selling my ETX as I am aware that I will keep on using it.

Returning to the topic, I'd like to amplify Rich's point; Based on my
own direct experience, I'd say that unless you plan to permanently
mount your scope in the (not too distant) future, you will likely get
more use from an 8" LX200. And you'll save some cash that you could
put to a nice Nagler or two.

no worries, I will have some cash left anyway.
--
md