I currently have a Meade 12.5" Dobson. After a few (ok, a lot) of modifications, I love my telescope except for the fact that I have to decide between it or the kids if I'm going somewhere. It's just too large. So, I'm considering another telescope and I'm hoping I can get some opinions on what I'm considering from the wise and learned folks on this list. I've decided that an 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain is just the ticket and I think I've narrowed it down to these two models which are in my price range and appear to have all the features I want: Option #1: Celestron Nexstar 8i Product Information: http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/nx8ise.htm Option #2: Celestron C8-SGT Product Information: http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c8sgt.htm The second telescope is about $100 more than the first. From my searches on the Internet, they both get decent reviews. Does anyone know what the practical differences are between these two scopes? Does anyone know of any issues with Celestron's quality? Are there any other brands/models you would recommend? Thanks in advance for any advice or help you can offer. -- --Chris Russell