Please don't misunderstand - I wasn't trying to be critical. In the long run, any telescope that gets used the most is the best to build or purchase. -----Original Message----- From: JohnRenstrom@Hotmail.com [mailto:JohnRenstrom@Hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 10:24 AM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Re: Auto Find Feature that could still allow for equatorial rotation... I appreciate all your responses...It is always nice to get different opinions.

I also agree that "Go-To" mounts do a disservice to users, in the long run. I must disagree to this comment...The auto find feature is what sold me on finally buying my scope...I have small kids and my wife needs me at home as much as possible...If I am lucky, I might be able to get a few hours a week to spend under the stars. The last thing I want to have to do is drag out a big scope and spend a ton of time setting it up before I can even start . Eventually, I could see me getting more into just wandering the sky, but until I have done the rounds, I need to have an instructor...Thus, my auto find feature that will make me more confident and ensure that I enjoy what little time I have to spend under the stars.

BUT- if someone is only going to take out their telescope 3 or 4 times a year, has the money to burn, then buying one of these might make sense. Actually, I view my time as money...I consider it a good investment in myself when I can make my time more enjoyable and more productive. I am also very exited about sharing time with others and being able to quickly show them things through my scope. Especially thos that might not be able to spend an entire evening with me while I scan for specific objects.

Eventually I will be more interested in just roaming the stars...Just because my scope has an auto find feature, doesn't mean I have to always use it. My priorities remain the same... #1 Ease of use...It needs to be compact, easy to set up and capable of taking me for a tour of the night sky... #2 Image quality. #3 Photography. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy