First off I would like to say that I really appreciate these forums. Everyone is real helpful and quick to answer questions. I look forward to not only getting advice, but hopefully someday getting enough experience to be of some help to others! As I related in my intro post, I am getting back into AA after many years. I have only owned a cheap refractor(a long time ago), and after perusing the Astronomy Forum for a while I have decided on an Orion XT8i. I currently am not going to pursue astrophotography (not yet, at least) and I have more interest in DSOs.Those are my main reasons for going with a DOB. I am trying to walk that fine line between aperture and portability, and figure that I could handle the weight of this scope. I was originally thinking about getting an Ultrablock narrowband filter, but have decided not to based on previous recommendations made to noobs like me.There are a couple of accessories that I am still thinking about getting, and would like opinions on them. First is a 13% moon filter. That seems like a pretty standard thing to purchase.? The second is the carrying case for the XT8i made by Orion. Does anybody have an opinion of these? Are there alternatives that you might recommend? I plan of taking this scope along on camping trips, so that is the reason for the case. I know that the base does not go in the bag, but I will transport it some other way. I am more worried about the OTA. One other thing that I am looking at getting is an observing chair. I was looking at the Astro Chair , but wanted to see if anyone has another idea. Being 6ft 245lbs the Astro chair should hold me up ok!
So that is my plan. I look forward to any comments.
Thanks!
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