So XT8 -- NOW WHAT?

[DrNature]

The telrad is a non-magnifying finder. It projects a bulls-eye onto a small viewing window. By keeping both eyes open (one through the window and one on the sky) it appears that the bulls-eye is projected on the sky. While the telrad is great for going to naked eye stars or planets, it won't show you dim stars. So thats were the RACI is used. A RACI is a Right Angle Correct Image finder. It takes some practice to use since your head is perpendicular to where the scope is, but it shows many more stars than the naked eye. For star hopping, use the telrad to get to your first guide star, and then use the RACI to star hop to your target.

Steveyo is exactly correct - this is what I do. The Telrad/RACI/PSA is a terrific combo for star hopping. Telrads run about $40, S&T PSA is cheap on Amazon - I bought 2 moon maps with mine to get to $25 for the free shipping. Green lasers are cool but they are better suited to pointing out constellations to friends and not as precision telescope aiming devices.

[DrNature]

Hello guys again! So I've been reading more on here and looking at the XT8 (as decided on the previous post):
So the big question now is: Should I get the "standard" or the "build-a-scope" version?

And if I do get the "build-a-scope" version:
1) Is the green laser pointer worth it? Or am I being childish?
Sidenote: When I was using the skyscanner -- I did try using the EZ finder, and it wasn't toooo difficult, but it wasn't easy or very accurate either!
(Laser is double the standard finder at around $80)

2) The Dual speed focuser is $180 (a littler more than double the $85 standard focuser)

3) Which eyepieces should I get?
The Orion Sirius Plossl? There is a 10mm, 17mm, and 25mm set for $120... Any recommendations? I'm interesting in "cruising" over the moon and seeing things huge!

4) Do I need a laser collimator? (Am I just attracted to the word laser?)

With all the above -- The telescope becomes $700... Am i just trigger happy?
Without sounding cheap, this is a bit over my budget -- Keep in mind I'd like to get a Celestron go to scope and some other astronomy goodies (books and what not)...
And as a side note, this probably won't be my last telescope~

Thanks in advance
PS: I already have a moon filter and a barlow

You consider a Zhumell Z8 (or maybe even a Z-10)? I have the Z12 and it is amazing. Zhumell optics are great (GSO mirrors from Taiwan vs. Synta mirrors from China - bot are good, though). However the Zhumell scopes are much better accessorized than Orions and are less expensive. Check this: Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope - Telescopes at Telescopes

They come with a 30mm 2-inch EP and a 9.7mm 1.25-inch EP, laser collimator (which may need a little tweaking but it is easy to do), 8x50 RACI finder. My Z12 operates beautifully on the mount - the adjustable bearings are great and they don't have the big spring tensioner. They really are a great deal.

Some folks don't like Telescopes.com (calm down, Gus ) but I have never had any problems with them. Worth a look! Add a telrad and PSA and you are set!