The more i read about it....the more i am falling in love

Kevin the main reason i am going for the one i am is due to the weight of it. Its pretty lightweight for an 8" scope which suits me best due to my mobility issues.

Cost is also an issue but only because when i want something i pretty much want it NOW. Within the next couple of weeks i will have enough petty cash to squander on it.

To be honest i am not looking for a scope that is great for astrophotog because thats not what i am into. I'm pretty much 100% an observing kinda guy.

I'm still not 100% sure if the Porta mount is ideal to couple with the scope. I may end up buying a package deal of the scope and stand together.

remember half the fun is the chase!!!!

I couldnt agree more. Personally right now i dont see the attraction in GoTo scopes that find objects for you. The fun is indeed in the chase.

Kinda makes my Sky Scout redundant. It was a gift. I may end up selling it.

Any images yet Vagelis of just how things look through the scope?

No image can show what the eye can see, Paul. The scope is OK.
But are you sure about the porta mount?
Why don't you just wait a little more and get an equatorial mount?
Vagelis

Vagelis thats what i said "i'm not sure a Porta mount is the right mount for the scope".

The scope is sold with different mounts.

I know i want the scope.....................but before i place an order i am going to have to research the different types of mounts on offer with it.

The scope i have right now has an EQ mount..............so to be honest i may just go with another EQ mount.

Hi there,
The weights of the Tak and Vixen are comparable, note there is a 180 version as well as the 210 which is lighter again. I would be surprised if the optics on the Vixen would be equal to that on the Tak. Finally, remember the saying, 'Buy in haste, repent at leisure' , if I was you I would resist the natural urge to spend immediately, particularly as the nights shorten this time of the year. Slow down, save up and buy the scope that really suits you for September. Instant gratification could lead to instant disappointment if you are not careful....!!
Best of luck in your decision.......
Kevin

Hi Paul,
Just one more thing, my comment on 'the chase' referred to choosing a scope, it was not a comment on GOTO. At the risk of starting a flame war, IMHO GOTO and Digital Setting Circles are fantastic, particularly in the suburbs, where guide stars are often obscured by light pollution. When I bought my DSCs it enormously expanded the range of objects I viewed and reduced the time I spent hunting for objects. I cannot recommend computerised finding aids enough. IMHO you are making a decision to actively reduce your chances of viewing difficult objects by avoiding GOTO/DSC technology.
Anyhow, worst case, you can always turn them off!!
Personally, if my funds were limited, I would actually compromise on the scope before I would give up on computerised finding.
I know for some people, this is heresy, just my tuppence worth!!
Kevin

Gotta agree with Kevin.

Amount of DSO's I found with the help of my Telrad while my DSC's were out of action?

5 in 2 months

Amount of DSO's I found when I got my DSC's fixed?

25 in one night !