Currently, I own two telescopes, an Orion 8" (200mm) Reflector, and a Skywatcher 4" (100mm) Refractor, both picured below.
The 8" uses a mirror as the main objective and is used for serious Deep Sky work. It is mounted on an equatorial tripod with dual axis drives,
allowing the ability to track objects in the sky. It is also fitted with a 10x50 finder - essential for locating faint objects.
I use the 4" lens based scope for travelling, or on short observing sessions as it is much lighter and easier to setup.

I do not use any GOTO facilities as I enjoy finding objects the 'old-fashioned way', using star charts and by 'star hopping'.
I use a range of Plossl eyepieces and sketch objects at the eyepiece. Drawing objects in my opinion is much easier and cheaper than
astrophotography or CCD imaging, and by sketching objects you learn to 'see' more clearly!


Orion telescopes manufacured by: www.orionoptics.co.uk

Skywatcher telescopes available from: www.opticalvision.co.uk