I specifically bought my ETX-125 as a visual grab'n go scope since my main gear (my LXD75 SN6/SC8) is usually tied up imaging. The ETX-125 has performed superbly in this role; compact, lightweight, easy to setup, and with enough aperture and great optics to show what the GoTo is pointing at. I haven't had a chance to get it out under really dark skies yet, but I'm looking forward to taking it with me the next time I get down to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nothing beats stargazing from Cades Cove!