Thank you to all for the advice...I decided to go ahead and order the ETX-80 anyway...the more I thought about it, the more I realized that visual use will be what I do most (better then 90%), and that I would really like a scope that I could bring with me when I travel. This scope fills that niche. Later, I'll acquire a larger scope to replace my old Tasco. (Leaning towards a 10" Dobs, but don't tell my wife. :-) ). Thanks again... Craig