I'm not entirely new to astronomy, Ed, just renewing an old pastime is all, one that I've long since forgotten the particulars of. My father belonged to the McDonnell Douglas astronomy club years ago; I accompanied him to many a star gazing event, and thoroughly enjoyed it, plus we viewed on many a night in our own back yard. Perhaps the planets I enjoyed most were Saturn and Mars. He had a 6" reflector, and it was just fine for that task. I've looked at some used 'scopes, and still have not determined what's best for me initially, but I'm thinking perhaps something in the 102mm range. Before then though, I'll probably content myself for the moment with tripod mounted binoculars.