@jim it looks like the Aptura 8 inch F/4 newts have similar specs for $499

@Antoine & Dalia Grelin thanks!

@Antoine & Dalia Grelin those orion reflectors, you forsee any problems running one of them and associated astrophotography gear on an EQ6-Pro? I'm in the same spot, needing more focal length for galaxies, planets, and planetary nebulae.

With an eyepiece you divide the scopes focal length by the eyepiece focal length to get the magnification. 500 mm / 25 mm = 20x. With a camera, you use the diagonal of the sensor. For a full frame 35 mm sensor, the diagonal would be about 42.25 mm so 500 mm / 42.5 mm = about 12x, good for big objects, not so good for galaxies or bright planets. Move up to 1800 mm and you get about 43x, much better. If the target is bright, add a barlow or tele view to double (or better). Those were simplistic examples, I would think the back focus length (think projecting an image on a wall) would also come into play.

Guess my original premise was a little unrealistic. I think anyone would be looking to get a little better or a little more capable with every purchase. Unless you were buying for some academic purpose, you would be unlikely to buy more than one mount at a time.

Not true celestial North, but very close. Polar alignment scopes and eyepieces will typically have a ring, often illuminated that you put Polaris on when you align. Several applications and I bet a few websites will show you where on the "clock " Polaris should be sitting for your date/time/position. (not sure position really matters)

Woot!!! Congrats