Depending if you want to track the stars I personally would choose Orion overall in the EQ mounted Newtonian scopes. If tracking isn`t required for you, then perhaps a Skyquest 8" Dobs from Orion. Unfortunatly for Meade their quality has suffered a great deal in their smaller scopes and newts and Dobs. Some folks buy the larger dobs and modify the heck out of them. Their SCT`s are OK to very good quality, but they cost more. I myself have used a Skyview and it was decent for me to use. Have you checked with Discovery telescopes or Telehoon scopes? They`re not bad either. Knowing what I know now and had a choice between Orion or Meade Newts, I would pick Orion. Good customer service too. Good luck!!