I started off by thinking that I'd get a LX200, however I'm now thinking
that I might get a TAL200K, HEQ5 and Skyscan 2000.


Donal, did a bit of homework for you. I think the Tal's secondary obstruction
is a deal breaker. Also, without a correcter plate, it requires spidervanes to
support which will further reduce contrast. I don't like the focuser either,
but this is based only on what I've read. Interesting scope and good optics,
but I'd go with a Celestron 1st. Read the reviews of the 9.25 and Tal.

http://www.cloudynights.com/compound.htm

Everything with a grain of salt. No two scopes perform the same.

RB