ST Refractor/Mount

Currently I own an excellent TV-102 but the main reason I bought it was Mars which is shrinking now so I'm thinking of selling it and buying a short tube refractor. I really want a portable 80-100mm scope that I can carry on its mount easily.

Right now I'm thinking about getting a William Optics Megrez 80 and putting it on some sort of Bogen tripod/head combo. I also am considering buying a telepod instead of the Bogen combo.

What I'm looking for here are three things:
1) Someone with experience with a Megrez 80 to tell me if this is a good scope for the money.

2) What Bogen combo would work best or would the telepod be the better route to go?

3) If there's a better scope for around the same price range that I should be considering.

Thanks in advance to everyone and I look forward to hearing your opinions.

Rick Riley

Or you could keep what you have and buy 20x80 binoculars with a tripod for $350. I just used mine for the second night and views are wonderful. There is so much more sky to see. Andromeda is bigger and brighter than the 20x image in my Vixen 140mm refractor. You can even get hand holdable ones from Oberwerk for $199 or the auction site now for $190. I'm sorry but my At1010 was nice but these are much more fun. The light ones are only a few pounds. You try it out and if not enjoyed sell them. My dos pennies.