First of all thank you to all who replied, this is really helpful.
Reading these and then continued our research was some roller coaster of thoughts and ideas. Can I please get some confirmation on some thoughts.
* Non computerised is a great starting position to help learn.
* A GOTO mount is handy, but for someone wanting to learn, it can come after.
* A equatorial mount is necessary for long exposure photography.
* A 8-10" Dobsonian sounds like good bang for buck
* Second hand would offer even better bang for buch, however with not prior knowledge we might get into trouble
So from there, we are starting to think we will spend all our money on a telscope and reuse an existing solid DSLR tripod for 6months, then think about something a little smarter in the tripod space. He has already spent 12months looking through binoculars and a borrowed 600mm SLR lens, so hoping some of that will translate to a telescope.
So the questions we have:
- There were a few refractor recommendations. We couldnt work out why? Why would you refractor vs dobsonian?
- I assume equatorial by itself is a mechanical thing and you have to adjust the counter weight to get it right? where as GoTo with tracking is electrical, and a little more set and forget?
- I believe not all GoTo are equatorial/tracking, is this right?
- We see some dobsonian have more like a frame and not a complete tube, I assume the only advantage of these is compact for travel, and they would then start to introduce the disadvantage of extra light getting in?
- Can you get a scope like this, and later add a GOTO mount - https://www.bintel.com.au/product/st...ian-telescope/
- Can you get a scope like this, and add it to a DSLR tripod - https://www.amazon.com/SkyWatcher-S1.../dp/B00Z4HVTT0
If its also not too much to ask, can we get some example photos please. i.e. what would you expect with a 8 vs 10" and a long (tracking) vs short exposure in DSO vs local solar system?
THen thinking way into the future, is the idea to attach something like this instead of the DSLR?
https://www.amazon.com/SVBONY-Telesc...dp/B09XQY6RG2/ Does something like this really give a much better photo that a DSLR?
thanks again for all the help