Hi matey...I'm new to telescope's too but if it were a dob 8' you were after, Andrews communication have a great deal.
I purchased a Guan Sheng and very happy the one I purchased cost us $499 and even the Deluxe would have cost $399 with I think it was 4 or 5 eye pieces cant remember...but next time check them out if you are after a bit of a bargin and it cos me $50 for shipping from NSW to MELB...cheers darl and I hope you have better seeing weather than the crap I've been getting in Melb.
Here's the web addy for Andrews
http://www.andrewscom.com.au, check it out, they are so friendly and helpful...