travel scope?

[Auspom]

Hello all.
This is my first time on this forum so be gentle please.
I am an aussie who is currently living in the uk. I have a 200mm newt on eq5. due to visa problems i'll be returning home for a few months and would like to buy a travel scope for my stay. funds are tightish ($100-$150) so i know my choices are limited. i'll be living in wollongong and was wondering if anyone could tell me of any astro shops nearby or a good online dealer. to be honest it's 10 yrs since i've been back in oz so i don't even know if my budget is even realistic. any help would be greatly appreciated as i would love to see some southern skies.
thanks in advance:question:
Scott

[silv]

Hey Scott,
you could look for astronomy clubs in that area.
They often have loan scopes for a few $.

Enjoy your trip!

[Auspom]

Thanks Silv, I'll certainly look into that option. I'll be bringing all my e.p.'s etc so that could definately be a good option.

[brian nordstrom]

:) Hi Scott , and have a good trip , for your $100-150 you wont get much , have you looked at a pair of bino's ? Andrews Communations has good binos up to 80mm in your price range ( google them ) :welcome:, that might be a better option ?
Brian.

[cjamo9]

i have a celestron 127 powerseeker newtonian on a germain eq mount with slow motion controls( even chuck in a couple possils) you can have for $150 plus postage. pm me if you want it.

[traveller]

I'd second that!
A good pair of binos with a sturdy photo tripod and adapter is the way to go, given your limited budget.
Bo

[Varangian]

How mobile are you? Car? You should be able to pick up a 5" 130mm tabletop Dobsonian off eBay for $150. Skywatcher do a heritage model, its retractable, exteremely compact and the aperture is sufficient enough to give you nice views with the right eyepiece. Easy to resell as well.

[Auspom]

Firstly let me thank you all for your time and advice. I realise bins would be the best option but due to a drunken accident in my youth holding anything still for more than a few minutes is difficult if not impossible.
John, the skywatcher dobs are pretty much what i had in mind. I realise the drop in aperture from an 8" is significant but then again the aussie skies compared to the light pollution we have to suffer in the uk will go a long way in making up for that. also a small dob might help get my son off his xbox and out in the garden (fat chance).
once again thanks everyone for your help. much appreciated.

[Varangian]

I would keep an eye on classifieds, eBay and for sales on OzScopes.com etc. Also, when you are ready put an ad in items wanted in the IIS classifieds.

A 5" Skywatcher in the bush will blow away an 8" in the city:thumbsup:

[Auspom]

Thanks John. thats exactly what I wanted to hear:)