Hi and
First scope choice can seem a little daunting even when you aren't on a budget... I'd ask a few questions about where you plan on doing most of your viewing - do you need to transport the scope to a darker site?
I'd also ask about how technical you might be, and are you frustrated easily?
If you plan on travelling to your site and you don't want to spend alot of time setting up/pulling down, I'd heartily recommend a short refractor.
Refractors are virtually zero on the maintenance side, and if you get one on an AZ (Altitude-Azimuth) mount you don't have to spend any time doing a polar alignment when you set up each time. AZ mounts tend to be cheaper. For example:
http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx
Alternatively, if you don't mind only slightly more maintenance and bumping your budget up a few dollars, aim for a 6" dobsonian. You end up with alot more scope and it is still simple to setup. It is a bit more to transport than the refractor though. For example:
http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx
In my experience, EQ mounts can be a little frustrating on a first scope and they tend to be somewhat flimsy and prone to wobbles.
Good luck in your research and clear skies!!
Rob