Cheers and yes that makes lots of sense!
Thanks for all who have replied so quick I am so glad I made a post it really has helped.
Now my only decision to make is between the Astromaster 70AZ and the SkyWatcher SW708 as to weather I want to spend the extra $100 for the better stand (tripod) ... I am thinking going for the cheaper option. If however further down the track I really want to step up my game i'd get a much better scope and aim for something around the $500 mark.
