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$8K should get you going.
You need to spend the most on the mount which whilst not seeming to be the most exotic piece of equipment it will be the most source of trouble if you do not get a decent one.
Check with the posters here but I think the EQ6 is used a lot plus it has an upgrade path. A Losmandy G11 would be within your budget as well.
2 metres would be challenging for someone new to imaging. You'll get best results from shorter focal lengths like 600mm.
Refractors like ED80, 127mm scope that is often used on this site would get you going nicely.
Cameras in that budget would be SBIG ST8300 (they can go 2nd hand for as low as $1300, I saw one on Astromart just recently).
Or QHY9 (about $1800)
Autoguiders use QHY5 (not sure of price but around $400) or SBIG STi (US$595 - my pick or use the guide kit for $795 and you have everything you need to guide) or Starlight Express Lodestar (US$695, very popular).
There is also an Orion autoguiding kit with a little scope and camera for around $500. The SBIG STi autoguider and guiding kit (a lens and rings, well made) is a complete solution plus the SBIG takes darks whereas the Lodestar does not. What does that mean? It means without darks the software can confuse a hot pixel with the guide star and give erratic guiding. Maxim DL software ($600) allows you to use Lodestar and subtract a saved dark. CCDsoft does not.
You'll also need a planetarium software like the Sky X or similar.
That should come in around $8K I think.
So EQ6, SBIG STI and guide kit, 127mm refractor, QHY9 or SBIG ST8300
with filters and filter wheel. It would be close possibly a bit over. You could economise by getting a smaller refractor like an ED80 but you will soon want a larger one like the 127mm and take a loss on the upgrade.
Another alernative to keep cost down is to get a modified DSLR like a 350D. These go for $400 or so and are popular. A good way to start and spend more on the mount and get a Losmandy G11.
Check the classifieds here to get a dsicount over new prices. Also Astromart.com is a resource for 2nd hand astro equipment.
Greg.
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