Hi!
My name is Matt, i'm 18 and have adored all things in and beyond low-earth-orbit since i was four. Up until now I've only really just been a casual stargazer/appreciator, getting my first telescope a few years back. My first scope was a cheapy 4.5'' f/8 reflector which for all intents and purposes at the time i was happy with. However i am now looking to cross from a casual observer to more of an amateur astronomer, moving beyond (but not forgetting) looks at the moon and meagre views of Saturn and Jupiter.
But enough with the introduction and on to the actual question matter: my first serious telescope. I've been doing a bit of research, comparing apertures, types and such to things that i will want to observe (eg. Messier Objects) and have come up with the SkyWatcher 8'' Dobsonian Telescope
(LINK) as one i am seriously considering.
Is this telescope a great one to begin serious observing with? How well will i be able to view some of the more spectacular objects (binary stars, star clusters, some of the brighter nebulae, etc) as well as the planets (phases of Venus as well as the outer gas giants) living in an area with moderate/low light pollution?
Any suggestions/comments will be incredible appreciated and i'm looking forward to learning a lot with this first step!
Cheers,
Matt