There can be an option in-between an expensive A$2500 10cm triplet and a A$400 12cm f/5 achro.
I have a TS ED110 (same as Astro Professional or Stellarvue, all from Kunming Optics) f/7 I got it second hand for E$700 (new E$1100, about A$1500 at TS in Germany) and it is a really nice scope, Lightweight (I let it lose some extra weight), about 4kg for the OTA.
Suitalble for photography and visual use as well. I took it with me on a recent South Africa trip.
http://skysurfer.eu/AP110.php