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Mick,
I reckon that's a great offer, as this sort of article is sorely needed. As folk mentioned there are two discrete levels of experience to cater for here 1) folk totally new to astronomy and 2) those planning their second, third or fourth scope.
For the first time buyers their desires and budgets probably can be satisfied by large binoculars, and/or either say a 8”+ Dob’s or a 8” Netwonian on a sturdy equatorial mount. You can probably get quite an outcome on a budget certainly not exceeding say $1,500. But regardless you need to know what you can look at, consider your budget, calibre and location of preferred viewing site and hence travel, set-up and breakdown times. In this price range and likely level of experience one may say astro-imaging is right out. Personally I’d agree that large binoculars and a stand, plus visits to star parties are a great way to start.
Now to the second category I mentioned. As an example my optical tube journey has gone 3” refractor -> bino’s 7 * 50, 10 * 50, 15 * 70 and 20 * 80s, then a 6” Newtonian, followed by a 5” Mak on equ3-2, to which I added motors, then moved this OTA onto a CG5- gotomount. Next I added a second hand 80mm Megrez in piggyback configuration, and just last week I ordered a C9.25 CF XLT OTA to replace the 5” MAK which has been brilliant up to now. Now that’s a financial walk covering 35+ years, with most of the purchase steps happening in the last 18 months. And its nowhere near finished. The next major upgrade in say 18 months will likely be a mount in the $5,000 -> $7,500 range (Takashi, Vixen Atlux (yes), Losmandy G11 with Gemini or Celestron CGE), then add a high-end CCD or Digital camera. Now if I go any further well then you’re into the financial realms of guys like strongmanmike. I guess at this point you're pondering 6” apo’s and/or 12" + RC's sitting nicely on a Software Bisque Paramount ME or atsrophysics or giant Meade or mountain Instruments type high end mount; leaving little change from $18,000. I ponder if you’re thinking of a $30+ K set-up, maybe you’d be better to timeshare on a automated remote site with some mates…
So there is definitely need for a guide for folk considering their second, third, fourth scope. People hoping from the $300, to the $1,500 to the $3,000 probably aren’t too hard to advise. People getting ready to enter the $5,000 - $7,500 range for the first time have a lot to consider. For these folk the choices appear complex.
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