I'm amazed by the number of responses. Thank everyone of you for all those valuable advices. After a long thought, I think I should start with a pair of 20x80 (triplet) binoculars + a tripod.
Is it true that many experienced amateurs use binoculars? If yes, in what occasion?
Any recommendation on the binoculars (<$300 and relatively light) and tripod (<$250) brand/model?
I may later move on to a back-pack-able/very-portable (<=10kg) telescope. I'm thinking of either the Orion StarBlast 4.5 EQ Reflector (114mm f/4 with EQ1 mount) that I mentioned, or the Skywatcher 1025AZ3 short tube refractor (102mm f/5 with AZ3 mount).
http://www.telescope.com/shopping/pr...dd=yes#tabLink
http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/1025.html
Is the Orion Reflector or the Skywatcher Refractor a better choice? And why?
Also, do experience amateurs use AZ3 mounts? If yes, in what occasion?
Many Regards,
Patrick