[Pierre_C]

I think someone already known to be interested in deep sky astronomy would appreciate a telescope with a larger aperture, which would allow them to see more things. I think going from a 5-inch to an 8-inch (200mm) aperture would make a big difference.

I think Dobsonian telescopes provide good value in this regard. Current 8-inch options in Australia include:

Sky-Watcher

• ‘Classic Dobsonian’ – solid, simple and effective.
• ‘Collapsible Dobsonian’ – similar viewing experience to the Classic, but takes up less space when transporting. Heavier.
• ‘Collapsible Goto Dobsonian’ – similar viewing experience to the Collapsible, but able to electronically find and track objects. Much heavier.
• https://skywatcheraustralia.com.au/dobsonians

Saxon

• Equivalent models are said to be very similar (if not almost identical) to the Sky-Watcher Dobsonians.
• https://www.saxon.com.au/telescopes....ian-series.htm

Celestron

• ‘StarSense Explorer Dobsonian’ – similar viewing experience to the Sky-Watcher Classic, but with smart-phone assisted object finding. Some would say it has slightly better mechanics than the Sky-Watcher.
• https://www.celestron.com/products/s...nian-telescope

There are also computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Goto telescopes, which are more expensive:

Celestron

• ‘Nexstar 8SE computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain’ – much more portable than a Dobsonian telescope and able to electronically find and track objects. More capable for astrophotography than a manual Dobsonian telescope. Just within budget when on sale, but does not leave any money for accessories.
• ‘Nexstar 6SE computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain’ – more affordable than the 8SE. Some visual gain compared to the Astromaster 130 but not as much visual gain compared to an 8-inch aperture.

I think it would be worth going into a local store to see what you are comfortable carrying around and transporting. Smaller apertures (e.g. 6-inch or 150mm) are easier to move around.

I suggest saving around one third of your budget for accessories.