I have a mate with a $300 budget for a first scope. He is a city dweller with not much astro knowledge and just wants to check out the sky to see if it is a hobby he would like to pursue.
I'm into astro imaging with canon 300D, LX90 and Orion Express 80 so I only know about that side.
BTW - he has a canon 30D so he might get the bug...
I would tell him to get a dob (and I know many of you would too). Suggestions?