[Solanum]

Thanks for the replies to my previous, rather niave as it turns out, post. I now have a much more specific set of options!

1) Buy a cheap 8" Dob, e.g. the ones from Andrews, and see how much viewing I actually manage then go for an expensive 8" SCT with the works later if I think it's worth it.

2) Buy a Meade ETX 105 or similar with all the electronic gizmos now.

3) Buy a good 12" Dob at around the price of the ETX105.

4) Look around for a second hand 8" SCT

I have great skies here in Mildura, rarely any cloud, some glare from local streetlights, but no skyglow. We do get dust in the air though. However, I also have two small kids (who I hope to get interested in astronomy in coming years) and another on the way, so my observational time is going to be limited.

Thus the ETX105 appeals as it will do all the hard work for me and I should be able to see something! On the other hand, the additional power of the Dobs is very appealing. Option 4 is least so, because I don't feel confident in being able to judge whether a scope is on it's way out or not.

I would very much welcome opinions on which option to go for, bearing in mind my comments above. I'm slightly leaning towards option 1 - would that be a mistake?

Thanks!