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Thanks again for the replies. My budget will be about $1500. However, if I spend that I won't be buying another scope for quite some time. As I mentioned my observing time will be limited, which is why I was wondering if an 8" dob of the $500 to $600 mark is the safer bet. If I find I really want something better then I might be able to justify a bigger budget than $1500 later (but can't now - not for a first scope).
My interest in an SCT is not that I think they'll be better than the equivalent size dob, but because I've been interested in photography for many years and would like to extend that to astronomy.
Looks like I'll ditch option 2. As for option 4, I'm sure there are reputable folks around, it's just that I'm not in a position to judge! Plus being in Mildura makes it difficult. Though there is a Mildura Amateur Astronomy club and I will go along to their next open night.
If 12" is really to big for a first scope (I know they 12" dob is BIG), then perhaps my options are more:
1) cheap 8" dob at $5-600
2) good quality 10" dob at under $1500
3) second hand 8" SCT
Are the cheaper dobs significantly worse viewing (inch for inch)?
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