thanks daniel, seems the az3 mount is the one for me.. I couldn't find the Andrew's mak scope for $99- but I'll have a look at Aust Geographic on the weekend... getting closer I think. Re the spotting scope I'm not sure it would be all that easy to operate on a tiny table-top tripod - wouldn't a floorstanding tripod be easier for that?
Janoskiss: I like the idea of a 4" mak - but can only find the skywatcher MAK90EQ1 for $399- is it a good buy?
Is this a 4" mak?:
http://www.amazon.com/Orion-Apex-90m...8493428&sr=8-2
it looks nice - could probably have that delivered to Australia for about $300 - plus tripod
Is there a good place to look for second hand scopes of this kind? ebay and the trading post are limited and flooded with cheap new stuff..
again - sorry if this is boring - at the moment I'm constantly feeling like I'm stupid and in over my head.. maybe I should keep researching before posting again.