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i saw on one of the australian internet shops 8" dobs going for $399. i use to own one of these and honestly for the $$ you won't get much better. i have compared this scope to a 12" and there is a remarkable difference in visual quality, but this increased size does come with a cost AND a definate weight factor.
i'm like the amature of amature when it comes to this thing, but i have dabbled in it a little myself in the past... you will hear everyone say "the best scope for you is the one you use the most"... i can't stress that enough.
you could also look at a 80mm refractor, there are different price points on the market for these and hopefully someone else here can suggest a good one closer to your budget... alternatively if you've waited a year already you prob won't mind waiting another 3 months for a good scope to come onto the 2nd hand market and you will have saved some more $$$.
stay away from marketing. eg. 675X Magnification - printed on the box. this is utter BS. i think the best i got with my 8" dob was 400x and that was a once off and ontop of that the image only lasts in the field of view for about 3 secs. most of your imaging is one at generally no more than 120x depending on scope.
do extensive research yourself and on the net. ice in space has a great resource for newbee's such as your self in thier Projects & Articles and Equiptment Reviews section of this site. spend the couple of hours reading this to get a better insight to what goes on.
hope this helps.
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