Welcome Oldboy, just what we need another Launcestonian... $500 is a slim budget. I suggest you withdraw in to a bout of (simulated) depression until the Minister for Household finances ups the budget to a figure that will allow a 10 inch Dob (preferably the deluxe model). If not an 8 inch would be fine but there's no substitute for aperture. As for dealers the best prices are from Andrews and Bintel. My preference is with Bintel, as they check and collimate the scope before despatch and have fully insured freight. Andrews on the other hand have many satisfied customers, however as this thread shows, they tend to be hard to deal with if you have a problem.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ead.php?t=3893
If you can wait, come along to our next monthly get together and check out an 8 & 10 inch dob or be tempted to cross over to the dark side (and risk divorce) by going for a go-to type scope. What ever you do don't buy without discussing your choices with others as there are some decisions that can be made at purchase that will save money later (e.g. selection and type of EP's)....
