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A topic that I truly am an authority on.
Hi Shep,
Can't even guess what your real name is, your profile is kinda devoid of info. I was a bit sheepish in the beginning too (I'm not suggesting that is why you've called yourself Shep). This is actually the first time that I'm mentioning my profession on IIS. I am a chiropractor.
Over the last year I've collected one cheap version of every type of scope. Having done so, here are my findings. Firstly, I will admit that it doesn't take someone with my professional knowledge to reach my conclusions and I hope that others post their opinions too!
Firstly; avoid astrophotography with a dSLR through a refractor pointed at zenith. I shan't go into too much detail since you haven't even bought a scope yet, but unless your name is Shep Houdini, you're stuffed.
Ideally you want a setup with the eyepiece at face level when standing and the capacity to easily rotate the focuser. I don't want to leave you behind with jargon, nor do I want to fill the website up with lengthly posts. Feel free to email me if it gets too much.
I advise against reflectors on a tripod. Reflectors on a dobsonian base are good (and Dobs are good for beginners) if the eyepiece is at face level. I have a 200X1200mm Dob and it's commonly a bit of a stoop. I imaging a taller Dob would be spot on unless you are a dwarf. I have not used a larger Dob, finances prevent it.
Long tubes on a tripod are also a no-no since the length of the tube caused too much variation in eyepiece (EP from now on) height between horizon and zenith.
Short tubes on a tripod are excellent. This gives you two options. A short refractor or a cassegrain/compound telescope.
Therefore you can have any scope you want, you just have to be selective about the mount. Short refractors and compounds on a tripod with either a EQ or Alt/Az mount or reflectors on a Dob.
The above options will make astronomy available to the stiffest neck but an adjustable viewing chair will assist greatly too. At this point I have to depart slightly from speaking from experience because I've never owned one, but I'm sure they are very useful.
Lastly, another recommended starting point is a pair of binoculars on a nice tripod. I reckon they are a great place to start; not everyone agrees with me. The only part of the sky out of range with this set up is (and this'll sound boring) the zenith.
I expect a barrage of questions from this. But my main point is to not let your neck prevent you from studying our beautiful skies.
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