All good advice here, I have to agree.
But just to address a couple of points in your post...
If you are interested in looking at the stars, planets and DSOs rather than astrophotography, then the largest Dob you can afford with an Argo Navis is the way to go. Don't be fooled by the manual... the Argo is very simple and easy to use. But before you jump in, my advice is:
- Get a planisphere so you can work out the bright stars in the sky. Should cost you less than $50. This will come in handy when you align your scope with the Argo
.
- Get along to an astro club or star parties and look through other people's scopes to see what shakes your tree
(Don't just take our word for it
)
- Think seriously about a set of 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars, because they'll give you wide field views you can't get in a scope and don't cost a heap... and you'll always use them.
Al.