Hi guys,
I actually said I'd make this a couple of days ago but got caught up with exams, so here it is now.
I've had a look around and right now I've pretty much settled on two scopes I think are good for starters and might last me a while.
I was initially looking at the Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ reflector, but realised for another $50 or so I could get another inch of aperture.
So right now I'm just about deciding between the AstroMaster 130EQ:
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron...telescope.html
and the SkyWatcher 6" Dobsonian SW580:
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/skywatche...telescope.html
Are there any major points I should be aware of? I'm mostly driven towards the Dob at the moment because of the F/8 factor as opposed to the F/5 of the AstroMaster. I think I also saw once that the AstroMaster can be a tad uncomfortable? Also, this may sound silly, but getting a 6" Dob means you're pretty much lying on the ground if you haven't got a table or anything, right? Oh, and just another thing, I wear glasses but can see things at a short range pretty well, so I probably won't need them, but in the case that I do, does anyone have an idea of what kind of eye relief these scopes offer?
Also, is it worth sacrificing the aperture and focal ratio for the equatorial mount in the case of the AstroMaster? I've read it can be really informative about the Earth's celestial movements.
My other questions are about actually
buying the scope. Is buying from online stores reliable, and has anyone ever used this one? I live in Melbourne, so there are a couple of stores nearby which sell scopes, one of which I think solely sells Tasco, so that just about rules that one out; I'll have a look at them, but in the case that they may be more taxing on the wallet, can I rely on an online store? What variables may I want to sort out with them, if any? I had a look at the National Geographic store at a mall nearby, and they were selling the AstroMaster 130EQ for $500, which is way out of my range ($350), so I'm not too hopeful about other stores. Also, does anyone in Melbourne recommend a store with good prices (preferably nearby)?
Lastly, I live in Melbourne, about a half hour's drive east of the city -- and I'm not expecting my Ps for a couple of years so I can't go driving around the countryside or anything -- what can I expect to see?
Thanks for reading, hope I haven't asked too many questions.
Dilan