Dear members, thank you for your help in advance.
I have been an arm chair astronomer for 30 yrs. I have a basic knowledge of the sky, and have used binoculars on and off. I have moved to the northern suburbs of Darwin, and am now in a position (very excited!) that time, family commitments and money will allow the purchase of a telescope.
Money is not really the limiting factor for this scope (in that $8000 should be ample for a first scope!). I have read a lot of the relevant threads on this site and others. An idea of the first scope is crystallizing but I am still confused.
My needs(wants!)
1. Good all rounder, planets, moon, deep space object.
2. Longevity, ie room to grow into over many years
3. Some potential for basic astrophotography in the future
4. Manageable for 1 person, although most likely will be fixed in back yard mostly
5. Gps and goto
Initial thoughts were 12" lx 200, but after reading everything i can, it sounds a little ambitious, crazy even?
So basically, I really like and want the idea of a Meade lx/ls range...8,10,12", but my head is telling me...get an 8" dobs!
Any help, the specific the better (as I've read most of the general guides), I do intend to go to a Darwin astro club observation night for some hands on help and advice as soon as time allows.
