Hi Nathan,
to IIS.
Regarding the Bosma refractor, are you aware that the price doesn't include the mount? The mount is an optional extra.
Personally I wouldn't buy an equatorial mount that wasn't a goto.
I had one and it was a pain in the proverbial to use.
I made a dob mount for my scope and it is the best thing I ever did. A dream to use compared to what I used to go through during an observing session.
The 8" dob. is an excellent choice to start with and within your budget.
I would go with that, if it were me.
