For a long time now I have wanted to purchase a telescope but my experience with them is limited to a quick like in Australian Geographic stores. After seeing more and more photos posted on various forums I think now is the time to get involved.
I am not interested in astro photography and ideally would like to cut my teeth on finding and observing planets. I'm gathering this can be quite and involved hobby so I guess it's best to start small
Now for the fly in the ointment- ideally I would like to keep my spending below $500 to keep the minister for war and finance onside with this endevour. I understand that this will severely limit what I can do with the scope but I am hoping it will be enough to get me out in the paddock and give a halfway decent viewing experience.
I have had a look at a few online stores and see refractors, reflectors, Dobsonians and to be honest a lot of it flies over my head. I am hoping that the experience here can guide me to a good buy to introduce me to the hobby and yield results that will keep me coming back.
I hope the information I have provided is detailed enough and I look forward to hearing any advice you can offer.
Thanks in advance.