Hi Phil (and Mrs Phil).
Welcome to Ice In Space
Good questions you have asked, and all good advice given.
Hope you have fun with your new hobby.
You should also try to find some observing nights closeby.
These are usually scheduled for a time and place to get the most out of your observing time.
They are also places of friendly folk who love to share their experience, and you can get to see some various scopes and eyepieces in action.
These are listed periodically in the "Star Parties, Clubs and community events" forum.
And as said before, keep asking questions.
enjoy!
