[StarVoyager]

Hi Ash,

Consider joining the Astronomical Society of Victoria (http://asv.org.au/). They do regular viewing nights where you can check out members’ equipment in person. They also have a telescope loan program for members where you can hire an 8 inch SkyWatcher dobsnian.

If you go ahead with your purchase, ensure you budget a little extra for equipment to go with your telescope.

1.Eyepieces. The ones that come with scopes are often be mediocre. You want an eyepiece that has a large lens to give you a comfortable viewing experience as well as a versatile magnification, i.e. can be used for medium power viewing and coupled with a Barlow lens, high powered viewing.

2. If you are buying a reflector telescope you may need to purchase a collimation device (if not included with the telescope) – to align your telescope’s optics (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAVGcGEBmCE).

3. A basic star chart or some means to help you point your telescope to objects in the sky (http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Planispheres/Astrovisuals-Planisphere/506/productview.aspx). Or you can get star charts for free here (http://www.skymaps.com/).

All the best with the decision!