Clive,
Thanks for the response!
The thing is, ultimately, I want to get in to imaging. I've considered the dob option as you recommended, and whilst it would be great for visual work on the side, and at a very reasonable price, I feel like the $700ish (plus the cost of the argo) I'd spend on the dob could go towards other gear if that makes sense? I may still even buy a dob at some stage but for now im thinking about transportability and spending my money on a set up that doesn't limit me too much, and allows me to do some good visual stuff, but do great for astrophotography.
I've also considered starting with another refractor like the Orion ED80 CF which would also be a great scope, but again the money I'd spend on that could go towards a ccd camera in the future, and regardless of starting photography with a simple refractor or a reflector, the extra things like collimation I'll need to learn eventually anyway.
I agree it would be best to go to a star party or something to see some scopes in action, but I can't seem to find any events or clubs in the NSW Hunter Valley area. You wouldn't happen to know of any would you?
Thanks again!
