Hi Robert,
choices are small here in Auckland and Andrews doesnīt ship larger scopes or mounts to NZ. They told me they only send smaller scopes via airmail. But I think Bintel does the heavy stuff as well, at least thatīs what Roger told me before I left Melbourne.
A computer controlled mount like the HEQ5 or EQ6pro will cost you alone more than one grand. But it is worth it if youīre planning to keep going in photography (DSO and stuff).
The computer controlling is a nice to have but I think most people really only use the autoguider port and use the handcontroller for the rest. So perhaps you wouldnīt need it at all. In this case you might want to look at the EQ5 from Sky Watcher for 599AUD at Bintel.
An 8" Newton is certainly a good telescope. Donīt go below that if you want to do planetary work. Bintel has one for 429AUD.
RE - computer controlling of the mount: for the HEQ5 or EQ6 you need an adaptor like the shoestring EQDIR and if your PC doesnīt have a serial port, you will also need a serial to USB adaptor. PC and mount talk via the ASCOM platform, that can be downloaded from the internet. All you need then is a software (starry nights i.e.) that synchronises with the mount and allows you to control it. But since your keyboard is, especially with a Newton, never in reach of your eypiece most people buy a gamepad (even with bluetooth) to control the mount. The handcontroller does the same...
PS: planetary and lunar imaging is in most cases done with a webcam, but donīt expect to have an eye in the sky with a webcam allowing you to roam the heavens from indoors.
Cheers
