Robert, before you spend a lot of money on a scope. Get very familiar with the sky. From
books, study the maps, go outside and learn the
constellations first. Get to know the brightest
stars -- get very familair with the sky from month
to month. Know where the planets are.
Photos in the astronomy magazine and books are
very misleading. These are photos done by very
long time exposures and electronic ccd equipment.
The best, most expensive telesope will not show
views of the Oriion nebula as you see in photos.
At best, most messier objects, are mere faint
smudges in modest scopes. But the thrill of finding something you cannot see with the un-aided
eye is the joy of amateur astonomy. So get to know
the sky first -- then explore it with binoculars or a telescope.
Don Kocsis, 1920 Merl Ave. Cleve. OH. 44109.