Donal wrote:



I've got a cheap Tasco (optimum mag 105x). I'd like to get something
better, but I know sod all about telescopes.


Tasco are not generally very good instruments. Anything sold in a
department store is just a toy. I'd say you really get what you pay for.
Quality lenses and mirrors are expensive and as size goes up the price
goes up faster. A rough guide, don't look at less than 3" aperture
costing about $1000 (the smallest worthwhile aperture). A 5" Mak or 8"
SCT might also be found for that sort of figure. Some Dobs are good
value and you can get about a 8-10" mirror for that. Check out Meade and
Celestron as starters. Then you'll have to add eyepeices (good ones are
more than $150)etc. I'd recommend you go to a star party, astronomers
are really nice and helpful and will help you get started. Quality
second hand kit can be good but good optics tend to hold their price...

Cheers