I spent weeks watching YouTube videos, reading reviews about purchasing a first telescope. Then I found an astronomy club nearby and got some advice. Every thing I read and watched on youtube pointed to a dobsonian, the members at the local club agreed with my findings so I bought the largest dobs my pocket could afford , an 8" Dobsonian. Next purchase which was reccomended by the club was a telrad view finder. I haven't been able to use the telrad as of yet due to cloudy weather. Since they have a telrad on some of their telescope will definitely be a good choice.
Also a complete novice.