Ready for my second scope!

[Ccolvin968]

I've had my current telescope (Celestron 127EQ) for just shy of two years now.

I'm looking for a next good step up. I know the sky pretty well. I've been learning the night sky long before I bought a scope.

I'd like a larger aperature, something for DSO's and some good planetary viewing.

Anything will work, preferably in the $300-$500 range.

Thanks for any advice ahead of time!

[nightfisher]

Look around for a 250mm dobsonian maybe a used one would be good buy

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

+1 for a nice big dob. That would be the best bang for buck visually

[nicoscy]

Your budget points you in only one direction, and it is the direction already indicated in this thread.

On a budget like that, bthe best candidate for your requirements is the biggest dob you can get for $300 - $500. 

Consider though that you may have to budget for a Telrad or Right Angle Correct Image finderscope, or some eyepieces / filters to utilise the scope fully.

[Ccolvin968]

Good stuff everybody. I figured I'd be going that route and am completely okay with it. Thanks for your input.