Potential newbie, check my logic please

[Carbon Brush]

Hi and welcome to SGL. I have had a quick scan through the thread and see you are considering buying used. A good choice.
However, I would avoid ebay like the plague. There is a lot of rubbish on sale and if you don't know what you are looking for, you can buy landfill.

If you buy from SGL classified, you can easily see the sellers posting history, content and the like.
Also, I know from experience that items sold on SGL tend to be honestly described. Just read about scratches and dents being mentioned!
Having said that. Usually kit sold by seasoned astronomy enthusiasts tends to be well looked after.
By that I mean the shiny metal may have tarnished with age. But lenses and mirrors haven't been cleaned using bleach. If you get my drift.
Scopes sold on ebay may well have been bought on a whim, stored incorrectly for a couple of years then cosmetically polished for sale.
Yes there are honest good scopes there. But only for the wary.

Enjoy the journey, David.

[LondonNeil]

Cheers!  I admit eBay seems tempting as there must be many lockdown whim purchases, used once and now gathering dust I am now more inclined to use the classifieds here though. Thank you

[LondonNeil]

What about. Cassegrain scopes?  Optically better but more complex and expensive so I'd ruled them out but if a used deal can be had is the smaller form much advantage?  How heavy are they?

[Cosmic Geoff]

13 minutes ago, LondonNeil said:

How heavy are they?

Check the manufacturer's spec sheets. A 8" Celestron SCT is not heavy at all.

[Elp]

Be aware the mount is just as important as the telescope, maybe more so.

[Stu]

17 minutes ago, LondonNeil said:

Optically better

… than what?

[Spile]

I’d visit a local club and see what other visual observers are using. Get an idea of size and weight as well. As you can tell from my blog I am another 8” Dobsonian fan.

[RT65CB-SWL]

Hi @LondonNeil

Good advice given by fellow SGL'ers.

If you are going to be buying a new telescope, I personally would avoid places like ebay, amazon, aliexpess, etc. Who are better rewarded by buying from a reputable 'bricks and mortar' dealer such as First Light Optics, [sponsors of SGL], Rother Valley Optics. etc. If you don't mind buying second-hand, then the For Sale forum/section here or UKAB&S are the places to visit... avoid ebay and/or facebook market place, nextdoor, etc.  

If you can visit a local astronomy society or club, find out if they have an open-day or star party and attend them. It will give you some idea of size of 'scopes and equipment used, etc., when you see them rather relying on magazine ads and i'net.